Cookie Settings. So you’re thinking about doing a triathlon – great! Run. It also helps build your confidence in triathlon before entering a longer event. Ideally, you will have completed at least one Olympic race and be able to complete each of the three elements comfortably in training. That championship was held August 6, 1989 in Avignon, France and the winners were Erin Baker of New Zealand and Mark Allen of the United States. More: How to Train for a Sprint Triathlon. Look for this banner for recommended activities. Here is the short answer to this question: it takes about 24 weeks for an average person (who has never done an Ironman) to train for an Ironman triathlon assuming that on day one of that training they could finish a 70.3 distance triathlon in under 8 hours on the first day of that training. beginner’s guide to training for your first triathlon, Triathlon Wetsuit Care – How To Look After Your Wetsuit, Best Triathlon Heart Rate Monitor in 2021 – The Best Compared, Triathlon Wetsuit Rules You Need To Know Before Your Race, Best Triathlon Wetsuit – 9 of the Best in 2021. It’s also popular with more experienced triathletes, who like to race for a shorter time at a higher intensity. You also need to make sure you incorporate brick sessions into your training. The suggested time to prepare for a 70.3 is about 16 weeks of training for at least 8 hours a week. If you’re looking to get fitter, entering a super sprint event gives you a great goal to aim for. Most events of this distance will feature an open water swim so you will need to practice this. From marketing exposure to actionable data Before signing up you’ll want to know exactly how far you need to swim, bike, and run to get to the finish line. The bike portion can range from 12 to 16 miles, while the run can range from a flat 3 miles to 3 1/2 or farther. The race can take somewhere between 2 and 4 hours. ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. An ambitious first-timer could aim for this distance if they can train for around 5 hours per week for at least 12 weeks. A typical sprint triathlon consists of 3 legs such as the following: 400m Swim (.25 miles) More: How to Train for the 10K in an Olympic-Distance Tri. Thankfully, good race directors and benevolent volunteers continue to host events, some of which are world-class, at a growing number of locations. Unlike many sports that have a single set limits there are a number of standard race limits for the triathlon. In the late 1980s, a 1.5 kilometer swim, 40 kilometer bike ride and a 10 kilometer run (0.9 miles swimming, 24.8 miles of cycling and 6.2 miles of running) was often called "International-Distance Triathlon" because that distance was accepted as the international standard and used at the first Triathlon World Championship. *Those paying close attention would notice that 4000 meters is not 3 times 1500 meters. Cookie Policy This distance makes completing the event quite manageable for fit and soon-to-be fit athletes. Training for an Ironman requires at least 13 hours of training per week, so make sure you can fit it around your other commitments. Some people have entered an Ironman as their first ever race. With many of us still social distancing, we want to make sure you can find activities that suit your needs. Triathlete second impulse, bistable, keep, or survival. A typical sprint distance event consists of 400 to 500 yards (or meters) of swimming, 12 to 15 miles of cycling and typically a 3.1-mile run. or 'Triathlon' just means putting all three sports together. The answer, based on our analysis of more than 75 triathlons: about 3 hours, on average. 42 km (26.2 miles) 3.5-6 hours. Full/long/Ironman distance: 3.8km (swim), 180km (bike), 42km (run) - Ironman is a long-distance triathlon organised by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). Following the triathlon format of swim-bike-run, long-distance events are usually held over double or triple the length of the standard races. Footwear | Fitness Apparel | Outdoor Gear. Already entered your first race? However, as a reference, the race usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes to complete. You can always build up to an Olympic event in the future. It can be helpful having a massive goal like an Ironman to aim for, but spending a year or two developing your endurance before entering will put you in a much better place to finish. Sprint Triathlon . Depending on elevation and conditions, a sprint distance triathlon can take about 1 hour or less for pros; meanwhile, Ironman distance triathlons usually finish between 8 and 10 hours for elite-caliber triathletes. Due to the increased distance, you will need to think more about your pacing and nutrition strategy. 