Race Details and Rules for Safety

We have listed the most commonly asked questions and answers on the FAQ PAGE. Please read through the list of questions prior to the race. Athletes and parents are also encouraged to attend an orientation session prior to their race.

Swim

Athletes in the 6-7 year old age group and older age groups should be very comfortable in the water. 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.

Life jackets are permitted for any athlete regardless of age and will be handed out on the pool deck. We supply the life jackets. Flutter boards, water noodles or fins are not allowed. Puddle jumpers are permitted in the 3-5 age group. Water wings are permitted in some locations only.

Some venues will require a swim test for certain age groups. Please review specific race information pages and all pre-race communications to understand the requirements in advance of the race.

Arrive at the Wave Calling tent prior to your wave being called in. Waves will be escorted onto the pool deck in order starting with the 3 – 5 age group, wave # 1.  There are 6-8 athletes in each wave. Athletes in the 3 – 5 age group MUST be accompanied by an adult in the pool.  Even if your child can swim unassisted you must be within arm’s length of him/her in the pool. Come prepared to get in the pool. Parents will be able to walk across the width of the pool.

No running on the pool deck at any time, even on the carpet. The race will start ‘in water’, no jumping or diving into the pool.

Athletes are responsible for counting their own laps.

Parents/guardians of athletes older than 6 will not be permitted to enter the swim area (expect in spectator viewing gallery).

Our Swim Captain, volunteers, and life guards will be on the pool deck at all times.

Spectators: Depending on the venue, spectators will either view from a viewing gallery or on the pool deck or in some venue there will be no spectators due to space limitations.

Timing chips are a sticker placed on the back of the race bib. Race bibs cannot be worn in the water.

After the swim: Transition Area

Athletes enter the transition area, after their swim,  walking or running down the swim chute path. Volunteers will guide the athletes as needed. Athletes in the 3 – 5 age group will have a separate transition area.  One parent will assist athletes in transition for this age group.

Volunteers will be guiding and assisting in transition for ALL other age groups. Parents/guardians of athletes older than 6 will not be permitted to enter the transition area during the race.

The transition area is a large, secured area near the swim exit. It is the area where athletes transition between the swim – bike and the bike – run. Athletes will place (rack) their bikes, helmet on the designated rack, with their gear placed under their bike. Bike racks will be marked with AGE GROUP signs which are the same colour as the race bib.

After the swim athletes dry off with their towel and put on shorts and a shirt over their bathing suit with their race number already pinned on. Our crew or volunteers will assist athletes with everything from helping dry off, tying shoelaces, putting on shirt/shorts, buckling helmets to unracking bikes and of course, offering tons of encouragement.

The athlete takes his/her bike and heads to the exit of transition towards the BiKE flag. The bike cannot be mounted until the athlete passes the “ON MY BIKE” sign. Bike helmets must be worn with chin strap buckled at all times while the athlete is in contact with the bike.

Bike and Run

All athletes must have a well maintained, safe bicycle or tricycle and must wear a properly fitted helmet with a working chin strap. Bike inspection is not mandatory, but it is recommended.  Training wheels are permitted at any age.  Glider/Balance Bikes are permitted in the 3-5 age group only. Helmets must be buckled before taking the bike from the rack.  Follow this link for five easy steps to fitting your helmet properly.  Great information!

NO HELMET = NO RACE

NO SHIRT=NO RACE Torsos (chest and stomach) must be covered during the bike and run (female and male).

Failure to follow the directions of the race officials, the use of profanity (athletes and parents) and putting the safety of other athletes at risk will not be tolerated.

No riding bikes in the transition area. Athletes will  be directed to the ON MY BIKE sign, located outside the transition area.

Please make sure your athlete(s) understand the bike looping process.  Show them where you will be standing to count their loops.

After they have completed the bike portion, athletes will dismount their bikes at the OFF MY BIKE sign and head to the ‘Drop Transition’.  They will rack their bike or place it on the ground and head off on the run course.

Most run courses are laps of a field where the older age groups will complete several laps before finishing.  Parents play an important role in the race!

Lap and Loop Counting

Be sure your child knows how many LAPS in the pool and LOOPS of the bike and run course they are required to complete.  It is the responsibility of the athlete and their parents to keep track of completed loops.  The number of laps and loops will be printed on the athlete’s race bib and can be torn off for parents to keep in hand.

Call out the loop number to your child … “one more to go”. Make a sign!  Be sure your athlete knows where you will be standing to count loops.

We will take this opportunity to remind participants and parents that this is a non-competitive event series and we are not disqualifying, holding back or adjusting times for any participant who does not complete their required distance.  Results are posted in alphabetical order and not in finishing order.

Equipment Required for the Race

Equipment required to participate in all TRi KiDS Triathlon races include:

• bicycle (road bike or mountain bike) or tricycle. Training wheels are allowed for any age group. No scooters permitted.
• bike helmet with working chin strap – check your helmet for proper fit!
• swim suit (arrive in your swim suit)
• running shoes (no CROCS™ or sandals)
• shorts and shirt
• water bottle, hat and towel
• race bib – pinned to the front of the shirt you will be riding and running in.

Helmets
Be sure to check your child’s helmet before race day.  Inspect the helmet for cracks or chips and make sure it fits your child properly.  The helmet should feel snug and not slide around with movement.  The straps should form a V-shape around each ear and the chin strap must fasten securely.  Helmets that are not fitted properly are less likely to protect your child from injury. Visit your local bike shop if you are unsure of the proper fit for your child or take a look at this guide.

Bike Inspection

We recommend that you take bikes in for a pre race bike inspection the week before the race. Inspections at a bike shop will include checks on brakes, steering, wheels, inflation pressure, tire condition, chain, and pedals.