Packet Pick Up
Bikes will be inspected on Saturday, August 9 from 5-7 pm at the Sherando Park Rotary Shelter (across from the pool). Please be sure to bring your child’s bike and helmet. Swimmers will be ‘body marked’ with their bib number via a volunteer using a Sharpie to write each their bib number on their left arm and leg – capturing the full Tri experience!!

If you check in on Saturday, you do not need to check in on Sunday morning.

Bikes should be inspected for safety before the event on Sunday, August 10.  If you are unable to attend Saturday, August 9, you can use this inspection form to take to a local bike shop and your athlete can submit at check-in on race morning between 7-7:50 am.

Parking
Sherando Park/Sherando High School will close to all vehicular traffic at 7:50 a.m. Please be sure to arrive early and inform any family/friend spectators to be in the park prior to 7:50 a.m. Parking will be available in the parking lot across from the Sherando Pool.

Restrooms
The restrooms will be open and available to athletes and spectators.

Awards 
Medals will be given to all race finishers. An awards ceremony will take place once all triathletes have finished and results have been tabulated. Awards will be provided to the top 3 finishers in each age group (7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15).

Course Maps
Course maps are located on the registration page for each age group. Please review the course maps and take time to review the course with your athlete if possible. Volunteers will be placed along the course to assist athletes in staying on the course.

Timing Devices
Each athlete will be required to wear an ankle timing bracelet (just above their ankle) during the triathlon. Athletes will need to pick up their bracelet on race day once they have entered the pool area and are lined up. Timing bracelets will need to be returned at the end of the race when the athlete crosses the finish line. The chip will record athlete’s time in each of the areas: swim, T1, bike, T2, run, and overall time.

Age and Distances:
7-8 (25-meter swim, 1-mile bike, .5-mile run)
9-10 (75-meter swim, 3-mile bike, 1-mile run)
11-12 (125-meter swim, 3-mile bike, 1-mile run)
13-15 (125-meter swim, 3-mile bike, 1-mile run)

The triathlon will begin with the oldest athletes. We will start with ages 13-15 and work our way down (11-12, 9-10, 7-8). There will be a slight break before the 7-8 age group begin to adjust the bike and run course.

Swimmer Information
Only swimmers will be allowed on the pool deck area closest to the start of the triathlon. Swimmers should only bring cap/goggles with them to the pool area. We encourage athletes to leave other items (shoes, towel, and clothes) at their transition area space. Once on the pool deck, timing bracelets will be distributed. Volunteers will guide athletes to where they need to go before their start. Announcements will be made to assist with keeping athletes on schedule and line up locations.

Timing bracelets will be used to record athletes’ times. Swimmers need to listen to directions at the pool on where and when to step on the timing pads to ensure an accurate time is recorded.

Athletes must enter the pool FEET first, then begin your swim.

Transition Information
There are two transitions in a triathlon: swim > bike (Transition 1 or T1) and bike > run (Transition 2 or T2). For this triathlon, T1 & T2 are within the same area on the right side of the pool area. The transition area will be fenced off and have spaces for each athlete to set up their equipment (bike, helmet, shoes, towel, etc.) giving a space to get ready for the next step within the event. PARENTS WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE TRANSITION AREA FROM 7 AM – 7:50 AM. The transition area will open at 7 AM. Parents will be asked to leave the transition area at 7:50 AM. Volunteers will be in the transition area to help athletes.

Use your kickstand to park your bike or use the bike rack. Upon completion of their swim, the athlete will enter the transition area, find their bike, and put on their helmet/clothes.

What should my athlete have in their transition space?

• Bike
• Bike Helmet
• Towel(s)
• Socks/Sneakers
• Water Bottle
• Hat and/or Sunglasses (if using)
• Shirt and Shorts (if using)

The athlete must WALK/JOG their bike completely out of the transition area and mount their bike at the beginning of the bike course on Splash Avenue. DO NOT mount bike until you are on Splash Avenue; helmets must be fastened before exiting the transition area. Volunteers will be in the transition area to help before and during the race with shoe-tying, getting the bikes ready, and any other issues the athletes may need assistance with. At no time during the race are any parents or spectators allowed into the transition area. This is primarily for safety reasons and keeping the transition area as clear as possible for the youth athletes.

Transition 2 – Bike >Run
Transition 2 is the same transition area as Transition 1. Volunteers will be at the end of the bike course, reminding all athletes to dismount their bikes. Athletes MAY NOT ride their bike into the transition area and helmets must remain strapped until within the transition area.

Once in the transition area, park your bike by either using your kickstand or lying it flat – you may NOT just leave it on the ground in any location, your bike must be parked in your transition space.

Athletes should leave their helmets with their bike, collect any items needed for the run and jog out the back of the transition area. Volunteers will be in the transition area to help with bike racking and any other issues the athletes may need assistance with. At no time during the race are will any parents or spectators be allowed into the transition area, unless they have signed up to be a transition area volunteer.

Cycling Information
Helmets must be properly worn and the chin strap fastened prior to leaving the transition area for the bike section. Helmet must remain on and fastened at ALL times while on the bike. Athletes may not get on their bike until they have left the first Transition area – volunteers will remind athletes of this and assist with mounting and dismounting locations.You must follow the directions from course marshals along the course. They are there to keep you safe. You must dismount your bike before you re-enter the transition area. Volunteers will be there to assist. 

Runner Information
Each age group will begin the run course at the back of transition area and finish on the grassy area behind the pool. Please review the course maps on the website for each age group run route.

For the triathletes running the 1 mile distance - once the triathletes complete the first lap, they will be provided a popsicle stick. After completing the second lap, the triathletes will drop their stick in a bucket when exiting the track.

Gear Checklist
NOTE: some items listed are optional and a preference to the athlete

Swim:

• Swim cap (if preferred)
• Goggles (if preferred)
• Towel (1-2)
• Swimsuit (suitable for biking/running after exiting the pool)
• Ear plugs/nose plugs (if preferred)

Run:

• Running shoes (required)
• Socks
• Shirt
• Water bottle
• Hat/Visor
• Sunglasses
• T-shirt
• Shorts

Bike:

• Bike
• Helmet (required)
• T-shirt
• Shorts
• Socks
• Shoes
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle

Can I go to meet my athlete at the finish line? 
Please take this route to the finish line - exit the pool deck area by the pavilion. Walk outside the interior pool fence through the grassy area to the finish line.

Where can I spectate?

• Please be mindful and respectful of all barriers and course marshals. Barriers and course marshals are in place for the safety of all the athletes.
• For the swim portion, please spectate from behind the barriers on the pool deck. You will be able to see your athlete exit the pool to head to transition. You can then walk to transition to cheer them on before they exit the pool area.
• For the bike portion, please exit the pool area through the restrooms. You can then spectate on Splash Avenue. 
• Once your athlete returns, you can then walk through the parking lot to the top of the hill near the sand volleyball court. Your athlete will do an out and back course to the basketball courts or the Sherando track.
• To see your athlete finish, re-enter the pool area and follow the instructions above.