What major athletic event combines swimming, cycling, and running?
The major athletic event that combines swimming, cycling, and running is the triathlon. This multi-discipline event tests an athlete's endurance and versatility, consisting of these three segments raced in immediate succession. The typical formats include the Olympic distance (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run) and the longer Ironman distance. Triathlons have grown in popularity worldwide, celebrating both physical achievement and strategic mastery as athletes must effectively manage transitions between disciplines for optimal results.