From the Glossy Page Blog

There are a lot of beginner triathletes that are concerned with where they will place during their first race. I can tell you from experience that there is no shame in coming in last place on race day. I came in second to last at my first race, closely followed by my friend who came in last. They cheered just as loud for him and I as they did for every other person that crossed the finish line that day. The first sprint triathlon that you experience should be all about crossing that finish line, not about what place you are in.