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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
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GENERAL
QUESTIONS
What
is a triathlon?
Individual participants complete three athletic disciplines: swimming,
biking and running. There is one central transition area where you
will rack your bike and keep your gear. The transition area will
be open from approximately 5:00am to 6:45am before the race and from
10:00am to 11:00am after the race. You should have a small bag with
your race number written on it to contain your gear.
When you arrive at the race site in the morning, follow signs directing
you to the designated racks within the transition area in which you
should rack your bike. Set up your gear in a small area under your
bike. Space in the transition area is limited; be courteous of other
athletes and don't infringe on another person's space. Only athletes
will be allowed in the transition area.
Athletes are permitted into the water in "waves" of approximately
75 women, with 3 to 5 minutes between wave starts, reducing the number
of athletes in the water at any given time. Strong swimmers are encouraged
to position themselves toward the front of the wave for a less crowded
path through the water, while weaker swimmers should stay near the
back and outer edges of the wave to avoid possibly being swam over.
There will be lifeguards on the swim course, and if you get tired,
disoriented or scared, you can hang onto a boat or buoy for as long
as you want without being disqualified. You can use any swim stroke,
but swimming aids like flippers and "floaties" are not
permitted.
After exiting the water at the "Swim Finish," you will
return to the transition area and locate your bike. Strap on your
helmet, walk or run your bike to the "Bike Start" banner
- riding is not permitted inside the transition area - and head out
on the bike course. Helmets must be on before exiting the transition
area. Be sure you have a full bottle of water in the cage on your
bike.
After completing the bike course, you will return to the transition
area and rack your bike in the same place it was before. Make sure
that your race number is clearly showing on the FRONT of your body,
and head out on the run. After the race, be sure to return to the
transition area to claim your bike and all your gear.
What is
the Sprint Distance Triathlon?
Sprint Distance Competition – Sunday, September 7th,
Federal Way, WA
Open Age Group and Relay Divisions: .75 km swim, 22km bike, 5km run
(.47 mile swim, 13.8 mile bike, 3.1 mile run)
- The Open Age
Group division: for competitors using road or mountain bikes.
Competitors are timed according to age group categories.
- The Relay
division: composed of teams of 2 or 3 women, each completing
1 (or 2 for a 2 person team) leg of the race.
- The Elite
division: Athletes competing in this unique division will be
seeded into the early waves of the competition, where they will
compete head-to-head with other Elite division athletes for overall
awards.
- The Triumph
division: This Sprint Distance Division is open to women in all
stages of treatment and recovery from cancer and members of Team
Hope are able to race in this wave. You will not be eligible
for age group awards. Space in this wave is limited to 75 women.
- The Family
Division: is open to women family members that wish to race in
the same wave. Women in this division will start in a separate
wave, and are not eligible for age group awards. Space
in this wave is limited to 75 women.
What
is the SuperSprint Distance Triathlon?
SuperSprint Distance Competition – Sunday, September 7th, Federal
Way, WA
Open Age Group: 375 Meter Swim, 10k Bike, 2.5 Mile Run (.23 mile swim,
6.2 mile bike, 1.55 mile run)
- The Open Age
Group division: for competitors using road or mountain bikes. Competitors
are timed according to age group categories.
- The Relay division:
composed of teams of 2 or 3 women, each completing 1 (or 2 for
a 2 person team) leg of the race.
- The Triumph
division: This Sprint Distance Division is open to women in all
stages of treatment and recovery from cancer and members of Team
Hope are able to race in this wave. You will not be eligible for
age group awards. Space in this wave is limited to 75 women.
- The Family Division:
is open to women family members that wish to race in the same wave.
Women in this division will start in a separate wave, and are not
eligible for age group awards. Space
in this wave is limited to 75 women.
What
is the number of participants that will be competing in the
event?
Approximately 1,000 competitors will participate in the event. We
will post information on our website as well as on the information
hotline when registration for the event has closed.
Do I have
to get body marked at the MultiSport Experience?
No, but we strongly urge you to do so. Body marking will be available
on race day near the entrance to the transition area, but the lines
may be very long. You may not body mark yourself.
How can
I contact CAPRI Events?
Mail: CAPRI
Events • PO Box 577490 • Chicago, IL 60657-7490
Phone: 800-509-5525
Fax: 773-404-6591
Email: info@caprievents.com
REGISTRATION
QUESTIONS
I
haven't received a confirmation packet by mail.
Athletes will NOT receive confirmation of entry by mail. All athletes
are encouraged to confirm receipt of their registration ONLINE. To
confirm your entry, CLICK
HERE.
I can't
find my name in the registration database.
All athletes must allow approximately 3 weeks processing time from
the day the entry was mailed to the time registration can be confirmed
online.
