Race Course Information
Transition: The swim-to-bike transition and the bike-to-run transition are in the same place. Each participant will have a spot to rack his/her bike and set up necessary equipment.
Bike Techs: Bike Technicians from David's World Cycle will be available in transition and on the bike course if need be.
Swim Start: Varsity division will start at 7:45am and the JV division will follow behind (expected start time is 8:00am). The JV division will be staged in a waiting area near their swim until their start time. Groups of two-three athletes will start every 5 seconds.
Swim Course: No diving or running – participants must enter the water at a safe pace. Please note, the swim takes place in the Rambling Bayou (lazy river). Athletes will be swimming with the current and Lifeguards will be staged every 20-30 yards. The swim course ends at the steps leading up to Mango Joe’s concession area. Reminder: Athletes are NOT permitted to run out of the swim portion of the race. Race officials and volunteers will monitor the swim course and enforce this rule.
Noteworthy: The participants will run through sand on their way from swim finish to designated transition area. Kiddie pools will be provided for a quick rinse. We recommend participants stage a towel with their bike in the transition area.
Bike Course: The bike course is a loop through Busch Gardens’ parking lot. Both Age Divisions will do ONE bike loop (1.5 mile). The loop begins and ends at the Busch Gardens’ parking lot gates located on Linebaugh Ave. Volunteers will be on course helping direct participants. Each athlete is required to wear a helmet during the bike segment. You must have your helmet securely fastened on your head before you mount and dismount your bike. Drafting and blocking other athletes is not permitted during the race. Race officials and volunteers will monitor the bike course and enforce these rules. All participants must complete the bike course by 8:45am or else they will be disqualified and considered a DNF (did not finish).
Run Course: The run course is a loop in a grassy field. NEW in 2019: Both Age Divisions will do ONE run loop (0.5 mile). Volunteers will be on course helping to direct participants. You must complete the entire course and stay to the right of the cones.
Water Stations: There will be two water stations on course. The first station will be located along the transition path (located in the sand volleyball area) from swim to bike. The second station will be located outside the transition area from bike to run.
Finish: The run course officially closes at 9:00am. All participants still on the course will be asked to return to the finish line/ awards ceremony and considered a DNF.
Course Safety: The Tampa Bay Kids Triathlon is self-contained within the parameters of Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. There will be little to no vehicular traffic along the course but we encourage all athletes to be aware of their surroundings, obey the instructions of traffic control officers, race directors and volunteers. Also please be considerate of others during the competition.
