Race Terms Defined

• Triathlon = swim, bike, run
• Duathlon = run, bike, run
• Aquabike = swim & bike only
• Aquathon = swim & run only
• Open Swim = swim only
• Cycling Time Trial = cycle only

Why do triathlons cost so much?

• A triathlon costs 3 times that of a running race because there are 3 different disciplines (swim, bike & run) in the same event. This means, you need 3 times the supplies, staff, volunteers, contractors, emergency medical & law enforcement personnel. Additionally, we purchase the highest quality food, shirts, happy finish towels, photographer & videographer & finisher medals and prizes to make your race experience top notch. So the money you invest in this experience goes to making your race day exceptional!

Anyone Can Do This! (Why We Do Not Offer Relays)

We believe that our races are designed so that anyone, regardless of age or ability, can complete on our race distances. We have 15 different race distances, that include many combinations of run, bike and/or swim. Our race distances are:

• Beginner Triathlon = 300m swim / 8ml bike / 1.5ml run
• Beginner Duathlon = 1.5ml run / 8ml bike / 1.5ml run
• Sprint Triathlon = 750m swim / 13ml bike / 5k run
• Sprint Duathlon = 1.5ml Run / 13ml bike / 5k run
• Sprint Aquabike = 750m swim / 13ml bike only
• Sprint Aquathlon = 750m swim / 5k run only
• Olympic Triathlon = 1500m swim / 24ml bike / 10k run
• Olympic Duathlon = 5k run / 24ml bike / 10k run
• Olympic Aquabike = 1500m swim / 24ml bike only
• Olympic Aquathlon = 1500m swim / 10k run only
• 1/3 Iron Triathlon = 2000m swim / 35ml bike / 9.3ml run
• 1/3 Iron Duathlon = 5k run / 35ml bike / 9.3ml run
• 1/3 Iron Aquabike = 2000m swim / 35ml bike only
• 1/3 Iron Aquathlon = 2000m swim / 9.3ml run only
• 3k or 5k Open Swim

(Note: Race Distances may vary slightly by event)

Again, anyone can do one of these races.

• If you do not swim, you can compete in the duathlon; this is a run and bike only event.
• If you do not bike, you can compete in the aquathlon; this is a swim and run only event.
• If you do not run, you can compete in the aquabike; this is a swim and bike only event. 

We feel these events provide a chance for any athlete, even beginners and novice racers, to be able to compete and complete the race.

Lastly, the beginner triathlon features a swim in water shallow enough to touch the bottom at any time. If you want, you can even walk the swim, so long as the water is above your belly button. The beginner distances are swum along the beach so you are very close to shore. We also have many lifeguards on-site to help with safety. 

USA Triathlon Sanctioning and USA Triathlon Membership

Our races are USA Triathlon Sanctioned and so all participants must have a valid USA Triathlon license (annual or one day pass) to participate. The event price reflects the cost for USA Triathlon Annual Members. If you are not a USA Triathlon annual member you must purchase a one-day membership for this event with your registration for a cost of $15. Youth 17 and under can purchase an annual membership for $10 with registration. All race fees collected are non-refundable. Race pricing does not include online processing fee. To learn more click here.

USA Triathlon Results & National Rankings

Results will be submitted to USAT with 15 days of the race. Results are submitted in 5 year age group increments for the triathlon, duathlon, aquabike and aquathlon for the purposes of USAT rankings.  

Timing, Body Marking and Race Bibs

• All athletes must wear a timing chip. Timing chips go on the athlete’s ankle and are worn throughout the race. You will receive your timing chip on race morning.
• Every athlete must be body marked with a race number. This number is the same as your timing chip, and is used to identify you in the case of an emergency. You will be body marked on race morning.
• Every athlete in the triathlon, duathlon, and aquabike will be required to have a race number sticker on their bike. Bike numbers can be placed on the top tube or seat post.
• Every athlete in the triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon will be required to wear a bib number on the front of their person during the running portion of the race ONLY. You can pin the number to you or use a race belt.

The Swim FAQ

• WETSUITS: If the water temperature is below 78 degrees we will be wetsuit legal. This means you can wear a wetsuit if you want, but you do not have to wear one.
• SWIM CAPS: Please be sure you wear your assigned swim cap for safety. We will give you a swim cap on race day.
• SNORKEL: You are allowed to use a snorkel for the swim portion of the event, but most racers do not use one.
• SWIM STROKE: You may use any swim stroke to complete the swim.
• START: We will have an in-water start. Racers will line up according to ability. There are places where you can touch the bottom at the start. Everyone (all men and women) will start in the same wave unless otherwise directed. Should we need to start in waves, we will start the men first and the women afterward.
• COURSE: See the course maps. The courses will be marked with large buoys.
• DISTANCES:
• The 5000m Swim begins with a 500m ½ lap and then 6 laps on a 750m loop.
• The 3000m Swim is 4 laps on a 750m loop.
• The 2000m Swim begins with a 500m ½ lap and then 2 laps on a 750m loop.
• The 1500m Swim is 2 laps on a 750m loop.
• The 750m Swim is 1 lap on a 750m loop.
• The beginner swim is a point to point swim one way down the beach in shallow water.
• EMERGENCIES: If you need to be rescued by a lifeguard throw your hands in the air (call out if you can). If you need a rescue you will not be allowed to continue the race, unless you are cleared by our medical staff. If you are allowed to continue, you will be DQed from the race results. The water is shallow enough that you can stop, stand, rest or walk. If you want to walk, the water must be above your belly button.
• AID STATION: There is 1 Aid Station for the 3k and 5k swim. To access the aid station you must swim to the table, access your aid and then return to the swim course. You can leave your own aid at the station. We will provide water and gels.
• TO TRANSITION & OPEN SWIM FINISH: Once you have completed your swim, exit the water and run up the beach to the transition area or the finish line. Follow the cones, chalk and signs.
• SWIM CUT OFF: Everyone must have completed the swim course by 10:00am. This should give everyone plenty of time to complete this segment of the race.