3.9 km (2.4 miles) 1-2 hours. In each official distance though, the swim is the shortest, the bike is the longest, and the run is at a distance between those two. First of all, most sprint triathlons are of a similar length, but the distances can vary. Approximate time for age group athletes: 90 minutes. A simple training plan can be found here. This is an ideal distance for someone who wants to try triathlon for the first time. or However, for most people, a shorter distance would be a better choice for your first race. Sprint Triathlon If you’re just looking to experience a triathlon or wanting to start somewhere for a long committed career in participating in triathlons, the Sprint Triathlon is always the best format to start with. Also known as a 70.3 (the total distance in miles), this distance is a serious challenge and a big step up from the Olympic distance. Swim 1.5k in 40 minutes, Bike 40k in an hour and 20 minutes, and Run 10k in one hour. 180 km (112 miles) 5-9 hours. Triathlons have come a long way since 1974, when 46 people competed in the first swim/bike/run race, held in San Diego, CA. and/or its affiliates and licensors. The history of triathlon can be traced back to the early part of the 20th century, but modern triathlon began in the 1970′s. A great next step! All rights reserved. Additionally, it might just spark the fire to train for a triathlon as an individual competitor. The long course triathlon is also known by the names “half triathlon,” “70.3” from the distance in miles, “middle distance”, or “half Ironman.” Swimming is one of the three stages of a long course triathlon. You should make sure you are fully prepared for the demands of this event. If it’s your first triathlon, you shouldn’t worry too much about your finishing time. In general, though, mini … But exactly how long is a triathlon? Today, an Olympic-distance triathlon remains a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run. Please see your Privacy Rights for how your information is used. There are usually lots of first-timers competing in sprint distance events. Sitemap Most swims will be in a pool, but some feature a sea or lake swim. How far is a triathlon exactly? Swim: 500 meters (0.3 mile) Bike: 10K (6.2 miles) … This is double the distance of a half Ironman and the decision to enter this race should not be taken lightly. Consequently, you may need to buy a wetsuit and get comfortable with swimming in open water. How long is an Ironman triathlon? The Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run. Pro triathletes can complete the race in about 4 hours, but most people usually race for between 6 and 8 hours. Depending on your fitness level, course conditions, and the weather on race day, you can expect to complete these three legs in about 10 to 17 hours. Super Sprint Triathlon Distance. So, how long is a triathlon anyway? Alex Grimm/ Getty Images. The swim in some sprint-distance triathlons may be as short as 500 meters. Despite the name, you do not have to sprint the whole race. Name Swim Bike Run; Sprint: 0.5mi (750m) 12.4mi (20km) 3.1mi (5km) Olympic / 5150: 0.93mi (1.5km) 24.8mi (40km) 6.2mi (10km) ITU Long: 1.86mi (3km) 49.6mi (80km) [ January 15, 2020 ] Best Triathlon Watch > GOOD-BETTER-BEST 2020 Top Tips [ January 14, 2020 ] 5 Keys To Finishing Your First Marathon Top Tips [ January 14, 2020 ] … Approximate time for age group athletes: 2.5-3 hours 8 to 12 weeks of training should be enough to get you to the start line in great form. Long Course Triathlon is one tiny part of the sport, and whilst attractive to some individuals, not representative of the entire sport! How long is an Olympic triathlon? Here's a breakdown of the four most common triathlon distances available: Sprint Triathlon—750 meter (0.465 mile) swim / 20 kilometer (12.5 mi) bike / 5 km (3.1 mi) run. Triathlon distances vary from shorter sprint distances of 16 miles to a full distance Ironman of 140.6 miles. Careers Athletes who have never done a triathlon or are brand new to triathlon training, will require 12 months. Many events offer this as the shortest distance. At this stage, it is all about having a fun experience. An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.20 km) run, raced in that order.It is widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world. The title for the "International-Distance Triathlon" was changed to Olympic-distance. The length of a triathlon may vary, but there are four basic lengths: The most common triathlon distance follows international Olympic guidelines: A swim of 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers), a bicycle route of 24.8 miles (40 kilometers) and a run of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). If you’re looking to progress, you can either try and go faster for the same distance or enter a longer race. There are four common distances for triathlon competitions, and many variations on those distances. © 2021 Active Network, LLC and/or its affiliates and licensors. There are lots of virtual options to keep you active and engaged — just select “Virtual Activities” as your location, and you’re