If you have allowed enough time for the receipt of your registration
and still can't find your name, try entering a less-specific query
in the searchable database. For example, if Joan Smith types in her
name, the search might come back with nothing if a typographical
error entered her in the database as Joan Smiht. However if she types
in
"Joan S," her search will come back with every Joan with
an "S" last name, including Joan Sullivan, Joan Sweeney
and Joan Smiht. Joan Smith should then send an email or call the
hotline and advise us that there appears to be a typo in her name
- which should be spelled "Smith" and ask that it be corrected.
Relay Team members should look for the name of their team, not for
individual athlete names. For example, if Joan and Beth Smith entered
as "Team JoBeth," then they must type "Team JoBeth"
into the search function.
What is
the closing date for the races?
There is no set "closing date" for any race. However, due
to demand, many races in the Series will fill up approximately 8-12
weeks prior to race date because that race's maximum number of entrants
has been reached. Once you have made the decision to participate,
you should register as soon as possible.
Once registration
closes, will you be forming a waiting list?
Yes, we will be forming a waiting list once registration closes.
If your entry is not received in time, you will be placed on our
waiting list. You will be notified if you are placed on the waiting
list and if we are able to register you in the race.
If a race
is closed, can I still get in if I come to Saturday's packet
pick-up?
No entries will be accepted once the maximum number of entries for
a given race has been received, and no exceptions will be made. If
there are still slots remaining by the weekend of the event, we will
accept entries at the MultiSport Experience. Please check this website
for entry availability.
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If
I didn’t make it into the race, can I still participate
by using the course?
No, anyone who is not officially entered in the event will be removed
from the course.
My friend
signed up, but now she can't race. Can I use her number?
No. Anyone caught using the number of another participant will be
sanctioned by USAT, the sport’s governing body. Sanctions could
include being banned from the sport for up to two years. Please use
this link for further instructions: Change
To Entry.
If someone
on my relay team drops out, can I substitute another person?
Yes. The substitute will need to fill out a Change to Entry Form
(get form HERE) and complete
a race application in full. Please make sure to include the name
of the Relay Team. Mail the substitute's entry form and Change to
Entry Form to Capri Events, PO Box 577490, Chicago, IL 60657-7490.
ONLINE
REGISTRATION
How do I
register online?
To register on-line, go to www.USWTS.com and select "Registration",
and then "Register Now "
and follow the online instructions. You will know you are registered
when you receive a confirmation number. Please print that page as
your receipt. You will NOT receive a confirmation by mail.
How will
I know if I am registered?
Once you submit your registration, a confirmation
message will be generated. You should print this out and keep it
as a receipt of your entry. If you mail your entry in, please allow
3 weeks to process your entry. You may then go to our website at
www.USWTS.com and select the "Confirm Entry" tab under
your state CLICK HERE.
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CHANGES
TO ENTRY
I
will be unable to race; can I get a refund?
As is clearly stated in all of our materials, there will be absolutely NO
REFUNDS.
If you are unable to compete due to illness and/or injury, you may
qualify for a medical rollover to next year’s event. In order
to qualify you must submit:
- A completed
Medical Rollover Form. Get form by clicking HERE
- A letter from
your doctor
These materials
must be mailed in to the Registration Coordinator,
c/o CAPRI Events, PO Box 577490, Chicago, IL 60657-7490. All materials
must be submitted no later than two weeks after the race. All transfer
requests and inquiries will be handled by the Registration Coordinator.
All decisions made by the Registration Coordinator are final. Incomplete
requests will not be considered.
Can
I change a member of my Relay Team?
Yes, but you must do so in writing. All changes to your team must
be submitted by August 30, 2008. For additional
instructions on making a change to your team’s entry, please click
here.
If I can’t
make the race, can I give my entry to a friend?
No, you must notify us of any changes to your entry. Because our
timing and scoring is dependant on gender and age groups, giving
your race number to someone else will affect the timing and scoring
of the event.
What is
the procedure for making a change to an entry?
To make any change to an entry, you must do so in writing. These
must be submitted to the Registration Coordinator, who will make
all decisions concerning entries into the event. All decisions will
be final. For the appropriate form, CLICK
HERE. All changes must be submitted by August 30, 2008. NO EXCEPTIONS.
To submit your change or transfer request, please mail to:
CAPRI Events • Registration
Coordinator • PO Box 577490 • Chicago, IL 60657-7490
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TRAINING
INFORMATION
I'm
a first-timer. Can I really do this race?
We encourage all potential athletes to have a complete physical examination
prior to beginning training for a triathlon. Provided that your physician
has approved your participation, most amateur women will be able
to complete a sprint distance triathlon (.75K or 1/2 mile swim; 20K
or 12.4 mile bike; 5K or 3.1 mile run; all distances approximate)
in 1-1/2 to 3 hours. A female professional triathlete will complete
a sprint distance in about an hour. Most women - even inexperienced
athletes - should be able to prepare adequately for these distances
with a minimum of 12 weeks training. There are numerous training
programs available in the Naperville area as well as online. If you
are interested in obtaining a training program, visit www.wellfitinc.com.
