General

 

What is the order of a triathlon?

Swim, Bike, Run.  Transition 1 or T1 is between the swim to bike and Transition 2 is between the bike to run.  All disciplines and transitions are included in the total time of a participant's race.

 

How is the race timed?

Using your child’s race number that has been written on their arm, the timers enter this number into the computer timing system, and your child can enter the water to start their race.  In transition 1 your child must put on their race bib and wear their bib through the bike, run, and to the finish line. Total time will be recorded when athletes cross the finish line.

 

When, what, why, and how for body markings?

All participants must be body marked for safety, identification, and competition when they pick up their packet.   Participant race numbers will be written on the outside of left/right arms and legs. Their age will be written on their right back calf.

 

Can I change my child’s race distance as an 10 or 11 year old?

As long as you email the race 7 days prior to the race, we can change your race child's distance.

 

Where can I park on race day?

Parking will be available in the Palo Verde High School Parking Lot.

 

What if my child is not present for awards?

We encourage your child to stay for the awards as we announce and celebrate the podium winners!  If your child is announced as a podium finisher (1st, 2nd, or 3rd), and you must leave early, please email the race for instructions to claim his/her award.  Awards are shipped in bulk and there is a $12 shipping and handling fee to receive the award.  Allow up to 2-3 weeks to deliver awards after payment is received.

 

 

Packet Pickup

Do I need to bring my child’s USAT registration card?

No, our registration system automatically handles USAT membership verification.

Can a friend pick up my child’s packet?

Sorry, per USA Triathlon rules, minors 17 years or younger must have a legal guardian accompany them as they pick up their packet.  The guardian must show a legal photo ID. 

Can I pick up my child’s race packet on race morning?

Only those that have purchased race morning packet pickup in advance will be allowed to pick up on race morning.  Their packet can be picked up next to the volunteer tent and the legal guardian with a legal ID and their child must be present. All other packets must be picked up at the scheduled packet the day before the event.

 

 

Transition

Will my child’s equipment be safe in transition?

Volunteers monitor the transition area and will check to make sure that equipment matches the body marks on participants before equipment leaves the transition area.

Is there any time I can enter transition with my child?

For safety and security concerns, the transition area will only be open to athletes.  If needed, one parent can check in with the lead transition volunteer and request to enter transition prior to the race with their 6 or 7 year old.   Otherwise, we will have volunteers to assist athletes in transition.

After all participants finish the bike course, transition will open for athletes to remove their equipment.   One Parent/Guardian may accompany their child for equipment removal.   We thank you in advance for your cooperation on this matter.

 

When can my child retrieve their bike and race gear after they have raced? 

Transition will be open for participants to remove these items as soon as the last cyclist has exited transition and started their run. After it has been announced that transition area is open, participants will need to show their race bib and body markings to enter, verify, and remove their belongings.  Only one parent is allowed to accompany and assist their child in transition at this time.

 

Swim

 

Can my child wear a life vest or use a kickboard?

Participants must be able to swim 50yds freestyle or they will have to wear an OSHA approved flotation device such as a life vest.  We will provide life vests at the race.  Kickboards are allowed, but participants must be able to swim 50yds freestyle without assistance.  Floaties are not allowed.  No paddles, fins, or any device that would assist in forward propulsion are allowed.  

What if my child wants to swim another stroke?

That is completely okay.  Most children will swim freestyle.  Children can swim whatever propels them forward.

What if I’m nervous about my child making it across the pool down and back?

Swimming across the length of the pool for the first time can be intimidating for children so their first time should NEVER be on race day.  There are many pools with open swim times that children can practice swimming across the pool even with a life vest, floaties, or kickboard. We want their first triathlon to be safe and fun!

Should I enter my child in long course if they swim vertically with their head up?

Swimming the long course distance this way would be tiring and difficult even for the most athletic child.  If this is where they are developmentally, it is advised to have your child compete in the short course or use a kick-board for the swim.  We can supply them with kick-boards.

Can my child pass participants, rest on the wall, or hang on the lane line during the swim?

All allowed.  

How will my child complete the swim distance with all the other kids?

Participants will be staggered 5-10 seconds apart and multiple swim lanes are used.

Short course participant will be assigned a lane to swim down and will duck under the lane line at the end.  They will swim back in the opposite direction in a different lane.  Participants with flotation devices will be set up to swim down and back in the same lane.  

Long course participants will continue in the same way (swimming one length, ducking under the lane lines, and swimming in the next lane), until they reach the end of their swim on the same side of the pool. Participants with flotation devices will be set up to complete their laps in one lane.

 

Bike

Does my child have to wear their helmet just for the race?

Helmets must be on and buckled anytime participants are on their bikes. They will be disqualified if they do not wear their helmet.  We ask that participants walk their bikes through the parking lots for the safety of cars, pedestrians, and themselves. All participants must have helmets with the US-CPSC sticker inside in order to race.  This regulation sets performance requirements for helmets to protect bicycle riders from head injuries caused by falls or crashes and required by USAT sanctioned races.

Are mountain bikes allowed?

Yes.  Most kids ride them.  Bikes must be in working order, and handlebar ends must be plugged.  A volunteer bike tech will be available to help check bikes when participants set up the transition area and they will ensure that bar ends are plugged before the race begins.

What about training wheels?

Allowed.

Are arrow bars or disc wheels allowed?

Sorry, none of these are allowed and arrow bars will need to be removed before the race.

What if long course participants skip their second loop?

In fairness to all other athletes, and according to USAT rules, they will be disqualified.  Race participants are responsible for knowing and staying on course.  NO EXCEPTIONS

Long course participants must complete two laps of the bike course.  They'll dismount in the turnaround area and stop in front of a volunteer to safely receive a RED STICKER on their helmet.  Volunteers will say "participant's #, GO!" to signal participants to run their bike past the mount line and start their second lap.  Race marshals will be checking/matching helmets and bikes as they enter transition and after bikes are racked to see if long course participants have their race stickers on their helmet.

 

Run

Can my child walk during the run?

Of course!

Can my child run barefoot?

All participants must wear shoes.