So you want to compete in a triathlon. What will you need? Where can you compete?

Equipment: For Morgan's Little Miami Triathlon, equipment is minimal: you'll need running shoes, a bicycle and a helmet. For swimming triathlons, goggles and swim caps are personal choices.

Training: A lot of athletes go it alone, squeezing in the different disciplines as time permits. Morgan's Canoe offers canoeing tips by appointment for its triathlons. Tim Adkins, fitness director at Cincinnati Sports Club, said the club will offer training groups for the October Little Miami Triathlon. The sessions will include weight lifting and running on an indoor track, among other exercises.

Rankings: According to Gary Morgan, amateur triathletes are "not there yet" when it comes to rankings. While the event is still highly competitive, novices shouldn't sweat jumping into a pool of seasoned athletes - which is even more incentive for first-timers and wannabe triathletes.

Get started: Get ready for the East Fork Triathlon and Duathlon. A tradition for 21 years, this is the fourth stop on the Wheelie Fun Triathlon and Duathlon series. This year the events will be held July 18 beginning at 8 a.m. For more information, visit hfpracing.com.

The Great Buckeye Challenge in Waynesville is Aug. 22. Entrants can choose between a triathlon (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, 13.1-mile run) or duathlon (5.5-mile run, 56-mile bike ride, 13.1-mile run). For details visit greatbuckeye.com.

The Dannon Duathlon in Mason is a 10K run, 40K bike ride and 5K run. It will be held Sept. 26. For details visit dannonduathlon.com/cincy

Tyler's Run and Duathlon in Harrison is Oct. 9 at Miami Whitewater Park. The race raises money for Tyler's Run Foundation. Visit tylersrun.com for details.

For other races in Ohio and beyond, visit hfpracing.com.