Are life jackets permitted? Mandatory? Supplied?

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Athletes in the 3-5 age group are accompanied by an adult within arms’ length and have the option of wearing a life jacket.

Athletes in the 6-7 year old age group and older age groups should be very comfortable in the water as they are swimming unassisted. Life jackets are offered so that athletes feel 100% comfortable swimming in the race environment. The life jacket is not intended as an aid for non-swimmers. It is not a requirement for athletes to continuously swim their designated distance. Resting by using the lane ropes or side walls is permitted and encouraged.

At our event in Burlington, athletes in the 6-7 year old age group are required to wear a lifejacket, as per the policies of the City of Burlington. No exceptions are available for this rule; further details will be provided to athletes and parents closer to the event.

Life jackets are offered to all age groups and supplied on deck.

 

Do they need to wear a helmet?

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YES. No one will be allowed to bike without a helmet. Transition volunteers will make sure no athletes leave the transition zone without a helmet that is fastened!
PLEASE make sure your child’s helmet fits properly.

Are there refunds for cancelled races due to weather?

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Unfortunately no. Weather is an uncontrollable factor as are uncontrollable circumstances and every effort will be made to proceed with a safe event. It is possible that the swim and/or the bike portions of the event are cancelled. If this is the case, then a swim/run or bike/run or a run only event will take place. Participants will still receive their t-shirt, race kits, and medal. TRi KiDS races are outdoor, rain or shine events. There are no refunds or rain-dates.

If the event must be cancelled in its entirety, you will be informed as soon as possible. In that case, our refund policy will apply.

What happens in inclement weather?

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The race goes on rain or shine. In the case of lightening the race will be delayed or stopped immediately if in progress.The race will not resume until 30 minutes after the last incidence of lightening. If the road conditions are unsafe due to rain the bike portion of the race will be cancelled and a swim – run event will take place. There are NO rain dates, NO refunds or transfers if a race is modified or cancelled due to weather.

Are parents allowed in transition?

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Parents are allowed in to help set up their child’s gear before the race.

During the race, parents are not allowed in transition (except in the case of a parent accompanying their 3-5 year old athlete). Volunteers will assist athletes throughout their transition from swimming to biking.

Is my child safe on the course?

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Safety is our highest priority. While parents need to understand that participating in a sporting event like a triathlon has, by its nature, elements of risk, as do all sports. You can help make your child’s experience the safest and most enjoyable by practicing before the race to improve their skills and increase their confidence. Also, we strongly recommend all athletes and parents to attend one of our orientation sessions.

Can I participate in the triathlon with my child?

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Participants in the 3 – 5 age group must have an adult (16+ years old) accompany them in the water, within arms reach. Parents may continue with them on foot for the bike and the run.

Parents are not permitted to participate in the triathlon with their child and will not be allowed on the pool deck (except in designated spectator viewing areas) or in the transition area during the race. Volunteers will assist athletes throughout the event and during the transition from swimming to biking. We encourage you to watch and enjoy the experience, while loudly cheering on both your athlete and others racing!

How do we get our equipment out of transition?

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Once your child has finished their race you may collect their gear from the main transition and the drop transition. Please make sure it is safe for parents to collect from transition while the race is still going on. Be alert to athletes still on course.
The race organizers are not responsible for lost gear.

How will my child know where to go on the race course?

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The race course is well marked with traffic cones and arrows are strategically placed throughout the course to provide direction and support.
The race format literally becomes a game of follow the leader!
Also, we encourage athletes and parents to attend an Orientation Session to familiarize themselves with the course, specifically the bike and run exits, the turn around points on the bike and run course and how transition works.