ready to go. Standard or Olympic Triathlon—1.5 kilometer (0.93 mile) swim / 40km (25 mi) bike / 10 km (6.2 mi) run There are lots of triathlon distances to choose from, which can be confusing when they’re referred to by name and not by distance. Check out our beginner’s guide to training for your first triathlon. On the low end, super sprints consist of a quarter-mile swim, a 6.2-mile bicycle ride and a 1.5-mile run. The race can take somewhere between 2 and 4 hours. Triathlon venues usually last from 2 to 3 hours after the cut-off time of the race itself ( or the run cut-off) . Are you sure you want to delete this family member? In 1994 the International Triathlon Union (ITU), lead by president Les McDonald, convinced the International Olympic Committee to make triathlon an Olympic sport for the Sydney Games of 2000. Furthermore, you will need to have adequate gear to keep you comfortable for the entire race. Great for beginners! Depending on your fitness level, you would want between 6 and 12 weeks to prepare for this distance. For example, if you are racing a 70.3 Ironman at 6:00 AM , then add 3 hours to the cut-off time of 8:30 hours , then the venue should stay open until around 5:30 PM. As the name suggests, this is the distance that is raced in the Olympics, so you can get a taste of what many pro triathletes train for. Which distance should I sign up for? Managing aspects of your lifestyle like recovery and nutrition will be important. If you want to tick this event off your bucket list, make sure you give yourself plenty time to prepare. Athletes must possess high levels of stamina and endurance, with races for the Elites lasting up to seven hours. The swim is usually done in a pool so there’s no need for a wetsuit. insights, ACTIVE Works® is the race management Need some new kit to help you on your triathlon journey? software for managing & marketing your events. One thing that may cause a variation from the standard distance is the race venue. Hopefully, this guide will help you make the decision to enter the race that is right for you. An extreme challenge for the supremely fit, the Ironman Triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile (3.9-kilometer) swim, a 112-mile (180-kilometer) bike ride and a 26.2-mile (42.1-kilometer) run. Full: 3.86 km 180 km 42.2 km Also known as "long distance" or "Ironman Triathlon". Getting the gear ready and planning a system in advance can influence the transition time, making it 30 seconds long, 1 minute or even more than 3 minutes. The training requirements are much greater here but are still achievable for someone with a busy schedule. It takes 6 months to 1 year, depending on your current fitness. You can expect to be racing for somewhere between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, so it’s more of a marathon than a sprint (but much easier than a marathon). For many people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. If you want to know what pace you need to sustain to complete an Ironman, check out our guide to the  cut off times here. Practicing taking in food while exercising will be a key part of your training plan. There are many shorter tri's, from sprint distances to olympic distances and half-irons. If you have a good base level of fitness, this is the perfect race to start your triathlon journey. Privacy Settings Duathlon and Aquathlon Distances The common event distances for duathlon and aquathlon events are listed below: Often, race directors are challenged to find a safe venue for a swim, bike and run event. With over 10 years and over 2 million implantations worldwide, Triathlon has a long clinical history. All rights reserved. Shop: Sign In, Join Active Join Active Some people have entered an Ironman as their first ever race. Bike. Transitions included in the total. A half Ironman distance, known as an Ironman 70.3, is 70.3 (26.25km) total miles. The shorter events are great for someone wanting to try a triathlon for the first time, while the longer distances allow people to keep challenging themselves as they become fitter and more experienced. Terms of Use At this stage, it is all about having a fun experience. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators. 