IM ABLE Foundation's Got the Nerve? Triathlon

 

USAT QUESTIONS

Q: Is this a USAT Sanctioned Event?

A: Yes.

Q: What are the rules? 

A: Check out the USAT's Most Commonly Violated Rules

 

SWIM QUESTIONS

Q: What’s the water temperature?

A: Typical water temperature for an outdoor pool in June is in the 70's. A closer estimate of the water temperature will be included in the pre-race email.

Q: Are wetsuits permitted?

A: Wetsuits are permitted if the water temperature is below 78°F. Wetsuits are not permitted if the temperature is above 78°F. 

Q: How does the pool swim work? 

A: We’ll be using a self-seeded start, which means that swimmers will line up based on their estimated swim time for the 300-yard swim. The faster swimmers will start first, followed by others in descending order of swim time. This helps keep the flow steady and avoids congestion in the lanes.

Swimmers will enter the water one at a time, approximately every 5 to 10 seconds. Exact intervals are still being worked out but will be communicated prior to the race. 

Once you're in the water, you’ll swim up and back in the same lane, staying on the right-hand side of the lane at all times—no matter which direction you're swimming. After completing the full length of the lane (up and back), you’ll duck under the lane line (or do a flip turn) and move into the next lane to your left.

You’ll repeat this process—swimming up and back, then ducking under the lane line—across six lanes, totaling 300 yards. Once you finish the last lap in the final lane, you’ll exit the pool and continue to the transition area.

Q: Are we able to practice swimming before the race? 

A: There will be an opportunity to practice part of the swim on Saturday during packet pick-up which is from 4-7pm. Only a few lanes will be reserved for swimmers, but it's a great opportunity to practice changing lanes!

 

BIKE COURSE QUESTIONS

Q: What is the bike course like? 

A: Flat and Fast! This is a great course to PR on! It’s also totally accessible for adaptive athletes and beginners.

Q: Will we be able to ride the bike course prior to the race?

A: Yes. But it will be open with no protection from signage, fire or police. Please ensure you ride safely. Our plan is to have several organized group rides prior to the race.  

Q: Can I use headphones on the course?

A: No. We will follow all USAT guidelines for safety. 

 

ADAPTIVE ATHLETE QUESTIONS

Q: I’m an adaptive athlete; should I register in the Paratriathlete or Adaptive category?

A: Great question! It depends on your goals and the nature of your disability:

• Register in the Adaptive Category if:
  • You have a disability that doesn’t fall within the official Paratriathlon classification system.
  • You're not planning to compete at the national or international level (like USA Triathlon or World Triathlon events).
  • You simply want to participate, be challenged, and have fun in an inclusive environment.

 

• Register in the Paratriathlete Category if:
• • You have a classification recognized by World Triathlon (e.g., PTWC, PTS2–PTS5, PTVI).
  • You’re interested in competitive paratriathlon and possibly working toward national championships or international events.
  • If you think you may qualify as a Paratriathlete or are considering going that route in the future, we recommend checking out USA Triathlon’s website for more info on classifications and how to get started.

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: Can we bring our Dog to the Race?

A: Dogs are not permitted inside the Ephrata Community Pool fenced-in area, but are permitted in the park. Dogs must be leashed, cleaned-up after, and cannot participate in the race.