{"id":875,"date":"2020-10-26T08:39:05","date_gmt":"2020-10-26T07:39:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mytriworld.com\/?p=875"},"modified":"2022-07-27T07:44:09","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T06:44:09","slug":"cost-of-triathlon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mytriworld.com\/cost-of-triathlon\/","title":{"rendered":"The Real Cost Of Triathlon (Incl. Gears, Entry Fees,…)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Everyone says triathlon is really expensive but never really talks numbers. After being into the sport for a couple of years, I thought it would be time to review the real cost of triathlon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During your first year into triathlon, you can realistically expect to spend around $700. This amount covers all the basic gears you will need before your first race. The second year is actually the most expensive one with a total cost of $5,600, mainly due to a couple of one-time purchases (bike, wetsuit). Once those one-time acquisitions are behind you, triathletes can expect to spend around $2,900 per year (everything included).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find the breakdown of those costs in the tables below and some of my tips that can help you reduce this amount drastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EXPECTED COSTS BEFORE YOUR FIRST TRIATHLON RACE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you are completely new to the sport, there is no need to break the bank in your first year. Instead, use this time to learn about the different equipment, test, or rent them. If you are still into the sport after your first triathlon, you can think about investing more money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The “Budget” option considers good quality gears but either at second-hand prices or from less well-known brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The “Realistic” option is what most of the triathletes will end up paying for new gears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Item<\/th>Budget<\/th>Realistic<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Tri suit<\/td>$60<\/td>$120<\/td><\/tr>
Swim goggles<\/td>$25<\/td>$25<\/td><\/tr>
Swim cap<\/td>–<\/td>$5<\/td><\/tr>
Wetsuit<\/td>$25 (rent)<\/td>$25 (rent)<\/td><\/tr>
Bike<\/td>$0 (borrow)<\/td>$120 (for repairs
or rent)<\/td><\/tr>
Helmet<\/td>$25<\/td>$60<\/td><\/tr>
Bike repair kit<\/td>$30<\/td>$30<\/td><\/tr>
Race number belt<\/td>$10<\/td>$15<\/td><\/tr>
Sunscreen + sunglasses + hat<\/td>$25<\/td>$60<\/td><\/tr>
Running shoes<\/td>$70<\/td>$140<\/td><\/tr>
Nutrition<\/td>$25<\/td>$50<\/td><\/tr>
Race fee (1 local Sprint)<\/td>$50<\/td>$50<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody>
TOTAL<\/strong><\/td>$345<\/strong><\/td>$700<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tfoot><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I can’t recommend enough to buy a tri-suit before your first race. It will make this first experience much more enjoyable. You won’t need to worry about changing clothes between sports, and wearing one will automatically make you feel like a pro triathlete. If you want to learn more about tri suits, I wrote the perfect article for you.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The running shoes you buy should fit your particular feet and your running style. I highly suggest going to a specialized shop. They will analyze your running stride and recommend a good pair for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the wetsuit, my wife and I rented it for our first two races. We didn’t want to pay for a new one without knowing if we would like triathlon. We also used these opportunities to test them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TRIATHLON COSTS DURING YOUR SECOND YEAR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The second year in triathlon is the most expensive one. At this stage, you got a pretty good idea already if you liked triathlon or not and can feel more confident to invest in good gears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The majority of the costs come from one-off purchases that you will be able to use over several years. You could, of course, split these investments over multiple years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Item<\/th>Budget<\/th>Realistic<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Triathlon watch<\/td>$250<\/td>$450<\/td><\/tr>
Transition bag<\/td>–<\/td>$120<\/td><\/tr>
Wetsuit<\/td>$250<\/td>$350<\/td><\/tr>
Bike<\/td>$600<\/td>$2,400<\/td><\/tr>
Bike fit<\/td>–<\/td>$180<\/td><\/tr>
Cycling shoes + pedals<\/td>$80<\/td>$230<\/td><\/tr>
Aero bars<\/td>$35<\/td>$140<\/td><\/tr>
Running shoes<\/td>$70<\/td>$140<\/td><\/tr>
Nutrition<\/td>$60<\/td>$180<\/td><\/tr>
Bike trainer + accessories<\/td>$180<\/td>$600<\/td><\/tr>
Indoor app<\/td>$90<\/td>$200<\/td><\/tr>
Race fees<\/td>$180
(4 local Sprint)<\/td>		$250
(2 local Sprint +
2 Olympic) <\/td><\/tr>
Transport + hotels<\/td>–<\/td>$250<\/td><\/tr>
Swim lessons<\/td>–<\/td>$120<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody>
TOTAL<\/strong><\/td>$1,795<\/strong><\/td>$5,610<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tfoot><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are four big investments that require intensive searches. I have written separate articles on each of them that will give you more in-depth information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n