USA Triathlon Age Rules

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As an event that is sanctioned by USATriathlon, we are required to follow their rules. One of these rules governs age. This means our event is open to kids ages 6 to 14. However, it is not quite that simple. USAT does not go by the age of the athlete on race day. Instead, your triathlon age is your age as of 12/31 of the current year. For our 2020 event, this means that all kids will race at their age as of 12/31/20. For example, if your child was born during October 2010, they will be 10 on race day, however, they will actually be an 10 year-old triathlete for all of 2020. This is not really that big of a deal once you understand it. However, it does impact a few different groups of kids. First, all kids born in 2013 are eligible to participate (assuming they can swim 25 yards safely; bike without training wheels; and run). For example, we will have many kids who are actually 5 on race day. However, they are 6 year-old triathletes because they will turn 6 before the end of the year. Second, kids born in 2004 are not eligible to participate. There will be some kids who are 14 on race day, but they will turn 15 before the end of 2019.

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What do I need to bring on race day?

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• Bike - With your racer number attached
• Helmet
• Swim Suit
• Towel
• Running Shoes
• Socks
• T-Shirt - With racer number pinned on the front and back
• Shorts

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Transition Area Set up

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After you check in, you will be directed to the “transition area”. This is where you will arrange your equipment. Next to your bike arrange your running shoes (and socks if you choose), bicycle helmet, and shirt with number pinned on. We suggest you lay your equipment out on a towel to keep it contained and to wipe your feet on. You may also want to include a water bottle to squirt off any sand or debris on your feet. You will enter the pool area for the first leg of the event with only your bathing suit, swim cap, and goggles on. (SEE PHOTO) There will be an “Information Table” available for any questions you might have prior to the start of the race.

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Equipment Guidelines

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Over the past month, we have received a bunch of emails about the proper equipment for a triathlon and the rules governing what type of bikes you can ride. For safety and insurance purposes, our event is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. As a result, we need to follow their rules. While we will talk much more about what to bring with you on race day in subsequent emails, here are some of the most important equipment guidelines:

• No training wheels are allowed.
• No flotation devices will be allowed in the pool. The kids can grab onto the lane lines and rest at the end of each lap, but they cannot use any preservers, noodles or floaties.
• All participants must wear a helmet at all times when pushing or riding their bikes.
• No aerodynamic equipment is allowed. This includes no use of aero bars, no use of aero helmets and no use of full disc wheels.
• We will supply every participant with a color-coded swim cap

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