FAQ & Reminders
General FAQs
USAT provides a list of the most commonly violated rules for athletes. CLICK HERE to see that list.
Also, see the letter from the USAT Head Referee HERE.
Interested in knowing all the competitive rules for a USA Triathlon event? CLICK HERE.
Park restrooms will be open and port-o-toilets available in transition.
Parking is available at the Waco Convention Center and area lots off Washington Avenue.
All athletes must be checked in, totally set up and out of transition by the close time at 6 a.m. We strongly advise arriving early to avoid any delays in body marking or bike check.
Transition opens at 4:45 a.m. Those arriving after transition closes at 6 a.m. will not be allowed to race.
Save time race morning by self marking or get marked early at the Expo!
You have (3) three choices for body marking!
1) Get body marked when you pick up your packet at the expo.
2) Self mark: Here is how: bib number goes on left upper arm and left thigh. Make sure number is visible from the side. Race age goes on right calf.
3) Or Race Morning: body marking will be in front of transition. You must be body marked to enter transition.
WATCH THE BODY MARKING VIDEO HERE
Tip: Self marking will save time waiting in long lines race morning!
Yes, Bicycle World will have mechanics outside of transition on race morning. Bicycle World will only able to repair minor mechanical issues.
Water & Gatorade will be available on the course. We will have plenty of water, drinks and great food at the finish line.
No, you are only required to wear it on the run course. Unaltered run numbers must be worn on the front of your body during the entire run course.
USAT is the national governing body for triathlons and duathlons in the United States.
An athlete may purchase a one day pass or an annual membership. Both provide the athlete with excess accident insurance for that race only. These can be purchased with online registration.
USAT applications will be available during online registration and at packet pick up. If a membership was purchased during online registration, we will have notice of that for packet pickup. If you already have an annual membership, be sure to have your card with you.
You will need to look it up online or get a one day pass.
Your timing chip will be picked up with your racer packet.
Yes, timing mats will be set up to record splits for each leg and transitions. If you do not have the chip on when you cross the finish line you are not guaranteed a finish time.
Swim Reminders
- There is no organized warm-up swim in the lake race morning – no kayak or safety personnel will be on the water until races start. Anyone choosing to get into the water before race start does so at their own risk.
- A practice swim will be offered by Waco Tri Club Saturday July 8. Time TBD.
- Timing Chips must be worn during the entire race. Make sure chip is securely fastened.
Sprint and Olympic:
CLICK HERE to watch the swim briefing video
- Swim will be a rolling start. Athletes will line up by estimated swim time in respective ‘corrals.’
- Swim is a point to point swim.
- Sprint racers will begin first at 6:30a.
- Olympic racers will begin ~6:50a.
- Athletes will walk across the Washington street bridge to the swim start.
- The sidewalk to both swim starts is smooth. It is not guaranteed that any shoes or flip flops worn to swim start will be returned.
- Olympic will have 1 hour to complete the swim.
- Sprint will have 30 minutes to complete the swim.
- Sprint and Olympic racers must wear provided swim cap.
- Olympic racers: Green caps
- Sprint racers: Pink caps
All athletes are required to be at 6:00AM Pre-Race Meeting in the transition area. After the meeting, athletes will walk to their respective swim starts. Athletes are responsible for being entirely set up, checked in and set up at 6 a.m.
Don't forget to thank a volunteer!
Bike Reminders
Refer to USAT rules/guidelines for complete Bike Rules, USAT Race Officials will be on course. www.usatriathlon.org
Olympic course is 3 complete loops. Sprint course is 2 complete loops. Make sure you complete all your required loops before turning and heading back into transition.
Bike course closes at 10 a.m.
Interim cutoff 9 a.m. at second loop start
Helmets are required. Only helmets approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may be used in USAT-sanctioned events. USAT race officials will be on course and transition; they will not allow participants to race without the proper helmet.
Each competitor is responsible for making sure that his/her bicycle meets all safety requirements. We encourage you to have your bike checked at a local bike store before the race. Bicycle World will have mechanics in transition area on race day.
You may not ride your bike in transition area. When exiting and entering transition with your bike, observe mount and dismount lines.
While bike course lanes will have cones to separate bikers from traffic, the bike course is open to public traffic. Most intersections will be controlled by the Waco Police Department. Use extreme caution. It is your responsibility to keep aware of moving vehicles and stationary obstacles along the course. The right-of-way must be given to any emergency vehicle.
You will be given a bike number in your race packet. The bike number goes on your bike frame and must be visible from a lateral view. Bike numbers must be placed in respective places and worn through the entire bike course.
There are no aid stations on the bike course so please plan hydration needs accordingly.
Run Reminders
Unaltered run numbers must be worn at all times on the front of the body while on the run course
A water station will be placed at run out and additional water stations will be set approximately every mile. Water stations will provide water and Gatorade.
Your race chip is disposable if you are a triathlon or aquabike. Relay teams: your chips are NOT disposable. Please return at the finish line.
Cold towels will be provided at aid stations and we encourage you to take one when possible.
T1 Reminders
Transition area opens at 4:45a. All athletes are responsible for being checked in with gear set up by transition closing time of 6 a.m.
When you are in line to enter transition, have helmet out and ready to be checked. Your bar ends will also be checked for plugs, and you will be body marked. If you body mark at the expo or self mark, the line will move faster!
Arriving after 6 a.m. could result in not being allowed to participate.
Place your bike on the rack at your numbered spot using the handlebars or saddle. Set the bike on the rack so that the wheel that is on (or close to) the ground is on the same side as the number. WATCH HERE for a quick bike racking tips video
No one except registered participants, volunteers, medical or race personnel will be allowed inside the transition area. Family or friends are not allowed inside transition areas at any time during the race.
Body marking will be outside of the transition area. You must be body marked to enter transition. Did you know self-marking is allowed? See General FAQs for details.
Bike numbers will be checked to body numbers when leaving transition.
We make every attempt to keep the transition area secure; we are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
No glass containers allowed in transition. Please put trash in receptacles.
Relay Team FAQ
A relay team can be two or three people. One person does the swim, one person does the bike and one person does the run. You can do a relay with two people: one person can do two of the disciplines.
- Relay teams have a designated rack area in transition.
- Each team member may leave their belongings in the team rack area.
- Relay teams will receive one swim cap, one run number and one bike number.
- Relay teams will share a velcro timing chip. The timing chip will be passed along to each relay member to wear on the ankle (left preferred for biker). This timing chip is not disposable and must be returned after crossing the finish line.
- Timing chip exchange must take place at the relay rack area.
- The bike must remain on the rack during team member timing chip exchange.
- Each relay member must have a one-day or annual USAT license.
- All relay members must go to packet pick up to show ID and proof of USAT license and check in however, Team members do not need to go to packet pickup at the same time. The final person to check in is the one who will receive the timing chip.
Each relay team member will receive a finisher medal and your team can compete for an age group award in the relay category.
No glass containers allowed in transition. Please put trash in receptacles.