Frequently Asked Questions, Videos & Reminders

a resource page to ensure you have a smooth race experience!

FAQ for RACE DAY

What are the most commonly violated rules in a triathlon?
USAT provides a list of the most commonly violated rules for athletes. CLICK HERE to find that list! Also, see a letter from the USAT Head Referee HERE .

Where do we park?
Parking is available at Plano Event Center. See parking section under Athlete Info on website

Where is body marking?
Body marking will be in front of transition. You must be body marked to enter transition. Did you know self-marking is allowed?  Here is the how-to!

Bib number goes on left upper arm and left thigh. Make sure number is visible from the side. Race age goes on right calf – race age marking is optional. Please use the pictures for reference.

Will there be someone to help if I have a bike problem?
Yes, Bike Mart will have mechanics inside transition on race morning.

What sports drinks and gels are available on the course?
Water & Gatorade will be available on the course. We will have plenty of water & snacks at the finish line!

Do I have to wear my run number while on the bike portion?
No, you are only required to wear it on the run course. You may wear it on the bike if you would like.

Unaltered run numbers must be worn on the front of your body during the entire run course

USAT and why do I need a one-day permit?
USAT is the national governing body for triathlons and duathlons in the United States. A one-day license allows a novice athlete to compete in a USA Triathlon-sanctioned race without purchasing a full $50 membership. The $15 one day fee provides the athlete with excess accident insurance for that race only. These can be purchased with online registration.

Is it better to join USAT or buy the one-day permit?
A one year (adult) membership to USAT is $50. Youth membership is $10. (This is an annual membership, there are no one day passes for youth).  Membership includes a subscription to USA Triathlon Times, annual rankings, discounts on merchandise.  Most importantly you don’t have to pay an extra $15 at every USAT race for a one-day membership.

How do I join USAT?
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.

What happens if I don’t have my USAT card at packet pick up?
You will need to look it up online or get a one day pass.

How does chip timing work?
Each athlete will wear a ‘chip’ that transmits data to the receiving antenna when the athlete crosses a timing mat. Run Far Racing Services will utilize the MyLaps system. Timing ships are disposable (except relay chips).

Where do I wear the chip?
Attach the strap to your left ankle. This allows it to stay away from the bike chains!

Where and when do I pick up my timing chip?
Your timing chip will be picked up with your racer packet.

Do I need to wear the chip for the entire race?
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.

  • Transition area will close once race begins.
  • Athletes will be able to get bikes and gear out of transition once all participants have finished the bike portion of the event.
  • SPRINT TRANSITION: No one except registered participants, volunteers, medical or approved personnel with official VIP passes will be allowed inside sprint transition area. Family or friends are not allowed inside transition areas at any time during the race.
  • YOUTH TRANSITION: One parent may help youth racer set up in transition area race morning. Once race begins, only participants, volunteers and race staff allowed inside transition.
  • Body marking will be outside of transition area. You must be body marked to enter transition.Did you know self-marking is allowed?  Here is the how-to!Bib number goes on left upper arm and left thigh. Make sure number is visible from the side. Race age goes on right calf – race age marking is optional. Please use the pictures for reference.
  • We make every attempt to keep transition area secure; we are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
  • No glass containers allowed in transition.
  • Bike numbers will be checked to body numbers when leaving transition.
  • Warm up Lanes will be open at 6:00am for kids and 7:30a for adults/sprint racers
  • Timing Chips must be worn during the entire race. Make sure chip is securely fastened.
  • Racers will be seeded according to the swim time given when registering. Swim will have a time trial start, in ~5 second intervals.
  • Swim caps are not provided or required. Be sure to bring your own swim cap if you want to wear one.
  • Lifeguards will be on duty through the entire swim. If you or a swimmer near you is in distress, raise your arms to alert the nearest lifeguard.
  • All athletes are required to be at Pre Race Meeting (6:20a – Youth, 8:20a – Sprint) in transition area.
  • Refer to USAT rules/guidelines for complete Bike Rules, USAT Race Officials will be on course. www.usatriathlon.org
  • Sprint Bike course closes at 11:15a. All Sprint athletes must be starting 3rd loop no later than 10:30a.
  • Helmets are required. Only helmets approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may be used in USAT sanctioned events. All helmets will be checked as you enter transition. USAT race officials will be on course and in transition; they will not allow participants to race without the proper helmet. If you are unsure about your helmet, please take it to Richardson Bike Mart or Tri Shop to have it checked.
  • 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. Richardson Bike Mart will have mechanics in transition area on race day.
  • You may not ride bike in transition area. When exiting and entering transition with your bike, observe mount & dismount lines.
  • While bike course lanes will have cones to separate bikers from traffic, not all areas of bike course are closed off to public traffic. Most intersections will be controlled by Plano Police Officers. Use extreme caution. It is your responsibility to keep aware of moving vehicles & stationary obstacles along course. Right of way must be given to any emergency vehicle.
  • Bike numbers must be placed in respective places and worn through entire bike course
  • There are no water stations on bike course so please plan hydration needs accordingly.
  • Unaltered run numbers must be worn at all times on the front of body while on the run course.
  • A water station will be located at run out, and additional water stations will be set approximately every mile. Water stations will provide water & Nuun.
  • Your race chip is disposable if you are a Sprint Triathlon, Aquabike or Aquathlon racer. Relay teams: your chips are NOT disposable. Please return at finish line.
  • Cold towels will be provided at aid stations; we encourage you to take one when possible to thermoregulate.
  • Be sure to thank a volunteer!

RELAY TEAMS

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 team rules:

Relay Team Rules

      • 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 0ne 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.

Packet Pick Up & USAT License

    • 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.

Finisher Medals & Awards

Each relay team member will receive a finisher medal and your team can compete for an age group award in the relay category. See awards and divisions here

Placing Race Numbers:

  • You will have three numbered articles in your Race Packet: a large run race bib, and a smaller foldable race number and an adhesive number. First, check to make sure all numbers are the same. Do not alter any race numbers.
  • The large run bib is to be attached to a race belt or pinned on the front of the t-shirt or running shorts (safety pins are available at packet pick-up).
  • The second tag with two numbers is your bike number. This number is to be attached to top tube or seat post. Number must be visible from each side. Fold number flat at crease and attach to bike with adhesive strip.
  • The adhesive number will go on the front of your bike helmet.