Inside the Secret World of Triathlon Referees

September 1, 2022

Triathlon referees, or “course marshals” as they’re formally titled, are present during every leg of the race for high-profile races (think: races with pros or world championship-level races), but most age-groupers are only aware of them during the bike portion.

Course marshals are most noticeable during the bike leg as they cruise around on the back of a motorcycle with a small notebook, looking for anyone who is seeking to gain an advantage illegally—or who isn’t paying attention to the rules. Triathlete