What is Mixed Relay in Triathlon competition? Olympic format and new racing opportunities! | SWIM

Swim.by, SWIM Channel, Andrzej Waszkewicz

What is Mixed Relay in Triathlon competition? Olympic format and new racing opportunities!

The Mixed Relay format, also known as 4 x Mixed Relay, consists of teams of four, comprised of two men and two women. Races last between an hour and ninety minutes depending on the course layout and are very explosive and exciting to watch.

Competition Format

Each athlete completes a mini triathlon before tagging their team mate. The mini triathlon format can vary but is normally set at course distance of around 300 m swim, 7.5 km bike, 1.5 km run.

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Photo: © British Triathlon

History of the Mixed Relay competition

The Mixed Relay format was introduced by the ITU in 2009 after merging the previously individual men’s and women’s mixed relay titles. The event was initiated with the aim of increasing the profile of the sport to get more triathletes, as well as introducing the team discipline to the Olympic Programme.

The Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 was the first time the event featured as a major multi-sport games, where English quartet Vicky Holland, Jonathan Brownlee, Jodie Stimpson and Alistair Brownlee taking the gold medal.

The ITU with IOC Commission inclusived of the Mixed Relay in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic programme.

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Photo: © Getty Images

Mixed Relay Opportunities

Mixed Relay racing opportunities are have previously been quite rare across the mass participation market, however more event organisers are beginning to host this exciting and fast moving format for all levels of triathlete.

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