Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Why does my child race with the 10 year old when he is only 9?
Per USA Triathlon rules athletes race per ‘USAT age.’ This means that an athlete races the age they will be on December 31stof the current year. For example, your 9 years old child will be racing as a 10 year old on race day even though their birthday is after the race.
What does my child need to participate?
Your child needs is an age/size appropriate bicycle. PROPERLY FITTED bike helmet with functioning chin strap. Swim suit or triathlon garments, goggles, and running shoes. Helmets must comply with either CPSC or CSA standards as indicated by a label on the inside.
Will I receive a refund if my child is unable to participate?
There are no refunds for an entry fee if your child is unable to participate. Please contact the Race Director at [email protected] and we can discuss options.
If I am unable to make the race, can I give my entry to a friend?
NO. Another athlete cannot use your child’s race entry. If someone else races under your name and is injured, or causes an accident, that person will not be covered by any protection typically afforded to an athlete through the insurance policy.
Are there refunds for cancelled races?
Unfortunately no. Weather is an uncontrollable factor and every effort will be made to proceed with a safe event. It is possible that the swim and/or the bike portions of the event are cancelled. If this is the case, then a run/swim/run or bike/run or a run only event will take place. Participants will still receive their medals and awards.
What happens in inclement weather?
If weather is uncertain prior to the race we will send emails and social media posts to notify athletes/parents of our contingency plan. The race goes on rain or shine. In the case of lightening the race will be delayed or stopped immediately if in progress. The race will not resume until 30 minutes after the last incidence of lightening. If the road conditions are unsafe due to rain the bike portion of the race will be cancelled and a swim – run event will take place.
Are scooters, balance bikes and/or training wheels allowed?
Scooters are not permitted in the race. Balance Bikes are permitted. Training wheels are NOT permitted in any age group.
What is a “wave”?
Waves are the groups that athletes are placed in according to their age to start the race. Each athlete is assigned a wave number.
Can my child switch his/her wave assignment?
NO. We create the waves based on a age group and wave assignments cannot be changed. Sorry, we do not take wave requests.
Can my child use any stroke in the swim portion?
Yes, whatever stroke the athlete is comfortable with. The swim area is shallow and athletes can stand up if they need too.
Can I participate in the triathlon with my child?
NO. Our crew and volunteers are experienced and are there to assist all participants throughout the event. The race course will have sufficient volunteers to monitor the athletes and assist if necessary.
Are parents allowed in transition?
NO. Only athletes and volunteers will be permitted in the transition area. Our experienced volunteers will assist your child with bike and gear set up.
Do they need to wear a helmet?
YES. No one will be allowed to bike without a helmet. Transition volunteers will make sure no athletes leave the transition zone without a helmet that is fastened! PLEASE make sure your child’s helmet fits properly.
Is my child safe on the course?
Safety is our highest priority. While parents need to understand that participating in a sporting event like a triathlon has, by its nature, elements of risk, as do all sports. You can help make your child’s experience the safest and most enjoyable by practicing before the race to improve their skills and increase their confidence. The entire race course is a “closed course” which means no vehicles are allowed on the course at any time during the race.
What are the rules for clipless pedals?
Clipless pedals are permitted at any age. The athlete must be able to clip into both sides of the pedal.
Are Aerobars permitted?
No. Per USA Triathlon Youth Supplemental Rules. Aerobars are not allowed. No aero or timetrial bars may be attached to the bike or used during competition. All handlebars ends shall be solidly plugged.
Is this a timed event?
Yes. Full results with splits for swim, bike, run and transition will be posted on site soon after the race. Results can also be accessed online within 24 hours of the race.
How will my child know where to go on the race course?
The race course is well marked with traffic cones and numerous volunteers are strategically placed throughout the course to provide direction and support.
Also, we encourage athletes and parents to review the race course maps to familiarize themselves with the course, specifically the bike and run exits, the turn around points on the bike and run course and how transition works.
How do we get our equipment out of transition?
Once ALL athletes have finished the race we will announce that transition is open and the athletes may enter transition to collect their gear. Volunteers will be present to assist the athletes. The race organizers are not responsible for lost gear – please make sure you have everything before you depart.
