Q 01/05

In what order are the three disciplines of a triathlon raced?

A) Swim, bike, run

B) Run, bike, swim

C) Bike, swim, run

D) Swim, run, bike

Answer · why

A) Swim, bike, run

The clock includes the two transitions between disciplines, so a slow change of shoes costs real time.

Q 02/05

The first modern triathlon was held in 1974 at Mission Bay in which city?

A) Los Angeles

B) Honolulu

C) San Francisco

D) San Diego

Answer · why

D) San Diego

Organisers Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan of the San Diego Track Club had never heard of the earlier French events.

Q 03/05

Les Trois Sports of 1901, the first triathlon-style event, replaced the swim with what?

A) A rowing leg

B) A canoe leg

C) A horse ride

D) A roller-skating leg

Answer · why

B) A canoe leg

By 1921 the canoe had been swapped for a crossing of the river Marne, making it a genuine swim-bike-run.

Q 04/05

How many entrants took part in the first Mission Bay Triathlon in 1974?

A) 58

B) 104

C) 46

D) 250

Answer · why

C) 46

The organiser's 13-year-old son floated on a surfboard as lifeguard, and cars were pulled up to light the finish with their headlights.

Q 05/05

Which couple who raced at Mission Bay in 1974 went on to found the Hawaii Ironman four years later?

A) Jack and Ann Johnstone

B) Judy and John Collins

C) Don and Sue Shanahan

D) Dave and Judy Pain

Answer · why

B) Judy and John Collins

John Collins was a US Navy commander stationed on Oahu.