Triathletes fall into two distinct categories:
- Elite: These are professional triathletes who participate in international-level competitions.
- Age-Group: Non-professional triathletes who are categorized based on age. The Age-Group system enables competitors to race against others within the same age group (within a five-year range) and gender. Competing as an Age-Grouper also grants you the title of World Triathlete.