HOW DOES THE TRIATHLON WORK?
Individual participants complete three athletic disciplines: Swim 1/2
mile, Bike 12 miles and Run 3 miles (NOTE: Distances are
approximate, check Race information section for precise distances for each
Race city). There is one central transition area (Bike transition) where you will rack your bike and keep your gear. For security purposes, bike numbers MUST be affixed to your bike frame and to your helmet prior to entering the Bike transition area and before racking occurs (Saturday or Sunday, depending on Race city). You should have a small bag with your race number written on it to contain your gear. Marking your race number
on your race bag helps volunteers identify your gear as yours when you
leave the transition area after the race.
When you arrive at the Race Site, follow signs directing
you to the area within the transition area in which you should rack your
bike. Set up your gear in a small area under your bike (running shoes
and/or cycling shoes at the ready, a small towel laid out, bike helmet on
your seat or handlebars, a tee shirt or pair of shorts handy if you wish
to wear them after the swim, etc.). Space in the transition area is
limited; be courteous of other athletes and don't infringe on another
person's space. Only athletes are permitted inside the transition area.
In order to ensure accurate Race timing, each athlete should make sure the
following has been done:
• |
Make sure you have been body-marked - either at Saturday's Race Material Pick-Up (Expo) or on Race morning. Your race number will be written on the FRONT of your arms and thighs. |
• |
Bike frame number should be affixed (with twist-ties which will be supplied) to the cross/top/horizontal tube of your bike and a third hole for the vertical or main tube that connects the seat. The number should hang below the cross/horizontal/top bar. Bike numbers should be affixed outside the transition area before racking occurs (Saturday or Sunday, depending on race city) for security purposes. |
• |
Affix your Run number with safety pins provided to the FRONT of whatever shirt you will wear during the run, or to race belt. |
• |
Affix your Helmet number to front of helmet |
• |
Attach your timing Chip SECURELY to your ankle with the plastic strap as instructed at Race Materials Pick-Up (Expo). |
• |
Head towards the water for the Swim Start. |
NOTE: Timing chip, Bike frame number, Race number, Helmet number, twist ties and safety pins will all be supplied in Race Materials Envelope at MANDATORY Race Materials Pick Up (Expo).
Athletes enter the water in "waves" of 100-150 women, with 3-5
minutes between wave starts. Strong swimmers are encouraged to position themselves toward the front of the wave for a less crowded path through the water,
while weaker swimmers should stay near the back and outer edges of the
wave to avoid possibly being swum over. There is plenty of water safety,
and if you get tired, disoriented or scared, you can hang onto a kayak,
surfboard or lifeguard for as long as you want without being disqualified.
You can use any swim stroke, but swimming aids like flippers and
"floaties" are not permitted.
After
exiting the water at the "Swim Finish," you will return to the transition area
and locate your bike. Strap on your helmet, walk or run your bike to the "Bike
Start" banner - riding is not permitted inside the transition area - and head
out on the bike course. Helmets must be on and straps snapped before exiting the
transition area
It is recommended you have a full bottle of water in the cage on your
bike, and
that you drink all of this fluid while on the bike course to prevent
dehydration.
After completing the bike course, you will return to the transition area
and rack your bike in the same place it was before. If you wish to switch to
running shoes, do so here. Make sure that your race number is clearly
showing on the FRONT of your body, and head out on the run. After the
Race, be sure to return to the transition area to claim your bike and all
your gear.
WILL I BE LAST TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE?
No. Sally Edwards, the DWTS spokeswoman, is the last to cross the Finish Line at every Race.
I WANT TO RACE WITH MY FRIEND/MOM/SISTER/TRAINING
PARTNER/COLLEAGUE, MAY I?
If doing the
Race with your mom, friend, sister, etc. is your TOP priority, then you should
enter the Race in the MIXED AGE GROUP Category. This category is for women
who are different ages but want to do the Danskin Triathlon
together (family, friends, colleagues or training partners).
Please read information presented herein on this category BEFORE completing
entry:
WHAT IS THE MIXED AGE GROUP CATEGORY?
