FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT WAVE SHOULD I SIGN UP FOR?
Competitive Wave
This wave is designed for experienced athletes aiming to compete for the Overall Winner title only. You’ll be seeded in Wave 1, and the recommended finishing time for this category is 1:25:00 or faster.
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Competing for Overall Award only
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Not eligible for Age Group Awards
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Not eligible to qualify for USAT Age Group Nationals
Age Group Waves
This is the most common wave selection and is based on your age. You’ll be seeded into a start wave accordingly.
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Eligible for Overall and Age Group Awards
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Eligible to qualify for USAT Age Group Nationals
Buddy Wave
The Buddy Wave is the final wave to enter the water and is ideal for athletes who are less comfortable with the swim portion and prefer extra space and time. Personal floatation devices are allowed, and pool noodles will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Not eligible for Overall Awards
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Not eligible for Age Group Awards
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Not eligible to qualify for USAT Age Group Nationals
High School Competitive
Open to currently enrolled high school students. Participation in this category is optional—students may choose to race in Age Group Waves instead.
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The first overall high school finisher will receive an award
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Also eligible for Age Group Awards
To qualify for the High School Competitive overall award, you must select this category during registration.
WHAT ARE THE CUT-OFF TIMES?
All events will have 4 hours for participants to cross the finish line.
Swim – 60 minutes from your wave entering water
Bike – 2:30 Hours from your wave entering water
Run – 3:30 Hours from your wave entering water
WHERE DOES EACH RACE TAKE PLACE?
The races will start on the beach side of Lake Andrea and finish on the trail on the side of the RecPlex Building.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER USUALLY LIKE?
The average air temperature during this time of year is around 70°F, making for comfortable racing conditions.
Lake Andrea’s water temperature along the shore typically ranges between 70°F and 80°F during the summer months.
An unofficial water temperature will be included in the participant guide emailed out during race week. The official water temperature will be measured and announced on race morning.
WHY IS THERE NO RAIN DATE?
Triathlons are complex and costly events to produce, requiring extensive coordination with local authorities, including permits, police support, and logistical planning.
Due to these challenges, we are permitted to hold the event on one specific date only.
WHAT IS A RACE PACKET?
Your race packet includes your official race number and all essential materials needed for race day. This number is vital for identification by race staff and safety personnel, and must be visible at all times during the event.
Here’s what you’ll receive:
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Run Bib – To be worn on the front of your body during the run
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Helmet Sticker – To be placed on the front of your bike helmet
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Bike Number – To be attached to the center or seat post of your bike
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Ankle Tag – Worn on either ankle, this tag contains your timing chip and is the most important item you’ll receive at packet pick-up
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Swim Cap – Provided in a color that corresponds to your wave and start time
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Event T-Shirt – A fun keepsake to celebrate your race!
You’ll also have the option to get body marking with your race number either during packet pick-up or on race morning at the entrance to the transition area.
QUESTIONS ABOUT EVENT INSURANCE?
How do I sign up for event insurance? Add-on coverage is offered during the checkout process when signing up for this event. You will be given the option to add or decline coverage with one click. Note: If you decide to decline coverage, you will not be able to go back and add it after registering.
Did you purchase event insurance and now need to use it or just have a question? Submit and contact FanShield (RegShield) here.
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED TO DO THE RACE?
You need a bike and certified helmet, running/walking shoes, goggles, ankle tag (timing chip), and other items from your race packet for athlete identification.
We also suggest a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, socks, extra fluids to drink pre-race and during transition, and a towel.
IS THERE ON-SITE REGISTRATION?
If the event is not sold out online, walk-up registrations will be accepted during packet pick-up on Saturday, on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be no race day registration.
WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO ARRIVE ON RACE DAY?
Arrive at least 90 minutes before the race starts.
It’s important to give yourself enough time to park, set up your transition area, and walk over to the beach for the start so you’re fully ready by the time the first wave begins.
Transition closes at 6:30 AM sharp, and the first wave starts at 7:00 AM sharp.
WHERE DOES MY BIB AND TIMING CHIP GO?
