Tri It, sprint or standard:
which distance should you explore?

Tri It is a short introductory option whose distances vary by event. Sprint and standard races are longer. The name alone does not tell you everything: compare the actual swim, bike and run on the race’s official course page.

Start with the course, not the label

Both featured 2027 Tri It events list a 300 m swim and a 2.5 km run. Vancouver lists a 9.4 km bike ride; Lake Chaparral lists 9 km. These are open-water swims, so shorter does not mean that swimming preparation is optional.

How does a sprint compare?

The featured races list a 750 m sprint swim and a 5 km run. Their advertised bike distances differ: 18.8 km in Vancouver and 19 km at Lake Chaparral. Review the current maps and instructions before entering.

And standard distance?

Both list a 1.5 km swim and 10 km run, with a 37.6 km bike at Vancouver and 38 km at Lake Chaparral. Course-specific distances can differ from generic distance charts.

Four questions to help you choose

• Can you prepare for the swim setting and distance?
• Are you comfortable handling your bike on the advertised route?
• Do the event cutoffs, date and travel arrangements work for you?
• Would sharing a relay be a better way to experience the event?

Does Tri It mean the same thing everywhere?

No. Treat Tri It, try-a-tri and introductory race labels as a prompt to read the course details. Do not assume another event uses the same distances.

Explore the Vancouver beginner option or explore Lake Chaparral in Calgary.