Per USA Triathlon rules athletes race per ‘USAT age.’ This means that an athlete races the age they will be on December 31stof the current year. For example, your 9 years old child will be racing as a 10 year old on race day even though their birthday is after the race.
What does my child need to participate?
Your child needs is an age/size appropriate bicycle. PROPERLY FITTED bike helmet with functioning chin strap. Swim suit or triathlon garments, goggles, and running shoes. Helmets must comply with either CPSC or CSA standards as indicated by a label on the inside.
Will I receive a refund if my child is unable to participate?
There are no refunds for an entry fee if your child is unable to participate. Please contact the Race Director at [email protected] and we can discuss options.
If I am unable to make the race, can I give my entry to a friend?
NO. Another athlete cannot use your child’s race entry. If someone else races under your name and is injured, or causes an accident, that person will not be covered by any protection typically afforded to an athlete through the insurance policy.
Are there refunds for cancelled races?
Unfortunately no. Weather is an uncontrollable factor and every effort will be made to proceed with a safe event. It is possible that the swim and/or the bike portions of the event are cancelled. If this is the case, then a run/swim/run or bike/run or a run only event will take place. Participants will still receive their medals and awards.
What happens in inclement weather?
If weather is uncertain prior to the race we will send emails and social media posts to notify athletes/parents of our contingency plan. The race goes on rain or shine. In the case of lightening the race will be delayed or stopped immediately if in progress. The race will not resume until 30 minutes after the last incidence of lightening. If the road conditions are unsafe due to rain the bike portion of the race will be cancelled and a swim – run event will take place.
Are scooters, balance bikes and/or training wheels allowed?
Scooters are not permitted in the race. Balance Bikes are permitted. Training wheels are NOT permitted in any age group.
What is a “wave”?
Waves are the groups that athletes are placed in according to their age to start the race. Each athlete is assigned a wave number.
Can my child switch his/her wave assignment?
NO. We create the waves based on a age group and wave assignments cannot be changed. Sorry, we do not take wave requests.
Can my child use any stroke in the swim portion?
Yes, whatever stroke the athlete is comfortable with. The swim area is shallow and athletes can stand up if they need too.
Can I participate in the triathlon with my child?
NO. Our crew and volunteers are experienced and are there to assist all participants throughout the event. The race course will have sufficient volunteers to monitor the athletes and assist if necessary.
Are parents allowed in transition?
NO. Only athletes and volunteers will be permitted in the transition area. Our experienced volunteers will assist your child with bike and gear set up.
Do they need to wear a helmet?
YES. No one will be allowed to bike without a helmet. Transition volunteers will make sure no athletes leave the transition zone without a helmet that is fastened! PLEASE make sure your child’s helmet fits properly.
Is my child safe on the course?
Safety is our highest priority. While parents need to understand that participating in a sporting event like a triathlon has, by its nature, elements of risk, as do all sports. You can help make your child’s experience the safest and most enjoyable by practicing before the race to improve their skills and increase their confidence. The entire race course is a “closed course” which means no vehicles are allowed on the course at any time during the race.
What are the rules for clipless pedals?
Clipless pedals are permitted at any age. The athlete must be able to clip into both sides of the pedal.
Are Aerobars permitted?
No. Per USA Triathlon Youth Supplemental Rules. Aerobars are not allowed. No aero or timetrial bars may be attached to the bike or used during competition. All handlebars ends shall be solidly plugged.
Is this a timed event?
Yes. Full results with splits for swim, bike, run and transition will be posted on site soon after the race. Results can also be accessed online within 24 hours of the race.
How will my child know where to go on the race course?
The race course is well marked with traffic cones and numerous volunteers are strategically placed throughout the course to provide direction and support.
Also, we encourage athletes and parents to review the race course maps to familiarize themselves with the course, specifically the bike and run exits, the turn around points on the bike and run course and how transition works.
How do we get our equipment out of transition?
Once ALL athletes have finished the race we will announce that transition is open and the athletes may enter transition to collect their gear. Volunteers will be present to assist the athletes. The race organizers are not responsible for lost gear – please make sure you have everything before you depart.