It was the third appearance of the event, which was established in 2000.

The competition was held on Monday, August 18, 2008 at the Triathlon Venue at the Ming Tomb Reservoir in Shisanling.

Fifty-five triathletes from thirty nations competed.

For the first time in Olympic history, all three medalists finished the race in less than two hours.

The race was held over the "international distance" (also called "Olympic distance") and consisted of 1,500 metres (0.93 mi) swimming, 40 kilometres (25 mi), road cycling, and 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) road running.