Whether you are a hardened athlete or just out to get in shape, Miami offers world-class options for participant sports that draw top athletes from around the world.

Triathlons, adventure races, cycling challenges and other sporting events that let the everyday South Floridians have a chance to take home a medal have been on the rise.

Each year events such as the Miami Ironman 70.3, Escape to Miami Triathlon and the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon end up selling out.

There has been a tremendous amount of growth in the number of registrants, and new events are added each year. There are charity races, hardcore races and fun races. With so many events available, it’s tough to choose.

The first thing you should consider is your skill level.

For the past three years, the women’s division of Miami Ironman 70.3 has been won by one of the world’s toughest women, Leanda Cave of Arizona. Cave is also the 2012 World Ironman champion.

You don’t have to be a world-class triathlete like Cave, but if you like swimming, biking and running, then the Ironman might be the choice for you.

There is still plenty of time to train for the Oct. 27 triathlon. Early registration is $300, and for more info visit: www.ironmanmiami.com.

If you are not ready for the Ironman, you might try something a little less intense.

The 2575 Triathlon Miami is a sprint-style race that will take the participants from Biscayne Bay through Key Biscayne on March 10.

The swimming portion of the race will be held in the waters adjacent to the Miami Marine Stadium, where participants will have to swim a total of 750 meters out and back to shore.

The most grueling portion of the race will be the bike course. The 20-kilometer course consists of two loops across the 75-foot William Powell Bridge.

The last leg is a 5K run along a shaded shoreline down a paved running path to the finish.

Registration is $99, and you can find out more info at www.2575miami.com.

If you aren’t at the performance level needed to complete a triathlon, you might try out Zoo Miami’s Run Wild 5K on Saturday.

Whether you want to run or walk, you still can participate and get some exercise while supporting a good cause.

The 5K supports the Chapman Partnership, which helps the homeless with shelter, job training and assistance to give the less fortunate the tools needed to become self-sufficient. The partnership has had more than 90,000 admissions since its start in 1995 and provides 800 beds.

Registration is $25 per adult ($10 for kids) and will close Thursday at 10 a.m. If you interested visit: www.chapmanpartnership.org.

If you would like your upcoming participant events to be showcased, email: Corey Campbell at Campbell.corey@gmail.com.