Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the closing date for registration?
A: Close date for on-line registration is the Wednesday before packet pick-up begins.
Q: If the race registration is closed, can I still get in if I come to a packet pick-up?
A: Yes, you can still get in but you will pay packet pickup pricing.
Q: Is there a waiting list for entry to this event?
A: Yes, we will have a waiting list
Q: I have paid my entry fee but am unable to compete, can I get a refund?
A: There will be absolutly NO REFUNDS
Q: What is the USAT single day pass/race day insurance?
A: All events registered under the Tri4Life or Venuslife are USAT Sanctioned, USAT is the governing body for the sport of triathlon in the United States. The sanctioning process ensures the safety, standards, race execution, and all other aspects pertaining to our events are in compliance with USAT standards. The one day pass is for event participant liability and excess medical insurance coverage. The 10.00 fee is to activate this policy for each participant for each race. If you purchase an annual membership from the USAT you will not have to purchase a single day pass.
Q: Can I change my race catagory?
A: Yes, you must notify us within 5 days from race date. You may also confirm your race category when you pick up your timing chip on race day.
Q: How can I sign up as an Elite?
A: If you are an elite athlete you should register as an age grouper then you will be responsible for submiting your resume to our timing company within 3 weeks of race date.
Q: What is the age group catagory?
A: This is designed to individuals who want to do the race with individuals within their own age group (5 to 10 year increments based on the amount of entries).
Q: What is the Athena category?
A: Athena's are a weight over 150lbs.
Q: What is a Relay Team
A: A relay team consists of 2 or 3 people compete all 3 disciplines: swim/bike/run. Each person of a relay team must be identified by name on the entry form. Each person on the team MUST attend the mandatory packet pick-up and all waivers (one per participant) and show ID's. NO relay team packets or information will be released until all team members have arrived TOGETHER and complete the check in process.
Q: If a person on my relay team drops can I substitute another person?
A: Yes, the substitute will have to submit the registration form at packet pickup.
Q: What is the minimum age for registration?
A: Minimum age for registration is 14
On-Line Registration questions
Q: How do I register on-line?
A: To register on line click on the Active.com icon on the website then carefully read the categories and fee information then you will follow the prompts from that point forward
Q: How will I know if my registration was successful?
A: You will be sent a confirmation email
Q: How will I be billed? Absolutly no refunds
A: Charges for your entry fees and processing fees will appear on your charge card billing.
Q: How do I download the entry form?
A: You should not have to download an entry form unless you have missed the deadline for entry. In this case you will be able to do the full registration at the packet pick-up location
First Timers
Training for my first event questions
Q: Where do I find information on training for my first triathlon?
A: You can find information on training at several different websites... including ours. Go to the home page and click on training.
Q: This is my first time and I am not sure if I can finish the race?
A: It is your responsibility to consult a physician prior to taking on any strenuious activity. If you have done this and have been doing some training for at least several weeks (7-10) you should have no problems finishing the event. We have women who range in age from 14-85 and petite to plus sized; in fact over half the women in our events are first timers.
Q: Can I still participate eventhough I am pregnant?
A: Our best answer to you is to check with your physician prior to registereing.
Q: Can you tell me what books would help me with my training?
A: Yes, there is a fantastic book titled "Your First Triathlon" you will love it and be able to understand everything you read in it and be able to apply the information directly.
Q: Do I need to use a heart rate monitor?
A: We recommend you purchase a heart rate monitor and learn to use it to help you improve your overall health and performance.
Race Packet Pick-Up
Q: Can I pick up my packet on race morning?
A: NO, there will be no packet pick-up race morning.
Q: What will I need to bring with me to packet pick-up?
A: You will need to bring your registration confirmation, Photo ID, and USAT membership card, if you have one, if not you will either purchase one that day or have purchased a one day pass on-line.
VenusLife Triathlon and Corporate Challenge Events Race Info
Q: How does the Corporate Challenge work?
A: Individual participants complete three disciplines: swim/bike/run. There is one central transition area (bike transition) where you will rack your bike and keep your gear. For Security purposes, bike numbers MUST be affixed to your bike frame and to your helmet prior to entering the transition area and before racking your bike. You should have a small bag (no you cannot bring your dog into the area) with your race number on it to contain your gear. This is for your security and safety.
Corporate Challenge Teams the above applies to you as well.
Relay teams same applies.