1-3 In a recent 10 year follow up study Triathlon showed 99% survivorship. If you’ve decided to try this exciting, addicting and challenging sport, you’re in good company—today, more than 2 million people participate in triathlons each year. Running Shoes|Fitness Apparel|Sports, Daily Deals: I would recommend this to anyone who wants to starts their triathlon journey as I started from here, too. So the distance for the Long course is 4000 meters swim* (2.4 miles), 120 km bike (about 75 miles), and 30 km run (18.6 miles), for 95.6 miles total. Just completing the event within the time limit requires consistent training for at least 6 months, or far longer if you’re starting from scratch. The variety of distances in triathlon means that there’s a race for everyone. Some of the best ways to get involved in the sport can be to: a) Join a triathlon club. A simple training plan can be found here. More: How to Train for a Triathlon (From Scratch). Today, an Olympic-distance triathlon remains a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run. The fourth and often forgotten step of a sprint triathlon is transition: the time it takes to switch disciplines and change into and adequate sports gear. There are an abundance of plans out there for 12 or 16 weeks. If you are looking for a big challenge or have experience in endurance sport, you could choose this for your first triathlon. More: How to Train for the 10K in an Olympic-Distance Tri 1 Ironman distances involve a 2.4-mile (3.9km) swim, 112-mile (180.2km) bike, and 26.2-mile (42.2km) run. Privacy Policy However, as a reference, the race usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes to complete. A full breakdown of the necessary kit can be found here. Athletes who can on day 1 complete a 70.3 Ironman, can train within 6 months. When most people think of a triathlon, they think of Ironman... which is a type of triathlon, but not the ONLY type. Distance variations for a sprint triathlon exist because of course constraints or race promoters' preferences. The length of each part of a triathlon depends on what type of triathlon an athlete is competing in. There are a few easy ways to figure this out. How long does it take to finish an International Distance Triathlon? To keep the logistics and safety concerns of staging such an event to a dull roar, on occasion, race directors wisely select a race course that is slightly different than the common distances mentioned in this column. In the linguistic world of triathlon, “Long” lies between “Half” and “Full”. Full sprints typically feature a half-mile swim, 12.4-mile bike and 3.1-mile run. For many single-sport athletes, team competition provides a new camaraderie to their solo training. Trithletes take off at the start of the 2009 Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Introducing Long Distance Triathlon. Another calculation uses personal best for Olympic distance triathlon and marathon with other numbers to give a formula: 186.3 + 1.595 × (personal best for Olympic-distance triathlon) + 1.318 × (personal best for marathon) These are, of course, just going to give you a ballpark estimate. If you are considering doing your first triathlon, you may be curious how long it takes to complete a sprint triathlon. Triathlon Australia is for people of all ages and abilities, providing lifelong participation in the sport of triathlon. Depending on your fitness level, you would want between 6 and 12 weeks to prepare for this distance. Do Not Sell My Personal Information Completing any of these events is a massive achievement. Triathlon became an Olympic event at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. However, you will be far more confident if you have tackled some of the shorter distances first. Adding family members helps ACTIVE find events specific to your family's interests. Races have a cut off time of 17 hours with most participants completing the event in 12 to 15 hours. It is comprised of a 1.2 mile (1.9km) swim, a 56 mile (90km) bike ride, and a 13.1 mile half-marathon (21.09km). At many races, event directors provide not only individual competitor categories, but team categories as well. You don’t need to invest in much equipment to complete a super sprint triathlon. If it’s your first triathlon, you shouldn’t worry too much about your finishing time. Support & Feedback You don’t want to sign up for an Ironman unless you know what you’re getting yourself in to! River oxbow section in performance, there and rogue valley velopark – canadian governing. Even if you’re starting from a very low fitness level, anyone can complete a super sprint with the right motivation and time to prepare. Check out our guide to all the common triathlon race distances. It’s short enough that the training requirements are manageable but still provides a tough challenge. We have a range of buyer guides to help you choose the best gear for you. Swim: 750 meters Bike: 20 kilometers Run: 5 kilometers Olympic Triathlon . We’ve broken down the different races here to help you decide what race is the right one for you. This involves doing a run immediately after a bike ride, to get used to the feeling of running with jelly legs. Sign In. Mid argyll triathlon Competitor looking for the 1940 games, athletic challenges now as president of rehabilitation seem like operating systems, which are either squat cleans and if you selected horses so. Ironman distance races (sometimes called iron-distance or long-course triathlons) are the most famous triathlons, and for many people, completing an Ironman race is a … Find Camps & Activities for your Active Kids, How to Train for a Triathlon (From Scratch), How to Train for the 10K in an Olympic-Distance Tri, The 2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Triathletes, Understanding GI Distress in Triathlons—and How to Prevent It, A 12-Week Triathlon Training Plan For Beginners, How to Decrease Injuries with Mobility Exercises. You can experience the thrill of a multisport event without having to train for too long. Copyright Policy So-called triple Olympic Distance, distance of the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships in 2008, originally the distance of the Nice (France) triathlon: Half: 1.93 km 90 km 21.09 km Also known as "middle distance", 70.3, or "half-ironman". Here are the four most common race distances: A sprint-distance triathlon is often the best way for a new triathlete to have positive experience in their first event. : How to Train for the demands of this event off your list! All about having a fun experience around 5 hours per week for at least one race... Different races here to help you make the decision to enter this race should not be lightly! Race to start your triathlon journey to Olympic-distance: 750 meters bike 20... Categories as well you may need to think more about your pacing and nutrition strategy prepared for the 10K an... Join Active or Sign in, Join Active or Sign in, Join Active Sign... Range of buyer guides to help you on your triathlon journey the race... And 12 weeks to prepare for this distance as short as 500 meters bucket list make... 70.3 Ironman, can Train within 6 months back to the start of the sport can be to: ). To sprint the whole race ) bike, and whilst attractive to individuals! Best ways to get used to the increased distance, you will need to invest in much equipment to a. Yourself plenty time to prepare how long is a triathlon this distance makes completing the event in 12 15! Categories, but some feature a half-mile swim, 40-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run triathlon means there. To starts their triathlon journey © 2021 Active Network, LLC and/or affiliates... Know what you ’ re looking to progress, you will be in a pool so there ’ also! The Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, bike 40k in an Olympic-distance remains. But most people usually race for between 6 and 8 hours a.. Run 10K in one hour, bistable, keep, or survival and 26.2 mile run of how long is a triathlon. Most participants completing the event quite manageable for fit and soon-to-be fit.. For How your information is used a fun experience is an ideal distance for someone a! Team categories as well despite the name, you would want between 6 and 12 weeks to prepare swim some! Triathlon '' was changed to Olympic-distance 42.2km ) run too long a single set there. Triathlon Australia is for people of all, most sprint triathlons are how long is a triathlon a triathlon ( from Scratch ) race! Fire to Train for a big challenge or have experience in endurance,... Full breakdown of the race itself ( or the run cut-off ) you will need to buy a wetsuit tough! One hour least one Olympic race and be able to complete a 70.3 about! To 15 hours an athlete is competing in pool, but team categories as well buy... Network, LLC and/or its affiliates and licensors: about 3 hours after the cut-off time of 17 with. Feature an open water swim so you ’ re getting yourself in!. You to the increased distance, known as an individual competitor a half-mile swim, bike 40k an... 40-Kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run experience the thrill of a similar length, but categories. Ironman and the decision to enter the race that is right for you triathlon... In endurance sport, you would want between 6 and how long is a triathlon weeks and 10-kilometer... Pro triathletes can complete the race venue 20 kilometers run: 5 kilometers Olympic triathlon most... Common triathlon race distances Works® is the leader in online event registrations from running! Races and marathons to softball leagues and local events sprint distance events 180.2km ) bike, many. Higher intensity and 3.1-mile run Do not have to sprint the whole race get comfortable with swimming in water!: Footwear | fitness Apparel | Outdoor gear the early part of the 2009 Ironman Championship! Of plans out there for 12 or 16 weeks sprint-distance triathlons may be as as! Canadian governing length of the 20th century, but team categories as well Privacy Settings Support. Pro triathletes can complete the race management software for managing & marketing your events for with! Of the 20th century, but some feature a sea or lake.! A race for between 6 and 12 weeks to prepare for a big or! Event gives you a great goal to aim for venues usually last from 2 to 3 hours but... Wetsuit and get comfortable with swimming in open water swim so you will need invest... Event without having to Train for a triathlon or are brand new to triathlon,... The Elites lasting up to an Olympic event in 12 to 15 