WHY DO I HAVE TO ARRIVE SO EARLY IN THE MORNING IF I
START IN ONE OF THE LAST WAVES?
In most cases, access to the Race site is by way of roadways that are also used as part of the bike or run courses. As a result, all vehicular
traffic is prohibited on these roadways at the start of the FIRST swim
wave to protect the safety of those athletes who will be racing on the
courses.
In all fairness and for safety of all athletes and their property, we must
insist that the transition area be closed to all but racers-in-progress.
All athletes should be on the race site and ready to race no later than 30
minutes PRIOR to the first wave start regardless of her individual wave
start.
WHY DO I HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG TO CLAIM MY GEAR FROM THE TRANSITION AREA?
USA Triathlon Federation Rule 7.4 – Obstruction and Interference: "No participant shall impede the forward progress of another participant or interfere with another participant's equipment while in the Transition Area". With this rule in mind, the Local Race Director and his/her team will use his/her best efforts to make the Transition Area available for bike pick up and departure from the Race site by all athletes.
HOW DOES CHIP TIMING WORK?
A computer chip encoded with the athlete's name, race number and wave
start is attached to a plastic strap that the athlete must wear SECURELY
around her ankle. A "scanner" located in the orange mats positioned at
each transition (swim start, swim finish; bike start, bike finish; run start and run
finish) "reads" the chip and records the time as each athlete steps on the
mat.
For this reason, athletes must be careful to step directly on the orange
mats at each transition. In addition, an athlete who starts in any wave
after the first swim wave begins, must take care not to step on a mat in
or around the transition area accidentally as she waits for her wave to
begin. The chips are "live" after Saturday's MANDATORY Race Materials
Pick-Up (Expo) and will record every instance an athlete steps on a mat; if such
a time is recorded that is earlier than a woman's scheduled wave start,
the computer will automatically disqualify her. Furthermore, if an athlete
starts in a wave earlier than her scheduled wave - either accidentally or
intentionally -- the chip will automatically disqualify her.
Each timing chip is very valuable. Athletes agree by picking up the rental
chip at Race Materials Pick-Up (Expo) that they will return it to volunteers at
the finish line after the race. Replacement cost in case of loss is the
athlete's responsibility and is $30. If for any reason, you picked up a
timing chip at Race Materials Pick-Up (Expo) but don't make it to the race
itself, you are required to mail the chip to the address that appears on
the chip packet.
CAN I WEAR THE CHIP WHEREVER I WANT ON MY BODY AS LONG AS I HAVE
IT ON?
NO. The plastic strap with the timing chip must be worn on the ankle. It
can be worn either over or under your sock, if you will wear socks. Be
sure the strap is securely closed but do not make it too tight, your
ankles will swell in the course of the race and you cannot adjust the
strap once it has been snapped closed. Leave about one finger's width
inside the strap before snapping it closed, but don't leave it too loose
or it may come off in the swim or chafe against your leg in the bike or
run.
IF I LOSE MY CHIP, WILL I BE TIMED FOR THE RACE?
No. If you lose your chip before the Race starts, see race personnel to
rent a replacement chip. You will have to pay a $30 replacement fee for lost chip.
You may pay after the Race if you don't have your wallet with you at Race start.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Many athletes will complete the entire race in a bathing suit. Feel free
to layer a tank or tee shirt or pair of shorts over your swimsuit if you will be
more comfortable that way. Many buxom women will wear a sports bra
underneath their bathing suit for added support; don't worry, you won't be
a "Glamour Don't." Some women opt for a sports bra and bike
shorts - even in the swim. Most apparel (other than a cotton blend) should
dry during the bike ride.
There are no changing or dressing facilities in the
transition area.
CAN I USE DECORATIONS (balloons, etc) TO DESIGNATE MY SPOT AND RACK IN THE TRANSITION AREA?
Yes, but they should not interfere with anyone else being able to easily and safely access their equipment. We reserve the right to remove any materials that will interfere with the safety and security of our competitors and their equipment.
Have Questions? We've got the Answers
Tri Hotline: 800-452-9526
e-mail questions to: triathlon@danskin.com
