Rules:
Wine bottle trophies, bottle opener finisher medals, you've got an"interesting" nickname...What gives? Sgt. Smith
A: First off, Doobie is a nickname my mother called me when she sang to me as a baby (You know Sinatra, right? doobie-doobie-do) Second, we wanted to give functional things to people that still could be displayed to let people know of their triathlon accomplishments. So use it, give it away or recycle it.
- Should be 12 years of age (as of race day) or older to participate (unless receiving prior approval from Race Director).
- Must wear a swim cap (provided free of charge) during the swim portion.
- Wetsuits will be allowed.
- Must wear an approved bike helmet with chin strap fastened at all times during the bike portion, including leaving/entering transition area.
- No riding bike in the transition area (even prior to or after the event)
- Drafting during bike portion is not allowed.
- NO headphones/earbuds allowed during competition. Be safe, not entertained.
- Those registering as Clydesdales/Athenas are not eligible for age group awards in addition to Clydesdale/Athena awards.
- Must be nice to volunteers! (just checking to see if you're reading this closely, although we would hope you'd be nice to the volunteers).
- Participants competing in the general age group categories will be placed based on their age as of race day (age groups will be as follows: up to 16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64 , and so on as long as there are participants for an age range).
- The swim start will use a "time trial" method by which athletes will enter the water from the beach two by two approximately every 3-5 seconds, beginning with the Sprint distance (Clydesdales/Athenas first) and ending with the mini-sprint.
- In the event of severe weather, the race may be converted to a duathlon. The race director will make this determination based upon safety factors and consultation from local authorities, including the police and life guards.
- Sorry, no refunds are available in the unlikely event that severe weather causes the race to be cancelled entirely. Registration can be transferred to next year's race, due to injury, with documentation from a medical examiner.
- Must be present to win any awards (and they'll be awesome awards, so don't miss it!)
- Why is it a "time trial" swim start? A: In an effort to make the swim portion as stress free and safe as possible, we are opting to use a time trial start to minimize crowding in the water. We will be sending 2 people into the water approximately every 3 seconds (i.e. 25-30 people every minute)
- Why is the start determined in part by when I register? A: To reward those that sign up early and make our race committee's lives easier for planning.
- Why is the mini-sprint starting nearly an hour after the Sprint? A: Since the mini-sprint distance is considerably shorter than the Sprint distance, we are delaying the mini-sprint start to help with traffic flow on the bike course and in the transition area. Most mini-sprint participants should still finish with the rest of the participants.
- Is there an elite wave? A: No, there is no "elite wave", as in this race we're all considered "common folk".
- Is there a team/relay option? A: No. This course was designed for one athlete to be able to complete all 3 portions.
- If I've done triathlons before, can I still sign up for the mini-sprint distance? A: Yes, you most certainly can! It's just a distance option.
- If I've never done a triathlon before, can I try the sprint distance? A: If you feel you're up for the extra challenge, then yes again!
- Can I switch between the Sprint and mini-sprint distances, if I change my mind at a later date? A: Yes, all change requests must be be made by midnight, one week prior to the day of the race. Race Director will attempt to contact you to confirm the change. Additional fee may apply, if changing to the sprint distance.
- Will there be training sessions prior to the race? A: Yes, click here for more info.
- Why is the race on Labor Day weekend? A: Because the beach is still open for business until the weekend before Labor Day weekend, so avoid the traffic by driving up to the cabin after the race on Saturday morning.
- What is a "swim angel"? A: a person that will join you on the swim course and stay by your side the entire time. They can help coach you and keep you calm and focused in the water. They can not actually assist you, nor teach you to swim. To request one, click here.
- Why do you serve hot dogs and ice pops at the post race meal? A: The short of it is that hot dogs and ice pops are reasonably priced and relatively simple to prepare. Some races (including IronMan) serve pizza and soda afterwards, and they charge a lot more for registration. We decided to provide all-beef hot dogs and ice pops to everyone, including fans (which very few races do). To keep in compliance with local food ordinances, we opted to go with a simple and hopefully enjoyable addition to the post race nourishment. We do also offer special dietary options, like veggie dogs, gluten free buns, etc.
- Why is the bike course a triple loop? A: Due to the number of controlled intersections found in an urban environment, the planning committee decided a triple loop would provide minimal disruption to the hosting communities, while at the same time providing a challenging and enjoyable race course.
"What was Doobie thinking?"
Is our race director doing thing that makes you scratch your head? Go ahead. Ask him, "Doobie, what were you thinking?"
I'm a serious triathlete. Why do you serve hot dogs and ice-pops at the post race meal?-Hunter K.
A: The short of it is that hot dogs and ice-pops are relatively simple to prepare, not to mention reasonably priced. Some races (including IronMan) serve pizza and soda afterwards, and they charge a lot more for registration. We decided to provide all-beef hot dogs and ice-pops to everyone, including fans (which very few races do). To keep in compliance with stringent local food ordinances, we opted to go with a simple and hopefully enjoyable addition to the post race nourishment. We do also offer special dietary options, like veggie dogs, gluten free buns, etc.
Why is it a "time trial" swim start? I like wave starts, or even mass starts. I just want to get ahead of everyone-Brian K.
A: In an effort to make the swim portion as stress free and safe as possible, we are opting to use a time trial start to minimize crowding in the water. We will be sending 2 people into the water approximately every 3 seconds (i.e. 30-40 people every minute)
Why is there no elite/pro option? My social media followers want to read about me dominating-Devon P.
A: While top triathletes are welcome to participate, they get no special perks. In this race, we are all considered "common folk". Tweet that! Are you following me?
I'm an awesome swimmer. My friend Lance can really crank it on the bike, and our friend Usain runs like the wind. No relay option?-Michael Ph.
A: Wow! You guys sound impressive. While we realize that some people excel in certain domains, we are a multi-sport event. We've done our best to make sure we have options for every participant to complete this event all by themselves. We offer finisher medals in the mini-sprint too. You like medals, right?
Why is the swim only 750 yards? I'll be done in like 10 minutes, and that's doing the backstroke. I think it should be at least a mile or 2.-Katie VD.
A: While a longer swim would be more in line with the times for the bike and run, not every is as skilled when it comes to swimming. Not to mention, 750 yards is still on the longer side for a sprint tri. Believe it or not, some people actually prefer a short swim. I suppose we could let you do an extra loop on the swim course.
Why is starting position determined by the order you register? I like to wait until the last moment to see if I'm busy, who's in the race, what the weather will be like, what my horoscope will say, etc.-Randy N.
A: Cool! Me too. Unfortunately, the vendors we use like to get paid (ahead of time) regardless of who shows up, and our planning committee likes to be prepared so they can put on a quality event. Our suggestion...be polite and register early.
That hill on Bren Road is STEEP! Can't we just avoid it altogether? Feels like I'm on a ride at Valley Fair-Flat Stanley
A: Oh, you mean "roller coaster hill". I'll admit, it is a bit of a challenge. The good news is that it's a quick ascent (1/10th mile) with a mile plus descent on the other side in return. Remember to use those small gears, although you could always try the mini-sprint which is a lot flatter...Stanley.
Wine bottle trophies, bottle opener finisher medals, you've got an"interesting" nickname...What gives? Sgt. Smith
A: First off, Doobie is a nickname my mother called me when she sang to me as a baby (You know Sinatra, right? doobie-doobie-do) Second, we wanted to give functional things to people that still could be displayed to let people know of their triathlon accomplishments. So use it, give it away or recycle it.
