General Information

Q: When is the YMCA Wrightsville Beach Triathlon?
A: Saturday, September 18, 2027, at Wrightsville Beach Park, NC.

Q: What organization benefits from this race?
A: The event raises over $20,000 annually for the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, supporting youth and family fitness programs.

Q: How long has the race been around?
A: It began in 1979, making it the longest-running triathlon on the East Coast.

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Registration & Packet Pickup

Q: Do I need an ID to pick up my packet?
A: Yes. A photo ID is required for all participants, including relay team members. Each athlete must pick up their own packet.

Q: When and where can I pick up my packet?

• Friday, Sept 17 – 1:00–7:00pm at Wrightsville Beach Park. This is the only packet pickup in 2027. There is no Thursday or race-morning pickup.

Q: Do I have to check my bike in on Friday?
A: Yes. Bike check is mandatory on Friday, September 17 at Wrightsville Beach Park. You choose a time slot when you register (1–3pm, 3–5pm or 5–7pm), and every bike must be racked in transition Friday. There is no Saturday bike drop.

Q: What comes in my race packet?
A: Race numbers, a swim cap, race swag, and safety pins (if needed).

Q: Can I defer or transfer my registration?
A: Deferals and transfers are $25 and the deferal deadline is September 1st.  If it is past September 1st, there are no more deferals past this point.

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Parking & Arrival

Q: Where should I park?
A: Parking on the island is very limited in 2027 because of the bridge project. Only 300 VIP Beach Parking Passes ($20, add on at registration) are available for Wrightsville Beach Park, the Bluewater lot and Salisbury Street. Pass holders must be parked before 6:00am and cannot leave until after 10:00am. Everyone else, including spectators arriving separately, must ride the shuttle in. Shuttle details will be posted before race week.

Q: How far is the swim start from transition?
A: About one mile from transition at Trailborn Surf & Sound Hotel (sound side). Allow 20–25 minutes to walk.

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Race Day

Q: What time does the race start?
A: The sprint triathlon is a time-trial start beginning at 6:50am. Athletes line up by their 100m seed time and enter the water a few at a time, fastest first. The youth race begins at approximately 8:00am, once all main-event athletes are out of the water.

Q: Is there a race morning checklist?
A: Yes. Key reminders:

• Timing straps will be in your packet

• Body mark at home (hands + calves)

• Bring goggles, swim cap from your packet, helmet, bike/run shoes, and race belt.  Also a USAT Wetsuit if the water temperature is 78 degrees or below.

• Use restrooms at the park or on the way to the swim start

• Know your 100m seed time so you line up in the right spot.

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Swim

Q: How long is the swim and what are the conditions?
A: Sprint swim = 1,200 meter (point-to-point in the Intracoastal Waterway). Usually aided by an incoming tide.

Q: Are wetsuits allowed?
A: Yes, if the water temperature is under 78°F. Between 78.1–83°F, wetsuits are optional but athletes will be ineligible for awards and ranking points.

Q: What if I need help in the water?
A: Roll onto your back and raise your hand. You may hold onto a kayak, canoe, or surfboard without penalty. Holding a motorized boat = disqualification.

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Bike

Q: What is the bike course like?
A: One loop, 11 miles, including crossing the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge twice. Passing is prohibited on the bridge.

Q: Are helmets required?
A: Yes. Hard-shell helmets must be fastened before leaving transition.

Q: Can I wear headphones?
A: No headphones or audio devices are allowed.

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Run

Q: How long is the run?
A: 5K (3.1 miles) on the John Nesbit Loop sidewalk. There are two water stations.

Q: Do I need to wear my bib on the run?
A: Yes, your bib must be visible on the front of your body when crossing the finish line. Failure results in a 2-minute penalty.

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Youth Race

Q: What distances do youth athletes race?
A: Shorter swim (~200m), bike, and run courses modified from the sprint layout.

Q: When is the youth triathlon?
A: Starts at 8:00am, after the sprint race finishes.

Q: Are parents allowed to assist youth athletes?
A: No. Parents cannot swim, bike, or run with youth athletes. Pacing is against the rules.

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Timing & Results

Q: What timing system is used?
A: ChampionChip Timing. Your timing chip is in your packet at Friday pickup.

Q: What if I lose my chip?
A: A $30 replacement fee will be charged.

Q: Where can I find results?
A: Live results are posted online throughout the race; full results will be available later on ymcawbtri.com .

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Spectators & Post-Race

Q: Can spectators bike or run with athletes?
A: No. Doing so will disqualify the athlete.

Q: Where should spectators watch?
A: Stay on sidewalks around Wrightsville Beach Park and avoid interfering with athletes.

Q: Is there a post-race party?
A: Yes! Head to Lighthouse Beer and Wine after 9:00am. Athletes (21+) get a free beer with the tear-off ticket on their bib.

Apparel and Swag

Q: How do I get a t-shirt
A: You need to have registered by the t-shirt cutoff 4 weeks prior to the event

Q: If I missed the cutoff where can I get a shirt
A: We have an online store you can have a shirt drop shipped to you: CLICK HERE