Athlete Guide
The hard part is over. You signed up. You prepared. Now it is race time.
This guide is here to assist you on some of the details of this event.
What do I need to bring to pick up my race packet?
Great question. Glad you asked. For USAT sanctioned events we are required to see each participant’s government issued ID or USAT membership card. There are no exceptions to this rule and you must pick up your own race packet.
Packet Pick Up
Saturday July 26, 2025
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tam-O Shanter Parking Lot under the big white tent
Sunday July 27, 2025
6:00 - 7:00 am
Tam-O Shanter Parking Lot under the big white tent
Race Day Schedule
6:00 am - Transition opens and packet pick up begins
6:45 am - Swim Warm Up
7:15 am - Transition Closes
7:20 am - All athlete briefing on Olander Beach
7:30 am - Olympic Distance events start
8:30 am - Sprint Distance events start
Awards Ceremony to follow conclusion of events
*Times are subject to change based on race director’s discretion
Water Safety
Your safety is our top priority. The water temp will be taken during the week leading up to the race. We will then inform you whether or not wetsuits will be legal.
You will be provided with a swim cap at packet pick up. Please wear this cap. Our water safety team is briefed on the colors of the caps for safety reasons. If you have allergies and need a special cap, please provide one and speak with the race director prior to the start of the event.
You will be accompanied in the water by friendly kayakers and life guards. Please be alert and listen for whistles and instructions.
Kayakers will be there as visual guides for you while swimming and to get you back on course if you stray too far. You may also use the kayaks as a resting point. You can rest with a hand on the kayaks but they cannot move you forward.
Please try to refrain from resting on the course buoys. We would hate for them to come loose and have you float away.
Bike Support
Our great friends at Cycle Werks will be on site during the race for any last minute bike needs.
We will have staff out on the bike course to assist should you have any mechanical issues.
USAT and Rules to Know
This is a USAT sanctioned event. All participants must have a USAT (USA Triathlon) membership or one day pass purchased. This is taken care of during the registration process.
We always have at minimum one USAT Certified Race Director at each event.
USAT’s Most Common Rule Violations
Helmets and chin straps. Our best advice to you is as soon as you enter transition from either the swim or your first run, put on your helmet and buckle the chin strap. Do not touch your bike until this is done. When returning from the bike portion of the event, fully rack your bike back in your spot before removing your helmet.
Unauthorized Assistance. This is what it sounds like, you cannot accept any assistance on any portion of this course except from authorized race staff, volunteers, medical personnel or other athletes.
No drafting on the bike. Drafting isn’t allowed, keep your distance and pass when you are able.
Entire Course. This may sound obvious but, you must complete the entire course.
Headphones and Cell Phones. Headphones are not allowed at any point during the event. You may have a cell phone on your person or bike but you may not use it to play music or accept phone calls.
You can view a full list of rules here: https://www.usatriathlon.org/multisport/rules
Transition 101
Bike racks will be assigned by bib number. Please rack your bike at your assigned bib number.
Rack your bike by the saddle with the front wheel pointing down. Place your gear on the ground to the right (when looking at your bike) front tire. Many athletes will use a towel to place their gear on. Keep it simple, only bring what you need into transition. Leave your gear bags and other items with a spectator or in your vehicle.
You can view USAT transition tips here: https://www.usatriathlon.org/articles/training-tips/tips-and-tricks-for-a-smooth-transition#:~:text=Place%20your%20gear%20on%20the,Make%20your%20transition%20area%20noticeable.
Place your timing chip on your left ankle. Volunteers will write on your arm and calf your bib numbers, age and event. Please have your bib number visible at all times. You should wear your bib on the bike course and must on the run course.
Course Maps
All course maps for this event can be viewed by following this link: https://runsignup.com/Race/SylvaniaTriathlonDuathlon/Page-11
Water Stops
There will be water and Gatorade available at transition as well as one water stop serving water and Gatorade on the 5k run course and a second water stop serving water and Gatorade on the 10k course. You are able to carry your own hydration.
WATER TEMPERATURE
Will be updated race week but is typically not Wet Suit legal and historically is around 80 degrees on race morning.
USAT 4.4 Wet suits: 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.
