Gigathlon is a unique event in which the 5 popular disciplines of swimming, inline skating, mountain biking, road cycling and running are combined into a spectacular endurance event.

The first Gigathlon took place in 1998 but took really off in 2002 when the Swiss Olympic Association became the official organizer of the Swisspower Gigathlon Expo 02. It was launched as part of Expo 2002 and was to include all of Switzerland. The event became well known, especially to endurance athletes as, "The challenge around Switzerland in 7 days over a distance of 1477 km".

It has become more than just times and ranking and more about the adventure and the experience as a team builds memories which remained over time.

It is hoped that this unique aura and spirit will continue in the future Gigathlons. The fun of adventure, the personal challenge to experience new things, to expand one's own limits together and with people whose interests are alike - that is the goal and what Gigathlon stands for.

The Gigathlon 2005 is a two-day event and crosses Switzerland from the south to the north, practically from the Italian to German/French border and takes place from July 8-10, 2005.

Athletes can compete in the following categories:

• Singles (male and female) - maximum of 200 athletes
• Couples - maximum of 200 couples
• Team of 5 - maximum of 700 teams
• Team of 5 (1 day only)

The different disciplines / sports are:

• swimming
• inline skating
• mountain biking
• road cycling
• running

5by5Canada will compete in the two-day event.