FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & MORE

please read through the Athlete Guide tab for full event details

 

Where are restrooms?
T1: Park restrooms are open along with portolets.
T2: Portolets will be provided near transition

YOUTH: Park restrooms are open for youth event.
Where do we park? (See Parking & Shuttle Page)
Parking and Shuttle Pickup is at JC Penney Cedar Hill Village 333 N Hwy 67 Cedar Hill, TX 75104

Youth racers refer to parking for your event HERE.
Where is body marking?
Body marking will be in front of transition. You must be body marked to enter transition. Did you know self-marking is allowed? Here is the how-to!

Bib number goes on left upper arm and left thigh. Make sure number is visible from the side. Race age goes on right calf .

Will there be someone to help if I have a bike problem?
Yes, area bike stores will have mechanics inside transition on race morning.
What sports drinks and gels are available on the course?
Water & Gatorade will be available on the course. We will have plenty of water & snacks at the finish line.
Do I have to wear my run number while on the bike portion?
No, you are only required to wear it on the run course. You may wear it on the bike if you would like.
Unaltered run numbers must be worn on the front of your body during the entire run course
What is USAT and why do I need a one-day permit?
USAT is the national governing body for triathlons and duathlons in the United States. A one-day license allows a novice athlete to compete in a USA Triathlon-sanctioned race without purchasing a full $50 membership. The $15 one day fee provides the athlete with excess accident insurance for that race only. These can be purchased with online registration.
Is it better to join USAT or buy the one-day permit?
A one year (adult) membership to USAT is $50. Youth membership is $10. (This is an annual membership, there are no one day passes for youth). Membership includes a subscription to USA Triathlon Times, annual rankings, discounts on merchandise. Most importantly you don’t have to pay an extra $15 at every USAT race for a one-day membership.
How do I join USAT?
USAT applications will be available during online registration and at packet pick up. If a membership was purchased during online registration, we will have notice of that for packet pickup. If you already have an annual membership, be sure to have your card with you.
What happens if I don’t have my USAT card at packet pick up?
You will need to look it up online or get a one day pass.
How does chip timing work?
Each athlete will wear a ‘chip’ that transmits data to the receiving antenna when the athlete crosses a timing mat. Run Far Racing Services will utilize the MyLaps system. Timing ships are disposable (except relay chips).
Where do I wear the chip?
Attach the strap to your left ankle. This allows it to stay away from the bike chains!
Where and when do I pick up my timing chip?
Your timing chip will be picked up with your racer packet.
Do I need to wear the chip for the entire race?
Yes, timing mats will be set up to record splits for each leg and transitions. If you do not have the chip on when you cross the finish line you are not guaranteed a finish time.

Placing Race Numbers:

  • You will have three numbered articles in your Race Packet: a large run race bib, and a smaller foldable race number and an adhesive number. First, check to make sure all numbers are the same. Do not alter any race numbers.
  • The large run bib is to be attached to a race belt or pinned on the front of the t-shirt or running shorts (safety pins are available at packet pick-up).
  • The second tag with two numbers is your bike number. This number is to be attached to top tube or seat post. Number must be visible from each side. Fold number flat at crease and attach to bike with adhesive strip.
  • The adhesive number will go on the front of your bike helmet.
  • Warm up Lanes will be open at 6:00a for youth racers.
  • Intermediate will have 1 hour to complete course, Super Sprint and Sprint will have 30 minutes to complete course, Super Sprint (draft legal) will have 10 minutes to complete swim and leave transition. 
  • All distances (Sunday race): Lifeguards will not be in place before official race start. Warm up swim at your own risk.
  • Timing Chips must be worn during the entire race. Make sure chip is securely fastened.
  • Youth will be seeded according to the  swim time given when registering. Swim will have a time trial start, in approx. 5 second intervals
  • Spuer Sprint, Sprint and intermediate: Swim will be a rolling start. Athletes will line up by estimated swim time in respective ‘corrals’  Intermediate racers will start first.
  • Swim caps are not provided or required for youth racers. Be sure to bring your own swim cap if you want to wear one.
  • Super Sprint, Sprint and Intermediate racers must wear provided swim cap. Olympic racers: Green caps  – Sprint racers: Pink caps
  • Lifeguards will be on duty through the entire swim. If you or a swimmer near you is in distress, raise your arms to alert the nearest lifeguar
  • All athletes are required to be at Pre Race Meeting at swim start. Kids: 6:45a at pool deck | Sunday racers: 6:15a at Swim start
  • Thank a volunteer!
  • Refer to USAT rules/guidelines for complete Bike Rules, USAT Race Officials will be on course. www.usatriathlon.org
  • Bike course closes at 10:10 am. All riders must have started their last loop by 9:35am
  • Helmets are required. 
  • Each competitor is responsible for making sure that his/her bicycle meets all safety requirements. We encourage you to have your bike checked at a local bike store before the race. Richardson Bike Mart will have mechanics in transition area on race day.
  • You may not ride bike in transition area. When exiting and entering transition with your bike, observe mount & dismount lines.
  • While bike course lanes will have cones to separate bikers from traffic, not all areas of bike course are closed off to public traffic. Most intersections will be controlled by Dallas Police Officers. Use extreme caution. It is your responsibility to keep aware of moving vehicles & stationary obstacles along course. Right of way must be given to any emergency vehicle.
  • There are no aid stations on bike course so please plan hydration needs accordingly.
  • You will be given a bike number in your race packet. The bike number goes on your bike frame and must be visible from a lateral view.
  • Unaltered run numbers must be worn at all times on the front of body while on the run course
  • A water station will be placed at run out and additional water stations will be set approximately every mile. Water stations will provide water & Gatorade.
  • Your race chip is disposable if you are a  Triathlon, Aquabike or Aquathlon racer.
  • All distances: cold towels will be provided at aid stations, we encourage you to take one when possible to thermoregulate
  • Be sure to thank a volunteer!
  • Transition area will close once race begins.
  • Athletes will be able to get bikes and gear out of transition once all participants have finished the bike portion of the event. Sprint athletes will be able to get bikes and gear out of transition when all sprint athletes have finished bike portion – they will not need to wait for olympic athletes to finish bike.
  • YOUTH TRANSITION: Parent allowed with racer in the morning for set up. After race has started, only staff, volunteers and participants allowed in transition.
  • SUNDAY RACE TRANSITION: No one except registered participants, volunteers, medical or approved personnel with official VIP passes will be allowed inside sprint transition area. Family or friends are not allowed inside transition areas at any time during the race.
  • Body marking will be outside of transition area. You must be body marked to enter transition.Did you know self-marking is allowed?  Here is the how-to!Bib number goes on left upper arm and left thigh. Make sure number is visible from the side. Race age goes on right calf – race age marking is optional. Please use the pictures for reference.
  • We make every attempt to keep transition area secure; we are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
  • No glass containers allowed in transition.
  • Bike numbers will be checked to body numbers when leaving transition.