F.A.Q.




Essential Gear

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Q. What do I do race morning when I arrive?
A - Head for the main pavilion:

  1. Look up your race number on the alpha list
  2. Go to the packet pick-up table. Be sure to have your photo ID (everyone) and USAT License (USAT annual members)!
  3. Pick up your timing chip at the chip table then put it around your ankle immediately (this will prevent you from forgetting it at the start!)
  4. Go to the Transition Area:
    • Get your body marked

    • Set up your transition area


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Q. What should I wear?
A – Anything you’re comfortable wearing! While some racers use Triathlon Shorts, many prefer to just pull some running shorts and a T-shirt over their swimsuit. It is completely up to you!

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Q. Do I change my clothes for each event?
A – You may pull clothes on over your swimsuit but nudity is not allowed. We recommend wearing something that will be comfortable while you are swimming, biking, and running.

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Q. Do we all start at once?
A - We divide all of the racers into groups called waves based first on race distance and then by age. We have four separate waves for each race. The waves start about three minutes apart.

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Q. If I am in a different wave from my friend, can I wait for her at the shore?
A - You may certainly wait for her! It would be better to wait at your bike in the Transition Area BUT, remember you cannot bike side by side or within three bike lengths of her on the road. Running together, however, is not a problem!

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Q. Do the sprint and mini sprint start at the same time?
A -The Sprint will start first and the Mini Sprint will start about 10 minutes after the last Sprint wave.

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Q. Can I wear a lifejacket or use a flotation device?
A – Unfortunately, lifejackets, fins, noodles, kickboards, and other flotation devices are not allowed. However, there will be kayaks on the swim course that you may hold on to if you need to recover! Just don’t ask them to move you forward!

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Q. Do I need to wear a swim cap?
A - Yes, you will be provided with a swim cap that must be worn. The caps are different colors and are assigned by wave. If you have an allergy to latex, you may bring your own silicone cap.bow shoes

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Q. How do I get my running shoes after the swim? (Battle of Waterloo only)
A - While you are responsible for carrying your own running shoes during the race, we do have a couple of suggestions:

  1. You could purchase a dry bag at a dive shop, two extra buckles, and some belting at a fabric store. Make a belt with the two extra buckles and the belting and attach it to the buckles on the bag. You can now wear it around your waist!
  2. You can also just stick your shoes in the back of your swimsuit...for FREE!

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Q. Can I use a mountain bike?
A - Yes, you may use a mountain bike or a hybrid. In sprint distance races it is common to see lots of mountain bikes and hybrids. However, the longer the distance they become less common.

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Q. Can I ride a tandem?
A - Sorry, but single riders only!

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Q. Do I need to wear a bike helmet?
A - Yes helmets are required! Safety First!

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Q. Can I walk during the run?
A – Absolutely!

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Q. If I get injured, can I get a refund?
A - Unfortunately there are no refunds for athletes who withdraw from an Epic Races event or clinic. Please see our Policies page.

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