Triathlon or Biathlon

Question

Which is the right word to use if we are doing a sporting event which involves 3 parts:

1. Biking

2. Running

3. Biking

BUT, only 2 disciplines in total: Biking & Running?

So are doing a Biathlon or Triathlon?

What does the prefix stand for, is it the number of parts or the number of different disciplines involved?

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

I do all this multisport stuff, so you are asking the right guy!

Which is the right word to use if we are doing a sporting event which involves 3 parts:

1. Biking

2. Running

3. Biking

BUT, only 2 disciplines in total: Biking & Running?

So are doing a Biathlon or Triathlon?

It's based on the number of disciplines. So, a biathlon.

BUT in my experience, the term 'biathlon' is no longer used, because it was already in use for the event of sking and shooting, and participants in that sport objected to having their name 'stolen'. So, the common name now is a duathlon. (du = two).

What does the prefix stand for, is it the number of parts or the number of different disciplines involved? The number of disciplines.

Again in my experience, most duathlons where I live involve running/biking/running. Biking is never first, because people like a mass start, and a mass start on bikes would be dangerous.

Clive

Triathlon or Biathlon

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