Races are rain or shine unless we determine that race conditions are dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race management in consultation with local safety officials. Every effort will be made to conduct the race; if the race is cancelled, there will be no refunds. This position is consistent with the governing bodies and with the protocol of sharing the risks associated with the sport of triathlon. Each athlete must accept any such risk for their entry fee paid including other amenities paid for such as t-shirts, insurance, and online administrative fees. All fees collected are used to develop and produce the event, including all race supplies. In the event of inclement weather, Acts of God, or unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the race. The following procedure will be followed:

• The race director in consultation with local safety officials will make the final decision to delay, adjust or cancel the race.
• The decision will be posted on the website and communicated at the race venue via the PA announcing system.
• In the event of unsafe swim conditions the event will be changed to a duathlon. 

In the case of an emergency please dial 911. Safety personnel will be on site to attend to any emergencies before, during and after the race. Lifeguards will be monitoring the swim course and volunteers in conjunction with park ranger and other safety personnel will be monitoring the bike and run course. Volunteers will be instructed to contact 911 in the case of an emergency.

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Severe Weather, Lightning & Event Modification Policy

At Epic Races, the safety of our participants, volunteers, spectators, staff, and public safety personnel is our highest priority. Weather conditions are continuously monitored before and during all events. Race Management reserves the right to delay, modify, shorten, suspend, or cancel any portion of an event if conditions are deemed unsafe.

Lightning & Thunder

Lightning presents one of the most serious weather-related risks at endurance events.

If lightning is observed or thunder is heard in the event area, Race Management may delay, suspend, modify, or cancel the event. Participants may be stopped from starting or continuing the swim, bike, or run and may be directed to seek shelter immediately.

30-Minute Rule

Once lightning is observed or thunder is heard, the event will not resume until at least 30 minutes have passed since the last observed lightning strike or thunderclap. Each new lightning strike or thunderclap resets the 30-minute clock.

Race officials may also use lightning detection services and distance-based guidelines:

• Lightning within 10 miles: Enhanced monitoring and preparation
• Lightning within 6 miles: Possible delay, suspension, or prevention of additional starts
• Lightning within 3 miles: Immediate suspension of competition and shelter procedures

These distances are guidelines only. Race Management may take action at any time based on actual or forecasted conditions.

Shelter Procedures

If competition is suspended due to lightning or severe weather, participants should seek shelter immediately.

Acceptable Shelter

• Fully enclosed buildings
• Hard-topped vehicles with windows closed

Unacceptable Shelter

The following are not considered safe shelters:

• Tents
• Open pavilions
• Pop-up canopies
• Trees
• Transition areas
• Portable toilets

Participants should remain sheltered until race officials announce that it is safe to return.

Swim Modifications

The swim portion of a triathlon or multisport event may be:

• Delayed
• Shortened
• Modified
• Converted to a time-trial start
• Replaced with a duathlon or alternate format
• Cancelled entirely

Decisions may be based on:

• Lightning or severe weather
• High winds
• Unsafe water conditions
• Poor visibility
• Air or water temperatures
• Other safety concerns

Bike Course Modifications

The bike segment may be:

• Delayed
• Shortened
• Modified
• Neutralized
• Cancelled

Factors considered include:

• Lightning
• High winds
• Flooding
• Road debris
• Reduced visibility
• Other hazardous conditions

Run Course Modifications

The run segment may be:

• Delayed
• Shortened
• Modified
• Cancelled

Factors considered include:

• Lightning
• Flooding
• Extreme heat
• Severe weather
• Unsafe course conditions

Event Suspension

If conditions become unsafe during competition:

• Athletes may be prevented from entering a course segment.
• Athletes already on course may be directed to the nearest safe shelter.
• Timing may be paused or adjusted as necessary.
• Portions of the event may be modified or eliminated.

Participants must follow all instructions from race officials, volunteers, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and venue staff.

Event Cancellation

Race Management reserves the right to:

• Delay the start of an event
• Alter the course
• Modify distances
• Change event formats
• Suspend competition
• Cancel the event

These decisions may be made in consultation with:

• Emergency management officials
• Law enforcement agencies
• Medical personnel
• Venue authorities
• Sanctioning bodies
• Weather monitoring services

While we understand that athletes invest significant time, effort, and resources preparing for race day, no race outcome is worth compromising the safety of participants, volunteers, spectators, or emergency personnel.

Athlete Responsibility

Participants are expected to exercise good judgment and assume responsibility for their own safety. Athletes who believe conditions are unsafe for their individual abilities should discontinue participation and seek assistance from race personnel.

Entry Fees

Because significant event expenses are incurred well in advance of race day, entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable in the event of delays, modifications, suspensions, or cancellations due to weather, acts of nature, public safety concerns, governmental actions, or circumstances beyond the control of Epic Races.