The big day is approaching for the Sanford Tri For Health Kids Triathlon, and you or your child are signed up to complete the challenge. This letter will include some important instructions to help you get through the day. Please email kanderson@triforhealth.com or jjohnson@triforhealth.com if there are any questions that are not answered in this letter.
PRE RACE CHECK LIST
Bicycle - Check your bike to make sure the tires are inflated and the chain is tight and everything is in working order.
Bike Helmet (this is mandatory and an athlete will not be let on the course without a helmet. Contact us if you need a helmet and we will help find one for you to use)
Shoes/socks
Swim Suit
Personal Floatation Device if needed
Towel (2) One to lay on the ground, another smaller one to dry feet so socks go on easier
Goggles – If you have a special pair and don’t want to use the ones given to you
Clothes to put on OVER your swim wear if you want. Your race number bib will need to be attached to you during the biking and running. You can either pin it to your suit prior to biking or slip on a shirt or shorts with it pinned on prior to the race.
Wear your race gear to the race. There will be lockers available to change/shower after the event. The lockers will also be available before the race. (Tri For Health is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.)
GETTING TO THE TRIATHLON AND PARKING
The triathlon will start and finish at the Jackson County Central High School Pool. The lower lots will be closed to traffic so you will have to park in the upper lots at the high school.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I BE THERE?
Every athlete has to check in, even if they pre-registered. It is at check in where they will receive their athlete bags with race numbers, t-shirts, goggles, swim caps, water bottle, and numerous other goodies. Check in will open on Saturday July 18th at 7:00am and will close at 8:30am. After check in, the athlete will go to body marking, where they will get their number printed on their arm and leg. This is done so they get the appropriate chip attached to them before they enter the pool. After body marking they will go set up their bike in the transition area. Each age group will have an assigned area right outside the pool door. There will be volunteers to help the participant with the setup of your transition area if this is your first triathlon. Parents are allowed to help with the set up as well, but cannot be in the transition area when the race starts. The transition will close at 8:45am. After this time, athletes or parents will not be permitted into the transition area.
There will be a meeting for all athletes at 8:45 right outside of the pool doors.
THE SWIM
After the athlete meeting, the first wave of swimmers will be called and they will progress to the swim staging area. Others will wait outside of the pool doors until their race number is called. At this time they will proceed into the pool. The tentative swim schedule is as follows. These times can and will probably change slightly depending on the number of late entries:
9:00 – Age Group 14-18 * LONG COURSE
9:10 – Age Group 14-18 * Short Course
9:20 – Age Group 11-13
9:35 – Age Group 8-10
9:50 – Age Group 5-7
The athlete will line up in the assigned area in the pool that will be marked by signs and volunteers. They will swim their assigned distance and when finished will be directed out of the pool to the transition area where they will dry off, put on their shoes and helmet, and walk their bike to the mount bike area.
THE BIKE RIDE
The athlete will ride their bike out of the bike area and proceed west on Springfield Parkway (run & bike route map posted below). Springfield Parkway will be controlled but not closed. They will turn at the designated turn around point and return back to the transition area on the same route. The older age division will turn off of Springfield Parkway and continue south on 530th Avenue. All routes will be supported by volunteers and clearly marked. They will return to the transition area where they will drop their bike helmet and bike off at their transition spot and then continue to the run.
THE RUN
The run will go south out of the transition area and head west on North Highway. There will be a water station as you leave the transition area. The run course will be clearly marked for each age group. The 14-18 long course will continue up to the Sanford Clinic and across the road to the trail and will proceed to the turn around. All of the other age groups will utilize the sidewalks and streets around the high school area.
THE FINISH
They will return on the same route they went out on, and will finish in front of the pool area. Each finisher will receive a medal and there will be refreshments at the finish line for the athletes.
POST RACE
After all are finished there will be a thank you ceremony where awards will be handed out. Also, all athletes are encouraged to return to the high school at 3:50 to take part in the Race Days Parade. Parade starts at 4:00pm. Volunteers and athletes will ride their bike through the parade route and will stop toward the end so they too can enjoy the parade. If they take part in the parade, we ask that they wear their t-shirt they received. The parade is optional but will be fun as well. There will be more details on the parade in the athlete’s bag at check in.