Please affix your race bib to the front of your shirt using safety pins or a race belt. Your bib number must be clearly visible at all times during the run.
Do not wear your race bib during the swim.
Your helmet sticker should be placed on the front of your bike helmet, and your bike sticker should be applied to the center or seat post of your bike.
Your timing chip will be attached to your ankle using the adhesive provided on the chip.
No timing chip = no finish time!
WHERE DO I GET ON/OFF MY BIKE?
After completing the swim, run to your bike, put on your helmet and race gear, and unrack your bike.
Run with your bike to the BIKE EXIT—do not mount your bike until you’ve crossed the clearly marked MOUNT/DISMOUNT line. Once you cross this line, you may get on your bike and begin the ride.
When returning from the bike course, you must dismount before crossing the same MOUNT/DISMOUNT line. It will be well-marked and easy to see.
Run with your bike back to your rack, re-rack it, grab your run gear, and head out through the RUN EXIT to begin your final leg.
WHEN CAN I RACK MY BACK?
Bike racking is required on Saturday during packet pick-up hours, between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
This helps reduce congestion on race morning and ensures an on-time start.
We offer a late packet pick-up option on race morning by prior request only, between 5:00 AM and 6:15 AM.
If you're unable to pick up your packet or rack your bike on Saturday, you must contact us in advance.
Please email raceday@racedayevents.com to request late packet pick-up or racking.
WHAT IS YOUR AWARD POLICY IF I DONT PICK UP MY AWARD AT THE EVENT?
Race Day Events will hold event awards for 30 days after the event is complete.
Contact us via email at raceday@racedayevents.com for more information about receiving your awards after the event.
*Please note that we charge a $10 shipping fee for any participant wishing to have their award mailed after the event is complete.
DO I NEED A WETSUIT?
In accordance with USAT rules, wetsuits are allowed if the water temperature is 78°F or below.
If the water temperature is between 78°F and 84°F, athletes may still wear a wetsuit; however, they will not be eligible for age group awards.
An official water temperature reading will be taken on race morning to determine if the swim will be wetsuit legal.
WHAT IS THE NEW RACE CATEGORY- HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITIVE?
Eligibility: Must be an active high school student.
Participation Options: Students can choose to compete in the High School Competitive Category but are NOT required to. Only those in the competitive category are eligible for special awards.
Awards: The first overall winner will be presented an award.
Participants in this category are also eligible for regular Age Group awards.
Registration Requirement: To qualify for the High School Competitive overall awards, participants must select this category during registration.
WHEN IS THE AWARDS CEREMONY?
We aim to wait until the last racer is off the course before beginning the awards ceremony; however, awards may start earlier if needed.
The tentative start time for awards is 10:30 AM near the finish line.
Please note: You must be present to receive your award.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Athletes must be 12 years of age on race day to participate.
WHO AND WHAT ARE ALLOWED IN TRANSITION?
Only registered participants are allowed inside the transition area at any time.
When checking in your bike on Saturday, you may also check in your helmet and shoes. All other items including your gear bag, nutrition, and fluids should be brought on race morning to set up at your transition space.
Saturday bike racking from 1P:00 PM- 7:00 PM is strongly encouraged to help save time and reduce congestion on race morning.
CAN I BRING MY PHONE/MUSIC ON COURSE?
The use of personal music devices and headphones is not permitted at this event.
To ensure the safety of all participants and allow everyone to fully experience the race environment, this is a headphone-free race during all segments of the event.
Participant safety is our top priority, and we ask that you remain aware of your surroundings, be mindful of fellow athletes, and respect race personnel at all times. Your cooperation helps create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
WHAT IF MY BIKE BREAKS ON COURSE?
If you experience an issue on the bike course, please notify a race official or bike mechanic, and we will do our best to assist you and get you back on your bike.
If you're unable to continue biking, we will transport you back to transition as soon as possible. Please note that being transported will result in a DNF (Did Not Finish) for official results; however, you are welcome to continue with the run portion if you'd like to finish out your race experience.
Do you have additonal questions? Contact us below!
