FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We don't have all of life's answers but we can tell you about our events.

Are your races ADA Accessible?

To request an accessibility accommodation at one of our events please contact us.

Can I sign up on race day?

Yes, unless an event is sold out. The online registratin system remains open through race morning. You may also register offline at the event site, yet online registration is the most efficient process.

Can I make changes to my registration?

Registered racers may make registration changes through the online registration portal up to three days before the event. Late changes must be addressed at race packet pick up.

What do I need for packet pick up?

Photo ID. If you are picking up a packet for someone else, please have a copy of their photo ID. A copy of the registration confirmation may also be helpful.

Will I get a finish medal?

ALL finishers receive a finishers medal or other unique, race specific prize.

Will there be awards?

Yes, you can find a complete listing of award division on each race's web page.

Will you mail my award?

Awards will not be available after leaving the race site. If you must leave before the award ceremony, you may obtain your award from our race staff prior to leaving if results are ready, or have a friend collect your award for you.

Will there be professional timing?

Yes. For running events a small timing device will be attached to the back of your race bib.

For triathlon events electronic timing chips on disposable self-adhesive ankle bands track your start and finish times along with timing points between each of the triathlon disciplines. Body marking or temporary race number tattoos, helmet numbers, bike frame numbers, wrist bands and run bib numbers will be provided to insure we keep track of you during the race and provide you accurate results.

Will there be water available during the race?

Yes, there will be water on the run course, main staging area, transition area, and at the race finish line. There will also be snacks and drinks in the Awards/Celebration Area for participants and volunteers to enjoy.

Will there be portable toilets?

Yes, there will be portable toilets in the main staging area, as well as a various places on some of our courses, dependent upon race distances and the availability of brick & mortar restrooms.

Is there anyone to assist me if I need help?

Yes, we have top-notch support at all of our races. We have professional/experienced race staff and educated volunteers. Ambulances/EMT's are onsite at all of our events, local police support at all high traffic intersections, as well as certified lifeguard and rescue support in the water.

What should I know about racing in hot conditions?

You will probably need as much as 600-800mg sodium/hr. You can still be sodium depleted if all you drink is water b/c plain water doesn't replace the sodium that you lose through sweat. The body will cool itself better when it is in electrolyte balance; avoid cramping and heat related illness.

Drink 2 gulps (4 oz) every 15 minutes (you can set a timer on your watch if you forget while cycling).

‍On the run: Wear a visor/hat and take 2 cups of water at every aid stations - 1 for your head and 1 to drink. Carry ice in your hands to you cool down. Tuck ice towel around your neck.

‍During and after the race: Eat some ice and try to drink COLD fluids.

‍Keep positive: Don't say the word "HOT" - remember how cold you were this winter - keep that in the front of your mind (seriously)!!

What's the age minimum for a triathlon?

Our minimum age for sprint triathlons is 13 and 15 for our Olympic distance events.

Do I have to wear my bib/bike/helmet number?

For running events you must wear your bib number. For triathlon events the bib number needs to be visible on the front of your body when you cross the race finish line. The bike frame number must be viewable from the side. The helmet number is to be placed on the front of your helmet.

Are earphones allowed on the course?

For running events you may wear earphones. For triathlon events USA Triathlon rules do not allow the use of headphones or personal audio devices at any time during the conduct of the race. You may, however, use such devices in the Transition Area prior to the start of the race.

Do I have to wear a shirt?

No, a shirt is not required.

Is the swim start a wave/group start?

Our races begin with a time-trial start. Every few seconds a racer enters the water which allows for an easier, spaced out swim, allowing for water rescue support to more safely monitor the swimmers.

Where do I put my temporary triathlon tattoos?

You'll receive two temporary race tattoos, one for your left arm and one for your right arm. These tattoos need to be placed so they are visible from the side. There will be a tattoo station available to assist you.

How do I remove my temporary triathlon tattoos?

We recommend using baby oil or rubbing alcohol to remove the tattoos.

Can I ride my bike inside the transition area?

No riding within the controlled transition area. There will be a signed and monitored bike mount and dismount zone at the exit/entrance.

How do I find my bike in transition?

We have unique signs at the end of each row in the transition area & each section of bike racks is marked with race number signs. Your bike must be placed on the rack that is marked for your race number range. When you place your bike, be familiar with which number it is on, so you can find it during the race.

Are friends and family allowed in the transition area?

Only racers are allowed to come into the transition area.

Will there be food and drinks available for friends and family?

There will be complimentary food and drink for participants and race support. Friends and family may be able to purchase food from expo vendors or food trucks, however encourage them to bring snacks and drinks should those options not be available.

What can I bring into the transition area?

You can bring whatever you want, as long as it is in a container and does not get in the way of others. The space you have adjacent to your bike rack is about the size of a standard bath towel.

Will there be a changing station available?

There will not be a changing station in our transition area. There will be portable toilets; however, you will find most racers do not completely change clothing during the race.

Do I have to wear a helmet, even if I'm just riding to my car?

Yes, USAT requires anyone and everyone to wear a helmet any time they place a foot on their bike.

When can I get my bike out of transition?

There will be a designated exit that racers will be able to retrieve their bike/gear after the last bike participant is in transition, or as soon as we can safely allow finisher racers to enter the transition area. We do not want active racers to deal with traffic interference with people retrieving their bikes. Our goal is for each racer to have the same race experience and atmosphere whether they finish first or last.

What are the triathlon categories?