PACKET
PICK-UP INFORMATION
Why
is the packet pick-up mandatory?
It is mandatory for every athlete
to attend Saturday's Packet Pick-Up to sign a race
liability waiver. This is the only place for the
participants to pick up their race materials (race
number, timing chip, t-shirt, race bag and swim cap).
These materials will not be available on race day
nor will we be able to mail them to you.
Saturday's Packet Pick-Up will be the only opportunity
for athletes to attend a course talk and confirm
the course route; if any changes are made to the
printed course route, they will be communicated at
the course talks. While attending the course talks
is not mandatory for participants, it is highly recommended,
especially for beginners.
ABOUT
THE RACE
Can I be placed in the
same wave as my friend/mom/sister/training partner?
Due to timing and safety considerations, it is critical that every
athlete starts in the swim wave to which she has been assigned. Each
athlete is pre-assigned to a wave start based upon her age. Unfortunately,
there will be no switching of waves to accommodate athletes who wish
to race with friends or who hope to start the race early or late
in the morning.
Why do
I have to arrive so early in the morning if I start in one
of the last waves?
In most cases, access to the race site is limited to roadways that
are also used as part of the bike or run courses. As a result, all
vehicular traffic is prohibited on these roadways at the start of
the FIRST swim wave to protect the safety of those athletes who will
be racing on the course.
The transition area itself is also very hectic and crowded before
the race. To ensure fairness and the safety of all athletes, we must
insist that the transition area be emptied and closed to all but
racers-in-progress from the first wave start through the last runner
to start the run.
The timing system is activated and the timing mats can be crossed
over only by racers-in-progress at each of the entrances/exits to
the transition area. Stepping on the mats other than at in-progress
transitions voids accurate timing and will result in disqualification
and possible errors in awards designations.
All athletes should be at the race site and ready to race no later
than 30 minutes PRIOR to the first wave start regardless of her individual
wave start.
Why do
I have to wait so long to claim my gear from the transition
area after I finish racing?
To ensure fairness and the safety of all athletes, we must insist
that the transition area be closed to all but racers-in-progress
from the first wave start through the last athlete to start the run.
Instead of leaving right after you finish, we invite you to cheer
on your fellow athletes and enjoy the festivities at the Post Race
Party area.
What is
a relay team?
A relay team consists of 2 or 3 women who collectively complete all
3 triathlon disciplines: swimming, biking and running. In a 2-person
team, one woman will do 2 out of the three disciplines. In a 3-person
team, each woman does one segment of the race.
Relay team members should wait for members who are racing the course
inside the transition area. After the swim, the first team member
runs to the location on the bike rack where the team bike is parked,
tears off the velcro strap with the chip attached and passes the
strap to the next racer. The cyclist completes the bike course, returns
to the same location in the transition area, racks the bike, tears
off the velcro ankle strap with the timing chip and passes the strap
to the final racer.
Each member of a relay team is entitled to a shirt and race bag. Each
team member should attend Saturday's mandatory Packet Pick-Up;
or, in the alternative, one team member can pick up the race materials
for all 3 members. If one team member is picking up for all three,
she must provide written authorization from each woman that grants
permission for the member picking up the race packet to sign the
liability waiver on her behalf and to pick up the team goods. Each
relay team member is entitled to a finisher medal.
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How
does chip timing work?
A computer chip encoded with the athlete's name, race number and
wave start is attached to a strap that the athlete must wear SECURELY
around her ankle. A "scanner" located in the orange mats
positioned at each transition (swim finish; bike start; bike finish;
run start and run finish) "reads" the chip and records
the time as each athlete steps on the mat.
For this reason, athletes must be careful to step directly on the
mats at each transition. In addition, an athlete who starts in any
wave after the first swim wave begins, must take care not to step
on a mat in or around the transition area accidentally as she waits
for her wave to begin. The chips are "live" after Saturday's
mandatory Packet Pick-Up and will record every instance an athlete
steps on a mat; if such a time is recorded that is earlier than a
woman's scheduled wave start, the computer will automatically disqualify
her. Furthermore, if an athlete starts in a wave earlier than her
scheduled wave - either accidentally or intentionally -- the chip
will automatically disqualify her.
Each timing chip is very valuable. Replacement cost in case
of loss is the athlete's responsibility and is $30. If for
any reason, you picked up a timing chip at the Race Packet Pick-Up
but don't make it to the race itself, you are required to mail the
chip to the address that appears on the chip packet.
Can I
wear the chip wherever I want as long as I have it with me?
No. The strap with the timing chip must be worn on the ankle.
If I lose my chip,
will I be timed for the race?
