First-timer’s Guide to multisport

A big welcome to all newcomers to the wonderful sport of triathlon. We hope you enjoy your first race, and that you want to continue experiencing the satisfaction and exhilaration for many years to come. It can all seem a little overwhelming to begin with – there is new kit to wear, shoes to choose, and funny things called gels to consume. Let us help guide you so you have just what you need for a successful first race!

GEAR UP!

So what gear do you need to compete in a MetaSprint Series event?

Check out our table below according to which event you will compete in. It’s a good idea to borrow items from a friend while you get started in the sport. But if you would like to purchase your own then keep reading for our recommended retailers.

TRAINING

We will also be holding training clinics prior to the race. These are great to learn tips and tricks that will give you confidence on race day. There are numerous clinics covering swimming, cycling, running and a combination of all of these.

Aquathlon

Duathlon

Triathlon

Aquathlon
Tri-suit or swimsuit
T-shirt (if wearing a swim suit that doesn’t cover your chest)
Goggles
Event swim cap – provided by MetaSport in race kit
Drink bottle filled with water

Duathlon
Bicycle (borrow from a friend or RENT HERE for your first race!)
Helmet
Shoes
Tri suit, or bike shorts and t-shirt
Drink bottle filled with water

Triathlon
Tri-suit or swimsuit
T-shirt (if wearing a swimsuit that doesn’t cover your chest)
Event swim cap
Goggles
Bicycle
Helmet
Shoes
Drink bottle filled with water

Optional: socks, cap, sunglasses, gels

Training

A reasonable level of fitness will help ease your nerves going into the race. You don’t need to train every day, a couple of times a week will do. You’ll feel good going into the race if you have done the distance in training. So once you have entered, look at the distances of each leg of the race and try to do some training of the same length. It doesn’t have to be all at once! You can swim one day, and run another.

If you would like some guidance, MetaSport have weekly coached sessions. These are group sessions that are lots of fun, with an experienced coach to give you tips and feedback. Check out our MetaSport training page for more information.

We will also be holding clinics prior to the race. These are great to learn tips and tricks that will give you confidence on race day. There are numerous training clinics covering swimming, cycling, running and a combination of all of these.

Aquathlon – Race Day procedure

Pre-race

Read the race prep information that will hit your inbox in the days preceding the race to ensure you are aware of all race particulars.
Collect your race kit one hour prior to your wave start.
Enter the transition area.
Find the spot with your race number and set-up your gear. Everything you need for your run (shoes, shirt, race number, hat, sunglasses) should be left in transition. Swim goggles and cap need to come with you to the start!
Apply sunscreen!
Leave your bag at your transition spot.
Head to the swim start!

Swim

Wait for your wave to be called to the start line.
Line up for the rolling start according to starter’s instructions.
Wait for the official to signal that it is your turn to start.
Enter the water and enjoy your swim.

Transition

After exiting the swim, follow the marshals directions and run to the transition area.
Locate your numbered spot.
Remove your swim cap and goggles and put them into your bag.
Put on your running shoes, t-shirt (if necessary), race number (either on your t-shirt or attached to a race number belt).

Run

Follow the direction signs and marshals instructions as you run along the course.
Pace yourself.
Take a cup of water from the drink stations.

Finish

Smile as you cross the line!
Collect your finisher medal.
Look for the “DRINKS” tent and grab a cup of water.
Collect your bag from bag deposit.
Relax in the festival area and savour the moment 🙂

Duathlon – Race Day Procedure

Pre-race

Read the race prep information that will hit your inbox in the days preceding the race to ensure you are aware of all race particulars.
Collect your race kit one hour prior to your wave start (no earlier).
Enter the transition area.
Look for your numbered spot in transition and place your bike on the rack (Don’t have a bike? You can rent one with City Scoot).
Set-up your gear on the ground beside your bike. All items for the cycle leg should remain in transition (cycling shoes, helmet, sunglasses, etc).
Place your bag in the Bag Deposit.
Wear all items you need for the run and head to the start line.

Run

Follow the direction signs and marshals instructions as you run along the course.
Pace yourself and remember to drink at aid stations!
Look for the sign that says “TRANSITION”.

Transition

Put your helmet on.
Remove your bike from the rack.
Look for the “BIKE OUT” sign and push your bike in that direction.

Cycle

Ride on the left side of the road.
Pass on the right side of cyclists in front of you (yell “passing” so your fellow cyclist is aware you are coming).
Remember to count your laps.
Stay at least 5 metres behind the cyclist in front of you at all times (unless you are overtaking).
After your required number of laps, dismount your bike at the yellow “dismount” line.
Push your bike back to the transition area.

