Aquathlon, biathlon or duathlon

Triathlon Forum
1

…which of these is the proper name for a swim/run race? And, if it is “aquathlon:”

(1) How the heck is that pronounced (Ah-kwath-lon, Ah-kwa-thlon or Ahk-wa-thlon)?

and,

(2) Is the word “aquathlon” copyrighted by USAT?

2

Aquathlon: swim, run.

Biathlon: XC ski and shoot.

Duathlon: run, bike. (Usually run, bike, run.)

Pronunciation: got me.

3

I’ve seen it written Aquathlon and Aquathon, I pronounce it like the latter is spelled because IMO that word should not include an “l”.

Previous poster is right on Biathlon, although I remember when run & bike events used to be called that before the days of “Duathlon”.

4

Oh yeah, the copyright issue.

I’m not an intellectual property attorney, but as I understand it a copyright is used to protect works of authorship such as a book or a song.

I think what you’re asking about is a trademark, which is used to protect words, names, symbols, etc., and to distinguish them from the words, names, symbols, etc. that are used by others. (E.g. PowerBar.)

I did a cursory search of the USPTO website, and found no TM for “aquathlon”, but there is a TM on “aquathon”. Link:

http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=o4n9dh.3.1

5

I remember before duathlon became the accepted term for run/bike events someone tried to trot out the term “cy-ru-thon”. That never caught on thank god.

I was fine with just using the term biathlon but the guys with the guns and skis made them change the name.

6

Just like a duathlete to bring a bike and running shoes to a gunfight… :wink:

7

I guess my question is–if I put on one of these races, and call it an “Aquathlon” or “Aquathon,” do I have to get permission/sanctioning from USAT?

8

Dunno.

Here: http://www.usatriathlon.org/Aquathlon/Aquathlon_home.htm

The above concludes with

“Contact any of the commission members for further information regarding aquathlon: Mike Jones Fred Bartlett Kathleen Johnston Mike Collins Kelly Parker”

There’s also: http://www.usatriathlon.org/Pages/contact_us_frames.htm

Give 'em a call.

I tend to doubt USAT can limit your use of the term “Aquathlon”. I’ve got no detailed experience with them and/or putting on races, but I’d bet the only limiter USAT can put on you is whether or not your athletes would qualify for any USAT sanctioned events, awards, whatever. But… Give 'em a call.