No. If you lose your chip before the race starts, see race personnel
to rent a replacement chip. You will be billed by the timing company
for the $30 replacement cost of the chip.
What kind
of bike do I need?
Triathletes can use any kind of bicycle except tandem and recumbent
bikes. The safety guidelines of USA Triathlon, the governing body
of the sport of triathlon in the United States, prohibit the use
of tandem and recumbent bikes in sanctioned events. For more information
please visit www.usatriathlon.org.
THE
SWIM
What
is the water temperature?
The water temperature will range from 64 to 71 degrees.
Do I need
a wetsuit?
No, but wetsuits are recommended.
Can I use any
stroke in the swim portion?
Yes.
How deep
is the water?
The water is is over 2 meters deep.
THE
BIKE
Can
I use a tandem or recumbent bike in the race?
No.
Do I have
to get my bike inspected?
No, but we strongly urge you to do so. Many people experience technical
problems on race day that could have been easily avoided if the bike
had been inspected prior to the race. In order to avoid disappointment
on race day, we urge all competitors to have their bikes inspected
no more than one month prior to the event. Please contact your local
bike shop for additional information.
Will
I need to show a bike inspection sticker to participate in
the race?
No.
THE
COURSE
What
will the course be like?
Course descriptions are available on this web site. CLICK
HERE to view description and maps. Additional information
will also be available at the course talk that will be held throughout
the day at the MultiSport Experience.
EQUIPMENT
Are
there specifications for the bike helmets and wetsuits?
Yes, the bike helmet must be ANSI, CPSC or
SNELL certified. Most helmets purchased in the US within the last
2-3 years are certified. Please confirm this by checking for a sticker
indicating it’s certification on the inside of the helmet.
The wetsuit must not be over 5mm at its thickest point. Anyone
using a wetsuit should have used their wetsuit in their training.
Please be aware that if the water temperature is 78 degrees or
above, wetsuits will not be allowed.
What
additional equipment will be permitted in the swim?
Aqua socks and goggles will be allowed in the swim section. Use of
masks, snorkels, flippers and/or flotation devices and aids is strictly
prohibited.
Can
I rent a bike or a wetsuit?
We do not provide nor do we have a source for equipment rental. Additionally,
we strongly discourage anyone from using equipment with which they
have not trained.
TRANSITION AREA
When
will I be able to access the transition area?
The transition area is located in Steel Lake Park. It will be accessible
from 5:30 am to 7:15 am and from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm.
Do
I have to be in the transition area by 7:15 a.m. even if
my wave doesn’t start until later in the morning?
The transition area closes at 7:15 am regardless of what wave you
are in. All equipment must be in by 7:15 am. In order to ensure the
security and safety of our competitors and their equipment, there
will be absolutely no exceptions to this rule.
Can
I use decorations (balloons, etc.) to indicate where my things
are in the transition area?
Yes, but they should not interfere with anyone else being able to
easily and safely access their equipment. We reserve the right to
remove any materials that will interfere with the safety and security
of our competitors and their equipment.
What
time will the transition area re-open?
The transition area will re-open at approximately 10:30am. The exact
time is to be determined by the Race Director and is dependant on
when the last competitor completes the bike course and has set out
on the run. You will need to show your bib number in order to re-enter
the transition area. All equipment must be picked up by 1:00 pm.
We will not be responsible for any equipment claimed after 1:00
pm.
USAT
INFORMATION
Where
can I get a USAT permit?
USAT permits are mandatory for anyone participating in a Subaru U.S.
Women’s Triathlon Series event. If you are not already a USAT
member, you may purchase a single event permit for the event by submitting
payment with your registration or by purchasing a single event permit
at the MultiSport Experience on Saturday.
If you would like to purchase a one-year membership for USAT, please
visit their website at http://www.usatriathlon.org for
information.
If
I already have a USAT card, do I have to bring it with me
to Packet Pick-up?
Yes, if you do not bring your card with you, you will be required
to purchase a single event permit.
WAVES
How
is my wave assigned?
Waves are assigned according to age. For larger age groups, there
are multiple waves. Some smaller age groups are combined into waves.
Can
I switch my wave?
Wave assignments cannot be changed. Persons "sneaking" into
a wave not assigned to them are subject to disqualification.
How
many people will be in my wave?
Wave numbers are approximate and are assigned to facilitate timing
and ensure accuracy and safety. There will be approximately 75 people
per wave.
How
many minutes apart do the waves start?
Waves will start approximately 3 to 5 minutes apart.
When
will the wave assignments be finalized?
Waves will be finalized before the race, but due to last minute adjustments
and fine tuning we will not have access to that information before
the MultiSport Experience.
What
time does my wave start?
Wave start times will be posted at the MultiSport Experience. We
will not be able to give you your wave start time prior to that time.
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