Frequently Asked Questions
We strongly encourage picking up your child’s packet on Friday (the day before the race) to complete pre-race prep—bike and helmet stickers, bibs, and extra time to set up transition.
Packet pickup is available Friday (the day before the race) from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at the Sportsplex.
Race-day pickup will be available on Saturday (race day) from 6:00–6:45 a.m. — please note that transition promptly closes at 7:00 a.m.
Each participant will receive:
- Swim cap (must be worn in the pool) - (Sportsplex Tri for Kids only)
- Helmet sticker and bike sticker - (Sportsplex Tri for Kids only)
- Bib number & safety pins
- Event t-shirt
- Fun items from our sponsors
Swim cap colors and bib numbers identify each athlete’s age group and help race volunteers quickly identify participants throughout the event.
- 🔴 Red: Ages 12–15 — Bib numbers 100–199
- 🟡 Yellow: Ages 9–11 — Bib numbers 200–299
- 🔵 Blue: Ages 5–8 — Bib numbers 300–399
- 🟢 Green: Small Fry Tri — Bib numbers 1–99
- Swimsuit or tri suit
- Goggles & towel
- Flip flops (optional)
- Bike & helmet (helmets required at all times on the bike course)
- Socks & shoes
- Race shirt (either the provided triathlon shirt or another shirt)
- Race belt (optional)
- Swim cap, bib number, safety pins, helmet/bike stickers (from your race packet)
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
The Sportsplex Tri for Kids follows USA Triathlon (USAT) rules. The following are some of the key rules and equipment requirements athletes and parents should know:
- Swim: Athletes must complete the swim independently. Resting on lane dividers is allowed, but athletes may not receive assistance.
- Swim Start: No diving at the start of the swim. Swimmers must enter the water feet-first.
- Bike: Athletes must use a traditional, pedal-powered bicycle. Balance bikes, training wheels, and other non-traditional bicycles are not permitted. Handlebar plugs (caps that cover the ends of the handlebars) are required.
- Helmet: A properly fitted helmet with the chin strap securely fastened must be worn at all times while handling or riding the bike, including in the transition area
- Transition: Athletes may run or walk their bicycles through the transition area, but bicycles must not be ridden.
- Equipment & Conduct: Drafting (riding closely behind another cyclist), flotation devices, phones, audio devices, GoPros, and snorkels are not permitted. Race numbers must remain visible at all times. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
- Distances: Athletes must complete all required swim, bike, and run distances independently.
If you have questions about equipment or race rules, please email us at sportsplextriforkids@gmail.com
No. For safety, only athletes and volunteers are allowed inside once transition closes. Volunteers will help athletes if needed. Transition reopens after the triathlon ends (announcement will be made). We recommend practicing transitions at home beforehand.
Safety is our top priority. Lifeguards will be stationed at the pool, volunteers will monitor the bike and run courses, and Sportsplex Parkway will be closed starting at 7:00 a.m. for the bike portion. A dedicated medical and safety team will also be on site.
That’s completely normal! Encourage your child to attend practice sessions, review course maps, and focus on having fun. The goal is to finish and enjoy the experience, not just compete.
Your child should be able to swim the full race distance for their age group without assistance:
- Ages 5–8: 2 laps (50 yards)
- Ages 9–11: 4 laps (100 yards)
- Ages 12–15: 6 laps (150 yards)
Lifeguards will be stationed for safety. Swimmers may rest on lane dividers if needed, but they must complete the swim on their own. Encouraging your child to practice in advance will help build confidence and make race day more enjoyable.
- Bike: Practice mounting, dismounting, turning, and braking. Make sure the bike is safe and the tires are fully inflated before race day. A bike mechanic may be available near transition for quick fixes, but a tune-up in advance is strongly recommended. If a bike issue occurs during the race, volunteers will assist your child to safely return to transition.
- Run: Practice pacing. Encourage your child to run at a comfortable pace — walking is always allowed.
Each Sportsplex Tri for Kids athlete will wear a timing anklet that records their split times and overall finish time. We use a time-trial start, so athletes enter the pool one at a time as directed by the Swim Coordinator. Their time begins when they start the swim, and their total time determines their place in the results.
Results will be posted online after the race, where you can view your child’s finish time and place.
Every finisher will receive a medal at the finish line. For the Sportsplex Tri for Kids, awards will also be presented to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.
The triathlon is held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, the race may be delayed, modified, or canceled. Updates will be announced on site and, if possible, via email.
Please reach out through our Contact Page or email us at sportsplextriforkids@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help.
Race Assistant
AIYou are about to initiate a chat with an AI assistant (not a person).
By clicking “Agree and start chatting”, you agree to the collection, recording, storage and processing of this chat communication as outlined in our Privacy Policy.