Help & FAQ
What are the age groups for awards?
Overall:
Overall awards will be given for top 3 overall male and female in the Sprint and Olympic Tri, and the Duathlon.
An Overall award will be given to the top 1 relay team in each event (Sprint and Olympic Tri, and the Duathlon)
Age Group:
The top three finishers (male and female) in each age division for all events (Sprint and Olympic Tri, and the Duathlon) will win awards.
Age divisions are: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
How do I know what Race Category I should sign up for?
Age Group: The default category! If you don't opt into any of the special categories you will automatically be placed into Age Group scoring for awards.
Elite: Recommended for experienced triathletes that usually find themselves at the front of the pack. Elite category triathletes will be in the first wave of the race and will be entered into their respective Age Groups for awards.
Novice: Recommended for newer triathletes that are inexperienced with the sport and have done 3 or fewer triathlons, this wave will have a longer delay between it and the rest of the Age Group waves. Novice category triathletes will also be entered into the Age Group awards.
Athena: Athena women should weigh at least 165 pounds. You will be eligible for awards in your age group. There is no special category for Athena.
Clydesdale: Clydesdale men should weigh at least 220 pounds. You will be eligible for awards in your age group. There is no special category for Clydesdale.
What are the recommended weights for Athena and Clydesdale?
Per USAT Guidelines, Clydesdale men should weigh at least 220 pounds and Athena women at least 165 pounds. We will not be weighing you.
Will there be body marking?
Yes! After checking in, please go to the body marking area. Your race number will be marked on the leg and the arm. These markings are used to identify you at the start and end of the swim, as well as during the bike portion of your race.
Do I have to wear a swim cap?
Race Day Events provides its participants with latex swim caps. The color of these swim caps denotes which wave you will be participating in. If you have a latex allergy, we encourage you to bring your own swim cap. The non-latex swim cap does not need to be the same color as your wave color, but if it is, that would be appreciated. If you do not have the same color, please alert the race official of your latex allergy before your wave enters the water.
What kind of food & drink will be at the aid stations?
All aid stations on the run course will have water and an Electrolyte drink. Select aid stations will also have Electrolyte Gel.
What are the race distances?
Sprint triathlon & relay: 750m swim, 20K (12.7 mi) bike, 5K (3.1 mi) run
Olympic triathlon & relay: 1500m swim, 40K (24.5 mi) bike, 10K (6.2 mi) run
Duathlon & duathlon relay: 1.8 mi run, 20K (12.7 mi) bike, 5K (3.1 mi) run
Are there cut off times for the swim, bike, and run?
All events will have 4 hours for participants to cross the finish line.
Are the roads closed to vehicle traffic?
All roads are open to vehicle traffic on race day, but traffic is typically light on race morning. Athletes must ride as far toward the right shoulder as possible, and run as far toward the shoulder of the road as possible at all times during the race. Volunteers and police will be stationed at major intersections to aid in athlete crossing, but athletes should be prepared to stop if needed.
What is the minimum age to participate?
The minimum age to participate in all events at the Traverse City Triathlon is 12 years old as of December 31st, of the current year. This means that if an athlete is 11 years old on race day, but will turn 12 by December 31st, they may participate. If an athlete will not be 12 years old by December 31st, they’ll have to sit this year’s race out.
Where do I set up my bike in the transition area?
The bike racks in the transition area are numbered according to your bib number. Look for your bib number range on the rack and hang your bike on the rack so it hangs off the rack toward you, on the same side as the number. If you need any help, or there’s someone in your spot when you arrive on race morning, ask a volunteer in a Race Day Events shirt for assistance.
Can I pick up a packet for my friend/family member?
Because we’re a USAT sanctioned event everyone must pick up their own packet and present a photo ID when doing so. This applies to all relays as well as individual events.
Can I wear a wetsuit?
You sure can! Check out the complete set of rules on the USAT website here.