Categories:

• Elite: Card carrying pros or elites that have had resume approved.
• Individual (Age Group): Open for all age group men and women.
• Paratriathlete: Physically Challenged Division
• Clydesdale: 220+ pound men
• Athena: 165+ pound women
• Relay teams: 2 person (one does 2 segments and the 2nd does the 3rd) or 3 person (one person does a segment)
• Swim-Bike (Aquabike): swim and bike only
• Bike-Run (CycloRun): bike and run only
• Non-binary

Your category may not change once the race starts. If a category is not indicated when you register, you will be entered as an individual.

Racers may make category changes via the online registration portal through the Wednesday before the event day. Any late changes will be addressed at race packet pick up.

What is a relay team in triathlon?

A relay team usually consists of one swimmer, one biker, and one runner, competing in tag-team fashion to complete the event. One of the relay members may do two of the "segments," meaning one person can choose to do two of the three sports and the other team member does one.
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Can one team member pick up all race packets at packet pick up?
No, all team members must check in to show their Photo ID.

‍Can an individual racer also be a relay team member?
‍YES they may. If you have trouble finding a person to complete your relay team, we will allow someone competing as an individual to the swim or the swim and bike for a team. It is important for the individual racer to know that they have to go to the RELAY tent (as described below) to signal their TEAM member to exit before they proceed with their own individual competition.

‍The Categories: Awards will be presented to the top three overall 2-person relay teams and top three overall 3-person relay teams.

‍Race Day Relay Process:

• There will be a designated RELAY TEAM AREA inside a controlled transition area. The swimmer will greet the biker at the tent before the biker grabs their bike off the bike rack, and the biker will return the bike to the bike rack and proceed to the tent to signal the runner to begin their run.
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• Relay team swimmers will start based on estimated swim time, along with individual racers

• Relay teams rack bikes in the transition area based on assigned race number, along with individual racer bikes

• Usually, each relay team member will be given their own disposable ankle band with timing chip. You may receive an ankle band that can be passed from member to member. Packet Pick Up Leaders will advise your process.

• The swimmer will get a swim cap, the biker will have a helmet number and bike frame number and the runner will get the bib number.

• All relay members need to apply provided race tattoos or be body marked with their assigned relay team number.All relay members are eligible for the finisher prize - the relay team finisher prizes will be presented to the runner when they cross the finish line, or sometimes, the transition leader will have your prizes for you in your designated transition space. You will be informed if this is the case.

What is the Swim-Bike (Aquabike) Category in triathlon?

The Swim-Bike category is for participants who wish to only compete in the swim and bike portions of the triathlon.

• You will start the swim based on your estimated swim time, along with individual age group racers

• You will rack your bike on the numbered racks with individual racers

• Your time will finish when you cross the timing mat coming back into the transition area from the bike portion

• Please go to the race finish line to get your finisher’s medal, and when there is a break in the action, you are welcome to have a finish photo at the race finish arch.

• A disposable timing band is included with the registration packet, along with a swim cap, helmet number and bike frame number.

What is the Bike-Run (Cyclorun) Category in triathlon?

The Bike-Run category is for those who wish to participate in only the bike and run segments of the triathlon.

• Bike-Run participants will stay in the designated RELAY TEAM AREA of transition and will proceed to their bike when the first relay team swimmer arrives at the RELAY TEAM AREA with their biker in the designated RELAY TEAM AREA.

• A disposable timing band is included with the registration packet, along with a running bib number, helmet number and bike frame number. Temporary tattoos or body marking are to be used on both arms, visible to the left. Race timing starts when the bike crosses the timing mat at the bike exit of the transition area, and is recorded re-entering the bike transition area, exiting the transition for the run, and at the run finish line.

What is USA Triathlon?

USA Triathlon is the national governing body for the sports of triathlon, duathlon, winter triathlon and aquathlon in the United States. Participation in a USAT sanctioned event means the event director has the proper permits in place, liability and athlete excess medical insurance coverage and the event plan has met the standard of organization required. USA Triathlon provides rules, guidance and governance to set the standard for safe and fair multisport races. For more information on USA Triathlon and fueling the multi-sport lifestyle, visit the USA Triathlon website.

‍All Team Magic events are sanctioned by USA Triathlon. When a race director sanctions with USAT, it is required for each participant to purchase either a one-day license or annual membership in order to participate in said event. A one-day USAT license is $15 and an annual USAT membership is $50. Either can be purchased when signing up for the event. A youth one day or annual USAT license is $10.

Easy membership verification at point of online registration:
USAT annual members that register online have membership numbers and expiration dates approved through our online registration system and no longer have to show their USAT member cards at packet pick up.

Requirements at USAT Santioned Events:
• Everyone must show a photo ID
• If your USAT membership has expired, you must pay for a new annual or one-day membership and sign a waiver
• Each member of relay teams must be an annual member of USAT or pay the one-day membership fee.

USAT Age Up Rule
‍All USAT races will use the "AGE UP RULE" for award distribution and ranking. It is important that you begin in the proper wave start with respect to this rule. The age up rule means you are racing based on your age as of December 31st of the year of your race. Our computer timing program will automatically calculate your age based on your birth date and the age up rule criteria.

Wet Suit Rules
‍Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council. The AAC has set the wetsuit maximum temperature for elite athletes at 68 degrees for swim distances less than 3000 meters and 71.6 degrees for distances of 3000 meters or greater. Any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than 5 millimeters shall be disqualified.

USAT Most Common Rule Violations

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