Questions About Equipment

Are there specifications for the bike helmets and wetsuits?
Yes, the bike helmet must be CPSC certified. Most helmets purchased in the US within the last 2-3 years are certified. Please confirm this by checking for a sticker indicating it’s certification on the inside of the helmet. For a list of CPSC certified helmets, please see rules for participation. The wetsuit must not be over 5mm at its thickest point. Anyone using a wetsuit should have used their wetsuit in their training. If the water temperature is 83 degress or less, wetsuits are allowed. If you are racing for an age group award, the cut-off is 78 degrees.

What additional equipment will be permitted in the swim?
Aqua socks, socks, snorkles and swim mask or goggles will be allowed in the swim leg of the Event. Use of fins, gloves and flotation devices is prohibited.

Can I rent a bike or a wetsuit?
We do not provide nor do we have a source for bike rental. While a wetsuit is not required, water temperatures have historically been between 68-74F on race day making it a wetsuit legal race.  A wetsuit will provide you warm, buoyancy, and make the swim easier.  Wetsuits can be rented from the official wetsuit sponsor of the Chicago Triathlon, Sailfish Wetsuits. Click here for additional information about the rental program.

How does chip timing work?
A computer chip encoded with the athlete's name, race number and wave start is attached to a strap that the athlete must wear SECURELY around their ankle. A "scanner" located in the orange mats positioned at each transition (swim finish; bike start; bike finish; run start and run finish) "reads" the chip and records the time as each athlete steps on the mat.
 
For this reason, athletes must be careful to step directly on the mats at each transition. In addition, an athlete who starts in any wave after the first swim wave begins, must take care not to step on a mat in or around the transition area accidentally as he/she waits for their wave to begin. The chips are "live" after Saturday's mandatory Packet Pick Up and will record every instance an athlete steps on a mat; if such a time is recorded that is earlier than an athlete's scheduled wave start, the computer will automatically disqualify he/she. Furthermore, if an athlete starts in a wave earlier than their scheduled wave - either accidentally or intentionally -- the chip will automatically disqualify them.

Can I wear the chip wherever I want as long as I have it with me?
No. The strap with the timing chip must be worn on the ankle.

If I lose my chip, will I be timed for the race and where can I get another chip?
No. If you lose your chip before the race starts, see race personnel at the Volunteer Check-In tent (located at Monroe & Lake Shore Drive) to rent a replacement chip.  Each timing chip is very valuable. Replacement cost in cases of loss is the athlete's responsibility and is $30.