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reebok Womens Tri Series Home

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REEBOK WOMENS TRIATHLON-San Diego

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS


REGISTRATION QUESTIONS


ON-LINE REGISTRATION


CHANGES TO ENTRY

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TRAINING INFORMATION


PACKET PICK-UP INFORMATION


ABOUT THE RACE


THE SWIM

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THE BIKE


THE COURSE


EQUIPMENT

TRANSITION AREA


USAT


WAVES

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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 12:00pm 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 area 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 4 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 swum 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, and drink all of this fluid while on the bike course to prevent dehydration.
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, October 19th, San Diego, CA.
Open Age Group and Relay Divisions
.75 km swim, 20km bike, 5km run (.47 mile swim, 12.4 mile bike, 3.1 mile run)
      • The Open Age Group division: for competitors using road/racing or mountain bikes.  
        Competitors are timed according to age group categories.
      • The Relay Team division: composed of teams of 2 or 3 women, each completing 1
        (or 2 for a 2 person team) leg of the race.

What is the SuperSprint Distance Triathlon?
SuperSprint Distance Competition – Sunday, October 19th, San Diego, CA.
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/racing or mountainbikes.  
        Competitors are timed according to age group categories.
      • There are no relay teams in the SuperSprint division

What is the number of participants that will be competing in the event?
Approximately 1,500 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 Expo?
No, but we strongly urge you to do so. Body marking will be available on race day, 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: 773-404-2372
         Fax: 773-404-6591
         Email: registration@caprievents.com

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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.

I can't find my name in the registration database.
All athletes must allow approximately 2 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 them 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 approx. 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 expo.

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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. Race entries are non-transferable. 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. However, we will allow participants to sell their slots. Please email info@caprievents.com for further instructions.

If someone on my relay team drops out, can I substitute another person?
Yes. The substitute should complete the entry form in full and make sure to include the name of the Relay Team. Mail the substitute's entry form and a $25 check made payable to Capri Events to: Capri Events, PO Box 577490, Chicago, IL 60657-7490 with a note stating the name of the team, the name of the new member and the name of the person being replaced.

ON-LINE REGISTRATION

How do I register on-line?
To register on-line, go to www.reebokwomenstriathlon.com and select San Diego. Select "Registration" and follow the on-line prompts. 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?
When registering on-line, 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 2 weeks to process your entry. You may then go to our website www.reebokwomenstriathlon.com and follow the links to confirm your entry online.

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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 then you may qualify for a medical transfer to next year’s event. In order to qualify you must submit:


• A written request (please include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address),
• A letter from your doctor
• Insurance documentation


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 BEFORE 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 October 3, 2003.

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. If you give your race number to someone else it will affect the timing and scoring of the event. For instructions on transferring your entry, please contact us by email: registration@caprievents.com.

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.

All changes and transfers must be submitted by October 3, 2003, NO EXCEPTIONS.
There will be a $25 change fee for each change to an entry.

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 supersprint (half the distance of a sprint) or 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 area as well as online. If you are interested in obtaining a training program visit www.MultiSports.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, goody 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.

Athletes whose last name begins A-M attend Packet Pick Up 10am-12:30 pm.
Athletes whose last name begins N-Z attend Packet Pick Up 12:30-4:00 pm.

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ABOUT THE RACE

How do I make sure I can race with 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 courses.

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 on 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 t-shirt and goody 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.

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THE SWIM
Can I use any stroke in the swim portion?
Yes.


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 three weeks 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.

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THE COURSE

What will the course be like?
Course descriptions and maps will be available in the Confirmation booklet online. Further information will also be available at the course talk that will be held throughout the day at the Reebok MultiSport Experience and Packet Pick Up.

 


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 with.

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TRANSITION AREA

When will I be able to access the transition area?
The Transition Area is located on the north side of the South Shores Park parking lot, just west of the permanent bathrooms. It will be accessible from approximately 5:00 am to 6:45 am and from 10:00 to 12:00 pm.

Do I have to be in the transition area by 6:45 a.m.
even if my wave doesn’t start until later in the morning?
The Transition Area closes at 6:45 am regardless of what wave you are in. All equipment must be in by 6:45 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 10:00 am. 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 12:00 pm. (We will not be responsible for any equipment claimed after 12:00 pm.)

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USAT INFORMATION

Where can I get a USAT permit?
USAT permits are mandatory for anyone participating in a Reebok Women’s Triathlon Series event. If you are not already a USAT member you may purchase a one-day permit for the event by submitting payment with your registration or by purchasing a permit at the Expo 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. You may also purchase a USAT card at the expo.

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 one-day permit.

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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 four 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 expo.

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