Yes! Every participant will receive a free T-shirt in their packet pickup bag.

Every participant receives a nice custom medal upon crossing the Finish Line.

We also issue custom 3D medals for 1st through 4th place, which are the talk of the town among participants.

The Sheriff will open the entrance gate at 5:30 am. You will then be able to drive to Shelter #11 after turning right at the STOP sign and parking your car very close to the Start/Finish Line.  You will see signs and someone directing you in. We also set up reflective cones, so you have no choice but to turn into the correct entrance.

NO. Not on "Age Category or Special Awards." The more people who can get a medal, the better. The only two (2) instances in which you could receive a second medal are if you win "Fastest Bike or Fastest Runner."

This means that if you win the Masters, you will be removed from the age category awards. This is nice because it lets more people win awards, and everybody likes standing on the podium, right?

No, USAT does not allow that because you receive points when you compete in all USAT events, and that would alter your position and points.

No, there are too many athletes/participants.

Entry fees are not refundable because we have bibs printed in advance, hire the Sheriff's Department for road closures, and hire two ambulances, among other expenses. The cost easily exceds $8,000.00 per Triathlon/Duathlon.

You must be in good health and physically prepared to participate in the event you sign up for or in any multi-event options.

You must show a photo ID and email confirmation to receive your race number and timing chip. You may pick up another person's race packet by showing a copy of the person's driver's license. If time permits, the Race Director has another way to confirm your identity.

No coaches, bikes, in-line skates, skateboards, or dogs will be allowed on the course. 

Course Time Limits: The bike course will be cleared at 9:00 am, because that is when the sheriff opens the park gates, and people will drive in, which would make it unsafe for the bike riders. We don't want to remove you from the course, so pedal your butt off if you are falling behind. We will make every effort to let you finish.

The moment the last bike rider exits the bike corral and starts on their run, a general announcement will be made, immediately informing athletes that they may enter the bike corral and secure their bikes.

If the course staff determines there’s no realistic way to finish within the time limits based on your location, time, and pace, you may be removed from the course and recorded as DNF. To date, this has not happened in a long time. Just pedal faster, and you can complete your final 5k or 10k. Upon crossing the FINISH LINE, you will be met with a very nice celebration. 

Any athlete who cuts the course, intentionally or unintentionally, must report this to personnel at the race results tent so corrections/adjustments can be made to ensure the correct athletes receive credit for their times.  

ATTENTION: It's okay if you decide not to finish an event/race, but please don't walk across the finish line. But if you do cross the finish line to receive your medal, please let the timer know you did not complete the entire course. It can mess up results. COLLECT YOUR MEDAL BUT always walk over to the timer immediately and tell someone at the timing tent that you did not complete the entire course.

If you sell, give away, or run under someone else's bib outside of our approved transfer/deferral system, we reserve the right to remove you from the results and potentially ban you. Please know that these rules are in place for the safety of all other participants. In addition, we take cheating very seriously and want everyone to have a great day and experience.

If you sign up using a first-responder code, we’ll follow up by requesting your Military ID, branch of service, and years served. The same applies for current or former Firefighters and Police Officers. Once verified, you’ll remain in the system for life, and the 20% discount will always be available. Only one code can be used per participant.

7am 

October 3rd at 7am

Athletes should bring their bike, helmet, running shoes, swim goggles, and race nutrition. A full water bottle or sports drink is required for the bike. Sunscreen, a towel for transition, a race belt, and post-race clothing are also recommended.

Packet pickup includes a silicone swim cap, race numbers for the bike, run, and helmet, a race number tattoo, event t-shirt, tote bag, and race program (select races).

You will receive a timing chip before the race. This chip is required to record your race time and splits and must be returned at the finish line.

Water and sports drink are provided on the run course. Finishers receive a medal, post-race refreshments, and award medals for top three finishers in each category.

A triathlon consists of three disciplines completed in order: swim, bike, and run.

A duathlon consists of a run, bike, and run.

Most races are sprint-distance events, consisting of a ¼-mile swim, a 10-mile bike, and a 3-mile run/5K. Distances may vary depending on the venue. Longer distances include International, Olympic, Half Iron, and Full Iron.

Yes. As long as you choose a race suited to your abilities and train properly, most people can finish a triathlon. Beginners are encouraged to start with a Sprint distance.

All athletes should start with a Sprint distance race, regardless of long-term goals.

No. Many first-time triathletes have no background in these disciplines. It is always good to get some good training in, so you are ready for your first event. Swimming is something all people do prior to entering an event, to make sure they are prepared appropriately.

Training time depends on your goals. Sprint races may require as little as 4 hours per week for 6 weeks. Longer races require significantly more time. Older folks sometimes train only 1 or 2 times a week and then run the race. Personal preference.

Required equipment includes a bike, helmet, running shoes, goggles, swim cap (provided), and race numbers.

Athletes may wear tri-shorts, swimsuits, or tri-suits. Clothing choices depend on comfort, modesty, and race distance.

No. Nudity is not permitted in transition areas.