Race morning when you arrive at the race site follow the direction of the volunteers and event staff. You will go directly to the transitoin area...first you will get body marked (no fibbing about your age) you will then proceed into the transtion area and directed to your bike rack location. Rack your bike, set up your gear in a SMALL area next to your bike. In this area you should have room for a towel, running shoes, cycling shoes, fuel belt (please no catered lunches into the transiton area). Put your helmet in this area as well with glasses. If you want to put something on over your swim suit you may have shorts and t-shit there as well. We would advise you to give all extra clothing and products to a family or friend to hold for you. Please be courteous to your fellow athletes and allow them space for their belongings as well. REMEMBER...ONLY athletes are permitted in the transition area.
Q: Will I be the last to finish?
A: I would love to say no, but if by chance you are, it has been my experience that being last...well means you will have a huge crowd cheering you to come on home!
Q: What is the point for me to arrive so early since my swim time is very slow?
A: The reason for this is the race site, transiton area, roads, and surrounding areas will be closed an hour or so before the event begins. So you would not be able to gain access to the site.
Q: Why do I have to wait untill the last person is off the course to collect my belongings out of transition?
A:USAT rule 7.4 Obstruction adn interference: No participant shall impede the forward progress of another participant or interfere with another participants equiptment while in the transition area. Keeping this rule in mind the USAT Certified Race Director and her team will use her best efforts to make the transiton area available for bike pick up and departure from the race site by all athletes.
Q: What is chip timing?
A: This is a chip you wear around your ankle which is an encoded computer chip with all your information. You will cross mats to activate the chip at the beginning of the swim and at the finish line.
Q: Do I have to wear the chip strap on my left ankle only?
A: Yes, there are no exceptions to this.
Q: What happens if I lose my chip/strap during the race?
A: It is your responsibility for the chip, if you lose it you will pay $35.00 and have to rent a new one to race.
Q: What kind of bike can I use for this race?
A: This is my favorite question. You may use your old or new crusier, a mountain bike or a friends triathlon or road bike...Tandems and recumbents are not allowed nor are training wheels.
Q: What type of clothing is best for triathlon participation?
A: Triathlon apparel is best and can be purchased at many different stores. Just remember for you first timers, there is no changing area. You can add layers and remove layers only. Get some Tri shorts and a Tri top to swim, bike, and run in and you will be the most comfortable. Trust me on this!
Q: Can I wear flippers/floaties/hand paddles?
A: NO, no flippers, waist floaties, arm floaties, or hand paddles allowed...sorry.
Q: Are snorkles allowed during the swim?
A: No, snorkles are not allowed either...they could be a safety issue.
Q: Can I rent a bike for the weekend?
A: Yes, we can arrange for the rental of a bike.
Q: Can I use decorations (streamers/balloons, etc) to distinguish my bike spot in the transition area?
A: Yes, as long as they do not interfere with another athletes space.
Swim Information
Q: How am I assigned a swim position?
A: You are assingned to a swim position based on the time you submited during your registration.
Q: Can I switch my position once they are assigned?
A: Yes, you may make 1 adjustment to your swim time 15 days prior to the event. You will have to email your new 100 meter swim time to us directly.
Q: How much time is there between swimmers?
A: We will send a swimmer off appx. every 10 seconds.
Race Day Information
Q: Can any members of my "possy" help me in the transiton area?
A: No, only athletes in the transiton area
Q: Can any of my friends or family give me water/gels, or anything else during the race?
A: No, you may not have any outside interference. This is your day and you committed to completing the event as an individual so you may not have any help except for moral support and cheering.
Q: What do I need to bring with me race morning?
A: We will post a list of race day items for you the Friday prior to the event.
Q: When can my friends and family meet up with me?
A: They can meet you at the finish line, but can not enter the transiton area. There will be post race activities and awards ceremony so please stick around...if your not there you just might miss something very BIG.
Q: If I am injured and have to quit the race can one of my friends or family members retrieve my things from the transition area before the race is over?
A: No, unless your sent to a hospital they will have to wait until the last person has crossed the finish line.
Q: What take place after the race?
A: We will post a post event schedule 14 days prior to the event.
Lost and Found
Q: What if I lose something on the race course where will I be able to find it?
A: The Lost and Found area will be well marked and by the Main tent.
Q: Who qualifies as a corporate team?
A: Any business or organization regardless of size.
Q: Do I need to wear a swim cap since it is a pool swim?
A: No, you do not have to wear a swim cap unless you choose to.
Q: What type of bike is acceptable to do this event with?
A: You could ride your pink cruser if you would like...or you could use your best friends mountain bike, a triahtlon, or road bike (no training wheels allowed USAT Rules).
Q: What are the rules?
A: Go to www.usatriathlon.org [1] for complete rules and regualtions.