Swim Training and Racing Tips: Click Here

The Aquabike

• This is a swim and bike only event.
• You must enter the transition area, rack your bike and then proceed to the finish line. Aquabikers will exit the transition area through run out and then proceed to the finish line.

The Aquathon

• This is a swim and run only event.
• You must enter the transition area after your swim, get your running gear and then proceed to the run course. At the end of your run you must cross the finish line.

The Duathlon

• This is a run, followed by a bike and then another run. You must enter the transition area between events.
• START: The duathlons will start in a separate location from the swim; the location varies by venue. Duathletes should meet at the duathlon start for their pre-race meeting and event start.

The Transition FAQ

• You must store all your gear in the transition area and enter the transition area between each leg of the race.
• The transition area will be split into zones and racers will rack their bikes in the designated zones. You can put your bike anywhere on the designated racks and store your stuff below your bike.
• Open swimmers and aqua-runners will have a designated zone in the transition area to store their stuff.
• Place the stickers provided at registration on your bike and your transition bag. You cannot exit the transition Area with your bike or gear bag without a sticker on your bike & bag that matches your body marking race number. This is for your safety.
• Transition Entrance and Exits will be marked with flags, signs, cones and fence.
• SWIM IN & RUN IN are on the same side of the transition area; locations vary by race venue.
• BIKE IN & BIKE OUT: Mount your bike after you cross the Mount Line and Dismount your bike before you cross the Dismount Line. Remember that you must wear a helmet when you are on your bike. Additionally you must put your helmet on before you leave the transition area (after your have exited the swim and picked up your bike in the transition area).
• RUN OUT: Locations vary by race venue.

Mastering the Transition: Click here

The Bike FAQ

• WHAT BIKE TO USE: You can ride most any upright human powered bike in the race including but not limited to road bikes (10 speed), mountain bikes, & hybrid bikes.
• HELMET: Remember that you must wear a helmet when you are on your bike. Additionally you must put your helmet on before you leave the transition area (after you have exited the swim and picked up your bike in the transition area).
• DRAFTING IS NOT ALLOWED: Please refer to the USAT triathlon rules for more information.  
• COURSE MARKINGS: The bike course is marked with signs and cones. There will be a sign at each turn, so if you do not see a sign, please proceed straight. All turns are marked with signs. We DO NOT make any marks on the roadway surface, so please ignore all paint on the road surface. These are from other races and may take you off course.
• SAFETY: Additionally there will be local law enforcement at all turns so that you can race safely. Be advised the roads are open to traffic. We encourage you to follow all traffic laws, unless instructed by a law enforcement officer. You may have the right of way, but that does not mean the cars will know that, so be alert and be safe. Please ride in the right lane of the road at all times and be sure you ride to the right of that lane so other cars and riders can safely pass you during the race. Do not cross the into oncoming traffic and yield to all cars. Should you get a flat or have an accident, please alert the next rider so they can alert our staff, volunteers or law enforcement at the next turn.
• COURSE MAPS: Please review the course maps before the race. It is your duty to know the course. Each race venue will have its own unique bike course.
• Beginner triathletes and duathletes will have a unique course so please study the race map. This course will be out and back.
• Sprint triathletes, duathletes and aquabikers will complete 1 lap on the 12-13 mile course.
• Olympic triathletes, duathletes and aquabikers will complete 2 laps on the 12-13 mile course.
• ⅓ Iron triathletes, duathletes and aquabikers will complete 3 laps on the 12-13 mile course.
• BIKE CUT OFF: Everyone must have completed the bike course by 11:00am. This should give everyone plenty of time to complete this segment of the race.

Bike Training and Racing Tips: Click Here

The Run FAQ

• COURSE MAPS: Please review the course maps before the race. It is your duty to know the course. The run course is marked with signs, cones and chalk. If you do not see a sign, cone or chalk/spray arrow keep going straight. There will also be volunteers on course as well. Each race venue will have its own unique run course, so please review the course maps. All runs will be out and back.
• There will be one common 5k, out and back course used by all athletes. Athletes will run 1.55-miles out and 1.55 miles back on course.
• If you are running 1.5 miles you will turn around at the .75-mile mark.
• If you are running 3.1-miles you will complete 1 lap of the course.
• If you are running 6.2-miles you will complete 2 laps of the course.
• If you are running 9.3-miles you will complete 3 laps of the course.
• AID STATIONS: There are 3 aid stations / water stops on course that can be accessed multiple times throughout your run. Each will have water, HEED and Hammer Gels. The aid stations will be at:
• Exit of transition area
• .75-mile mark turn around
• 1.55-mile mark turn around

Run Training and Racing Tips: Click Here

What Should I Bring on Race Day?

• Race Gear Checklist
• What are the essentials?
  • Swim: Swimsuit / Trisuit and Goggles
  • Bike: Helmet, Bike, Water Bottles, and Shoes
  • Run: Running Shoes
  • All other gear is optional. 
• What type of outfit should I race in? There are many different options here, but most people get a triathlon racing suit. Some folks will wear a swimsuit and then put shorts and/or a shirt over this for the bike portion of the race. Others will complete the whole race in their swimsuit. We recommend you wear something comfortable, and that you practice (before race day) in whatever you choose to wear.