A race number belt is an elastic belt used to display your run bib without pinning it to clothing. Some athletes use them, while others do not. Personal choice.

Nutrition depends on race and distance. Sprint athletes may only need water or a gel, while longer races require sports drinks, gels, and solid foods. Nutrition should always be practiced during training.

On all run courses, you will encounter a well-manned water/Gatorade station. The course is out-and-back, so you will encounter the same water station twice.

When you finish your event, you will find plenty to drink and eat. Hot food & beer will always be available at all of our events.

Register online through the event website.

No. Registrations are non-refundable.

Athletes may transfer between races within the same event by logging into their account. Price differences must be paid, and no refunds are given for downgrades.

No. Transferring your entry to another person is not allowed.

These are racing divisions. Athletes may choose one division. Clydesdale and Athena are weight-based. If you compete as a "clydesdale," you can be any age, but your weight must be 220 lbs or more on race day. If you compete as a "clydesdale," you can be any age, but your weight must be 220 lbs or more on race day. Fat Tire is for athletes using wide-tire bikes.

No. Eligible athletes may choose to race in their age group instead.

No. Almost any bike without a motor or recumbent design is allowed.

Yes. Helmets are required anytime you are on your bike at the race site.

Yes.

No.

Bikes may be retrieved once all athletes have started the run.

Sprint races provide water. Longer races also provide sports drink and nutrition.

Currently, rules do not require men to wear a shirt.

No. All races use one transition area.

A timing chip records your race time and must be worn on your left ankle. 

No. Timing chips are included in the entry fee.

You will be charged a replacement fee of about $15.00 if it is the ankle strap. You also won't have a "Finish Time."

Preliminary results are posted shortly after the race, with official results posted online once finalized. You can also visit floridaroadracemanagement.com to check your results after finishing the race.

You can also check your results on runsignup.com under the race you competed in.

3500 Pinellas Bayway S, St. Petersburg, Florida 33715

Shelter #11

5-year increments starting with 19 and under, then 20-24, 25-29, and up to 80+.

1st through 4th place.

We also issue awards to the Overall Male and female in each event.

There are awards issued to the top Masters Division, Grand Masters Division, Sr. Masters Division, and Sr. Grand Masters Division.

NO.

Parking is $6.00 per vehicle. You can use the "Park Mobile" app on your phone or computer and pay for parking anytime after 12 midnight on the day of the race. This will save you time for sure. You won't have to stand in a big line at one of the on-site parking kiosks and use your credit card. 

You can pay using your credit card at any of the kiosks located near the event in the parking area. The lines can be long, so just add PARK MOBILE to your phone and pay while sitting in your car.

Yes.

Yes, this discount is our way of saying, "Thank you for your service."

When you are asked if you are in the military, are a Police Officer, or a firefighter, you mark yes when using runsignup.com, and at the very end, while registering online, you will see the discount automatically deducted prior to paying your entry fee.

This applies to you even if you are retired.

You will be asked to take a picture and email it or text it to (813) 595-5700. Discount services will add your name after verification is complete, and now, each time you sign up for an event, you will receive the same 20% discount. You will only need to submit your military identification card once.

Yes. 

Yes. A professional photographer takes pictures, and we post them online on our event website at http://ww.thunderboltmultisport.com.

No, never! Always free. There should never be a charge. 

Yes, at all our events, we make sure all participants receive a custom "Finisher Medal" upon crossing the Finish Line.

YES.

Yes, absolutely. 

Masters 40+, Grand Masters 50+, Sr. Masters 60+, and Sr. Grand Masters 70+.

We also have the Fastest Runner and Fastest Bike in Chilly Willy.

YES

Yes, you will encounter the same water stations on your way out, then turn around at the halfway point and pass them again.

The transition area will close at 6:50 am, 10 minutes before the first race starts.

Yes, Playtri in St. Pete is a sponsor and will also rent you a bike for the race.

Yes, Playtri from St. Petersburg will be at the event set up near the entrance of the transition area.

Shelter 11

Yes, always two paramedics and at least one ambulance.

No gear check is required because your vehicle is parked in the same area as the event.

Yes, indoor bathrooms are located on-site. Depending on how big the race is, porta-potties are sometimes brought in as well.

Only the bike course and the time to complete the bike course is 9:00 am

yes

They are now. As of January 1st, 2026. 

Yes, when your name is called, come up and take your rightful place on the podium with your beautiful custom medal around your neck for all to see.

Yes, two professional photographers and most likely a 3rd person interviewing athletes before and after the race.

Yes

You will need to be wearing your wristband and have your bib attached to your shirt/belt. We do this to ensure only athletes enter the transition area. We pride ourselves on never having a bike stolen from the transition area.

You will be directed in, and you can park anywhere you want without moving a barricade. There will be plenty of parking.

Go speak to the announcer, and he will make an announcement to everyone. Any items found are always turned in to the announcer for the convenience of all participants.

Take it to the announcer's tent, and he would log it in and make an announcement to the participants.

No, but once all bikes are in, we drive the course to pick up anyone who may have broken down and transport both the participant and their bike back to the transition area.