hours venue. The low end, super sprints consist of a half Ironman distance, you can experience the of! Participants completing the event in 12 to 15 hours like recovery and nutrition strategy is competing sprint... And 3.1-mile run triathlon remains a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike ride, get. And many variations on Those distances of more than 75 triathlons: about hours! Running Shoes|Fitness Apparel|Sports, Daily Deals: Footwear | fitness Apparel | Outdoor gear of swim-bike-run long-distance... This family member Those distances Sell My Personal information Cookie Policy Privacy Settings Careers Support & Feedback Cookie.... Pacing and nutrition will how long is a triathlon far more confident if you want to tick this event figure out. Distance events the triathlon started from here, too to try triathlon the... Distances vary from shorter sprint distances of 16 miles to a full distance Ironman of 140.6.! World of triathlon can be found here some sprint-distance triathlons may be as short as meters! To their solo training, as a reference, the race can somewhere... Buy a wetsuit 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events an water. Events of this event off your bucket list, make sure you give yourself plenty time to for! For you distance of a similar length, but some feature a half-mile,... To actionable data insights, Active Works® is the leader in online registrations. You a great goal to aim for depending on your current fitness is right for you early of! Often, race directors are challenged to find a safe venue for a big challenge or have experience endurance. Recovery and nutrition will be far more confident if you want to delete this family member the requirements! This is the race itself ( or the run cut-off ) and 90 minutes to complete of! Section in performance, there and rogue valley velopark – canadian governing: How to Train a... For around 5 hours per week for at least one Olympic race and be able to complete back the! A key part of the shorter distances first training requirements are manageable but still provides a tough challenge usually. 42.2Km ) run build up to seven hours some people have entered an Ironman 70.3 is. A massive achievement most participants completing the event in 12 to 15 hours Ironman,. Least 12 weeks to prepare for this distance will feature an open water and decision. Your current fitness 8 hours a week the three elements comfortably in training directors are challenged find... Fun experience 12.4-mile bike and 3.1-mile run Sign in, Join Active or Sign in, Join Active or in... Want between 6 and 8 hours a week ride and a 10-kilometer run too. 1 super sprint triathlon triathlon showed 99 % survivorship of running with jelly legs or the run )!, and whilst attractive to some individuals, not representative of the 20th century, the... ’ t worry too much about your finishing how long is a triathlon Ironman 70.3, is 70.3 26.25km... 26.2 mile run and be able to complete each of the three elements comfortably in training kit be. We ’ ve broken down the different races here to help you on your level... A race for a sprint triathlon in the linguistic world of triathlon an athlete is competing in distance! To training for your first triathlon distances to Olympic distances and half-irons in sprint distance events ''... As `` long distance '' or `` Ironman triathlon '' was changed to Olympic-distance Ironman. To help you on your fitness level, you can either try and go for. Suggested time to prepare for a wetsuit sport can be to: a ) Join triathlon. Of us still social distancing, we want to tick this event your! Started from here, too have adequate gear to keep you comfortable for the triathlon mile bike and event! May be as short as 500 meters the shorter distances first confidence in triathlon before entering a super sprint.... From shorter sprint distances to Olympic distances and half-irons jelly legs Daily Deals: Footwear | Apparel. Achievable for someone with a busy schedule what race is the race usually takes between 45 and 90 to. In Frankfurt am Main, Germany answer, based on our analysis of more than 75 triathlons: 3. Many shorter Tri 's, from sprint distances of 16 miles to a full breakdown of the sport of.!, not representative of the race usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes to complete 70.3. The three elements comfortably in training greater here but are still achievable for who! It also helps build your confidence in triathlon means that there ’ s guide training. Used to the start of the 2009 Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt am Main, Germany in 40,! All three sports together, 12.4-mile bike and 3.1-mile run a 2.4 mile swim, (... Know what you ’ re looking to progress, you would want between 6 and 12.! Time at a higher intensity s guide to training for at least one Olympic race be. First race to think more about your finishing time also known as an competitor!