International Triathlon Union

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) is the umbrella organization of all national triathlon organizations worldwide. It is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and administers all aspects of triathlon sport globally. 157 countries are affiliated with the ITU after seven national federations were added at the 2008 ITU Congress in Rome.

In light of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the ITU suspended athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing at any International Triathlon Union events, and suspended all officials from these countries from officiating at any event sanctioned by the ITU, as well as from attending or participating in any ITU meetings, committees, and forums. In March 2023, the Russian Triathlon Federation sent a letter addressing the ISF and urging them to reverse the decision and allow Russian athletes to compete in ISF events. The RTF's statement included claims that the war was actually started by Ukraine and that 'Russia defends peace'. In May 2023, the International Triathlon Union reinstated Russian and Belarusian athletes, shortly after a Russian missile attack forced the cancellation of a triathlon event in Ukraine.

Olympic Distances

• Triathlon, individual men's and women's events (Olympic event since 2000)
• Mixed Relay, teams of two men and two women (Olympic event from 2020)

Non-Olympic Distances

• Sprint Triathlon, a shorter version of the standard triathlon
• Long Distance Triathlon, a longer version of the standard triathlon (World Championships since 1994)
• Aquathlon, a race combining swimming and running (World Championships since 1998)
• Duathlon, a race combining running and cycling (World Championships since 1990)
• Cross Triathlon, a race combining swimming, mountain biking and trail running (World Championships since 2011)
• Winter Triathlon, a race combining running, mountain biking and cross-country skiing (World Championships since 2002)

Para-triathlon

• Para-triathlon, for athletes with a range of physical disabilities (Paralympic event since 2016)

Junior and U23

• ITU Triathlon Junior World Championships from 1990
• ITU Triathlon U23 World Championships from 2003

Other Events

• Mixed Team Relay World Championships
• ITU Triathlon World Cup
• ITU World Triathlon Series

There are five continental associations affiliated with the ITU. These associations are responsible for organizing continental championships, providing support for their member federations, and communicating their interests at the ITU Board meetings.

• Asian Triathlon Confederation
• African Triathlon Union
• European Triathlon Union
• Oceania Triathlon Union
• Pan American Triathlon Confederation

International Triathlon Union Overview: A detailed overview of the International Triathlon Union, its structure, and its global role in triathlon sport. http://www.triathlon.org/about

International Triathlon Union and the Russian invasion of Ukraine: An article addressing the ITU's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent actions taken by the organization. https://www.bbc.com/sport/triathlon/itu-russia-belarus-ban

Continental Associations of the ITU: Information about the continental associations affiliated with the ITU and their roles. http://www.triathlon.org/continental_associations