Transition

Keep your helmet on until you have racked your bike back at your numbered bike spot.
Rack your bike and remove your helmet (in this order!).
Put on your running shoes.
Look for the “RUN OUT” sign and head that direction.

Run

Follow the direction signs and marshals instructions as you run along the course.
Pace yourself and remember to drink at aid stations!
Look for the sign that says “FINISH”.

Finish

Smile as you cross the line!
Collect your medal.
Look for the “DRINKS” tent and grab a cup of water.
Return to the transition area to retrieve your belongings and leave the venue.

Triathlon – Race Day Procedure

Pre-race

Read the race prep information that will hit your inbox in the days preceding the race to ensure you are aware of all race particulars.
Collect your race kit one hour prior to your race (no earlier).
Enter the transition area.
Look for your numbered spot in transition and place your bike on the rack (Don’t have a bike? You can rent one with Coastline Leisure at ECP!).
Leave transition wearing your swim gear.
Place your bag in the Bag Deposit tent.
Head to the swim start!

Swim

Follow instructions by race marshals and start manager.
Enter the water and swim the number of laps of the course you are required.
Enjoy your swim!

Transition 1

After completing the swim, follow the marshals directions and run to the transition area.
Locate your gear.
Take off your swim cap and goggles.
Put on your cycle shoes and helmet.
Un-rack your bike (only once you have strapped on your helmet).
Push your bike to the mount line to start the bike.

Cycle

Mount your bike once you have passed the mounting line.
Do the number of laps required.
Dismount your bike before passing the dismount line.
Run to the transition area.

Transition 2

Rack your bike.
Take off your cycling shoes and your helmet (only after you have racked your bike).
Put on your running shoes.
Put on your race number (either pinned on your t-shirt or attached to a race number belt).
Put on a t-shirt if you have a bare torso.
Look for the “RUN OUT” sign and head that direction.
Follow race officials instructions to start your run.

Run

Follow the direction signs and marshals instructions as you run along the course.
Pace yourself.
Take a cup of water from the drink stations.
At the completion of your run, look for the sign that says “FINISH”

Finish

Smile as you cross the line!
Collect your medal.
Look for the “DRINKS” tent and grab a cup of water.
Collect your bag from the Bag Deposit.
Collect your bike and belongings from the transition area.

Where to find the best gear in town for your race!

Triathlon clothing

Decathlon: Great for reasonably priced triathlon clothing and accessories. There are six experience stores in Singapore.
Key Power: With two stores around Singapore, they have a large range of Pearl Izumi, SKINS and 2XU triathlon clothing, Brooks shoes and all sorts of goggles, nutrition and accessories.
Running Lab: They stock Zoot triathlon clothing, Under Armour, North Face and Skins plus a large range of shoes and nutrition. Check them out for their running gait analysis and have fun browsing through all the racks of accessories.

Shoes

If you’re looking for a new pair of running shoes then look no further than Decathlon and Queensway Shopping Centre.

Decathlon
Queensway Shopping Centre

Nutrition

Decathlon: Great for reasonably priced triathlon clothing and accessories. There are six stores in Singapore.
PURE Sports Nutrition: A New Zealand brand that uses only natural ingredients with no added colours or preservatives, and it tastes great! Check out to see the list of stockists.

For other nutrition brands you can visit Key Power, Running Lab, or try the many bicycle stores around who all stock nutrition items.

Bikes

There are numerous bike stores in Singapore, here are a few of our favourites if you’re looking for a new bike, or a mechanic to polish up your old one! Also, don’t spend too much on your first bike!

Decathlon: Great for reasonably priced triathlon clothing and accessories. There are six stores in Singapore.
Bike Haus: With its store on Bukit Timah Road and friendly staff it’s a great place to find your first bike. They stock Felt, Stock and folding bikes.
Rodalink: An online bike store selling road, mountain and kids bikes (perfect if you don’t feel like leaving home to buy a bike!).
KH Cycle: Check out the European bicycle brands in stock and a great race of accessories.
Cannasia: If it’s a Cannondale bike you want then look no further! Lots of shiny models in their two stores to get you more than excited!
Treknology: There are over 400 Trek bikes for you to choose from across their four showrooms, plus lots of accessories.
Tay Junction: Stocking Specialized brand bikes with road, mountain and kids models, it’s a sleek bike shop that’s worth a visit!