FAQ
Things to Know
Age Groups – An athlete’s age is determined based on their age as of 12/31/2024, this is a USAT RULE!
Audio Devices – No audio devices will be allowed on the course. If an athlete is found to be wearing an audio device of any kind during their race, the athlete will be removed from the course and disqualified. Smartphones may be used to track the racer’s progress, but at no time shall the athlete wear headphones.
Awards - Top 3 Splash n' Dash racers in both the Sea Otters & Puffin race in each gender/age group will win a custom Alaska Splash n' Dash bath towel at our Awards Party. Top 3 Dash Only racers will receive Turnagain Training custom awards at our Awards Party. Awards are determined by age group overall points in the series of 3 races. USAT rules apply, age is determined by age as of 12/31/24, not race day age:
Girls/Boys 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Bibs – Bibs MUST BE WORN AND VISIBLE FROM THE FRONT during the run.
Bib Pickup - We have bib pickup available on race day only from 5-7pm in front of Service High Pool. All racers MUST check-in by 7pm. After 7pm, any remaining racers will be welcome to transfer their race to our 1.5mile family fun virtual race, this goes Wednesday-Tuesday (1wk to submit results).
Bib Transfers – As noted in the waiver that was signed upon completion of registration, bibs are non-transferable and cannot be transferred from one person to another. Your bib provides us with very important information identifying you. This extends to purposes including our medical team, scoring and timing. Transferring bibs would compromise these processes severely. We appreciate your cooperation with honoring this important requirement. Thank you for your understanding.
Body Marking – Body marking will be applied at check-in. Body markers will mark both arms with your child’s bib number, along with their calf with number and race category.
Communication Plan – Prior to the race, establish a communication plan with child. Write relevant information with your emergency contact on the back of your child’s bib. It is essential that you have a plan for finding your child post race.
Dash Only - Why not swim? Not everyone is ready to swim 50meters and we understand that but we'd love for all kids to participate in our races in whatever way helps them for successful within our event. The dash only option is a great step 1 to getting your kid more comfortable in a race setting. We'd encourage you to invite them into the pool area to see what our event is like and inspire them to consider doing the full Splash n' Dash by the end of the Summer.... or next year!
Event Survey – We want to hear about your experience. Shortly after the event, you will receive an email with a link to an online survey that will ask you questions about your participation in the event. The information gathered from this survey will help us continue to provide you with the best possible race experience for future races in the series. Thanks in advance for your participation in this important process.
*NEW for 2025 *High school Wave - We will begin our High school Wave at 7:15pm! High schoolers are allowed to chose either the sea otters or the puffins race!
Hydration – The best hydration strategy for endurance athletes is to maintain focus on staying fully hydrated beginning one week before race day, but good hydration is especially critical for two or three days prior to the race. Please consider hydration as a key to having your best race and avoiding a visit with the medics! We will have an aid station available with water and Gatorade for 3k racers at the end of lap 1 and for all finishers at the finish line.
Lifejackets – are allowed for any athlete that needs one. If you are unsure if you can swim the entire length of the pool, wearing a lifejacket is a great choice! Safety first! Limited sizing in life jackets are available at the Service Pool and we highly recommend bringing your own. Service Pool life jackets are not comfortable but they will keep kids a float!
Litter – Please remember that we are guests of the venues that support us. Litter on the course could jeopardize the life of our events, so please, DO NOT LITTER… dispose of all trash in proper receptacles.
Lost & Found – Items are posted on the Facebook page. A Lost & Found will be available at the Check-In Tent located near pool entrance but you are welcome to email the race director. Any items retrieved from the course and left in transition will be made available at each of the series race and then up to two weeks after the event. After the two week claim period, items will be donated. Please email Heather@TurnagainTraining.com to schedule the return for your lost (and found) item.
Run Course – Directional signs, orange flagging and/or duct tape arrows will be on the ground, volunteers and staff will be positioned to clearly designate the course, however, IT IS THE ATHLETE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE COURSE before beginning their race. Maps are available below and will be posted at check-in, but will not be printed and distributed to each athlete. We highly encourage young ones to be attended by a parent. The course runs counter clockwise around Service High school along the sidewalks.
Safety / Medical – If you need medical assistance during the race, look for race volunteers that will be roaming constantly in bright yellow, or tell another athlete and they will call it out to us as they pass by.
Start Time - Racers can begin their race anytime between 6-7:15pm. The last swimmer can start their swim at 7:10pm, doors will close at 7:15pm. The NEW High school wave will also begin at 7:15pm!
Timing – This race will be hand timed so results will not be immediate. In order to help out race volunteers, make sure to have your race number on your arm visible and your race number visible during the run. Please give the race director 1-3days to post results! Results will be posted on Turnagain Training’s website and Runsignup.
Timing Splits - Kid's start time will be determined at the point that the swim starter says GO. The Swim+T1 time shown on results is how it takes your child to get out of the pool, put their shoes on and leave the transition area. The last split, the clock time is when the kid crosses the finish line.
Transition – All races get to pick 1 box in the transition area. You must stay in your area. Understand that the transition zone is small and limited on space so no bags will be allowed, just your running gear!
USAT Rules – This race follows USAT rules. If there is a question of the rules, we will resort to the USAT Handbook!
Volunteers – Volunteers help support you from the minute you pick up your packet to the time you cross the finish line and beyond. It is vital that all volunteers stay until the end of their shift. Please notify an event coordinator if you need to leave your position early. Volunteers are the key to making our races successful, to the very end! Please see volunteer drop-down tab on this website!
Wave Starts – As swimmers finish, we will fill the lanes. There will be 12 swimmers total swimming at one time, 2 per lane. Kid's are expected to stay on their side of the lane. Note the black line on the visual below is the line in the middle of every lane, which is meant as a guide for swimmers to stay on their side.
Water Temperature – Service Pool is typically 82-86degrees. No wetsuits are allowed!
