Mission: To introduce the sport of Triathlon to the Black community to positively impact its health and fitness and to diversify the sport.
Your donations help aspiring and current triathletes achieve their optimal state of health and get training, accountability partnerships, and other support they need.
What is a Triathlon?
A Triathlon is a multiple-stage completion of three continuous and sequential endurance disciplines. While many variations of the sport exist, Triathlon, in its most popular form, involves swimming, cycling and running in immediate succession over various distances. Triathletes compete for fastest overall course completion time, including timed "transitions" between the individual swim, cycle, and run components.
According to USA Triathlon, the main race distances are:
SWIM
Triathlon Distances
RACE:
Sprint*
Olympic
Half-Ironman**
Ironman***
DISTANCE:
< .93 miles
0.93 miles
1.2 miles
2.4 miles
Source: USA Triathlon
CYCLE
Triathlon Distances
RACE:
Sprint*
Olympic
Half-Ironman**
Ironman***
DISTANCE:
< 25 miles
25 miles
56 miles
112 miles
Source: USA Triathlon
RUN
Triathlon Distances
RACE:
Sprint*
Olympic
Half-Ironman**
Ironman***
DISTANCE:
< 6.2 miles
6.2 miles
13.1 miles
26.2 miles
Source: USA Triathlon
*Sprint distances vary by race
** Half Ironman also referred to as Long or Half Distance or 70.3
***Ironman also referred to as Ultra or Full Distance
Why Do We Tri?
Some of us do Triathlons because we like the thrill of competition forcing us to push our personal limits. Others like the fellowship amongst club members. Others of us train and compete in Tri events because it keeps us motivated to maintain a fitness regimen. Each member of our club became a Tri enthusiast after her first event. She reached the finish line; and, the world, as she knew it, changed. The rush of adrenaline, the feeling of exhilaration… unlike anything she’s experienced before. She wants more.
To join coach-led swim, bike, & run training for the 2023-2024 season, purchase coaching services here.
You must be a member and logged into your account to visit our members-only shop and purchase coaching services. If you're an existing member, login now and visit the shop.
Need to join ATS for the first time? Visit the membership page to learn more about joining.
Why are there so few Black Triathletes?
According to USA Triathlon, Black people currently represent 0.5% of the Triathlete community. There are several reasons: high cost of participation, lack of access to swimming pools, lakes, and beaches, fear of water, and lack of role models and supportive culture. In addition, Black women are less likely to participate in the sport due to concerns about hair care and styling.
High cost of participation
Lack of access to swimming pools, lakes and beaches
Lack of role models and cultural support
Want to know more about the ATS origin story, how the board members met, and how they are making a difference in the Atlanta triathlete community?
Listen to ATS board members (Julie, Debra, and Melanie) being interviewed by fellow triathletes, Haley and Alyssa of Ironwomen. Check out this interview if you want to hear some ATS event announcements and get an unexpected dose of motivation to begin or sustain your journey as a triathlete.
Skip ahead to 27:07 in the podcast to hear the start of the ATS board's introduction and interview.
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All donations go directly to making a difference for the ATS cause.