Equipment

• Don't forget your a) wrist band, b) Ankle band/timing chip, c) swim cap, d) swim goggles, e) wet suit (optional), f) bike helmet, g) running shoes, h) cycling shoes (optional), i) sun screen, j) towel, k) socks, l) water bottles, and a great attitude.

Transition Area

• Transition opens at 4:45am. Regardless of your wave, you must be checked in & on the way to swim line-up by 6:15am. Transition is divided into sections by event (Sprint or International). There will be a diagram of the transition area at the course talk. Racks will be numbered by wave. You must return your bike to the same location in the racks. You will not be able to pick up your equipment until the last age group participant is out on the run (approximately 11am). Your equipment must be removed from transition by 1:00pm. The Event is not responsible for lost or stolen equipment.
• Participants only in transition. An Event wristband is required for access.
• No extra equipment (wheels, 2nd helmet, 2nd wetsuit, etc.) is allowed in transition. Transition is fenced & secured by off-duty Chicago Police Officers. Bags larger than 24" will not be allowed.
• ANSI, CPSC or SNELL approved helmets are required during the cycling portion of the event. Helmets are inspected at entry to transition. You will be prohibited from participating if you don't have an approved helmet (no refunds). Helmets must be buckled in place during all aspects of the bike including transition.
• You must walk your bike in the racks & walk or jog with your bike in the transition lanes to the designated mount & dismount areas at the perimeter of transition.

Race Numbers & Body Marking

• Your race number must be visible on your body, swim cap, bike frame, helmet & front of jersey or waist belt.
• Body marking will be limited to shoulders, right calf & left calf.

Timing

• The race is timed with the ChampionChip Electronic Timing System. Participants are required to wear a chip strap on their ankle, throughout the race. NO CHIP---NO TIME!!!
• Relay Team Members must pass the band/chip at each transition. After you finish, turn in the band/chip at the end of the finish zone.
• If you pull out of the race, report to transition, turn in the band/chip & collect your gear (approximately 11am) before heading to the Party. There is a $35 charge for a lost band/chip.

The Swim

• The 1st wave starts at 6:30am (unless there's a weather delay). You must be in your assigned wave at swim-lineup no later than 7:15am. You've been assigned to one of 38 or more waves. Each wave is designated by a numbered sign (same # as on your right calf). The same color cap may be used for more than one wave. Don't change waves. Lost cap? See race official at the swim finish & get correct color cap.
• The out & back swim is near & parallel to the shore & proceeds from an in-water start. You will enter & exit the water from platforms anchored to the shore. Be careful when entering. The water is shallow and the bottom is rocky. You should seed yourself according to your swimming ability (Fast swimmers to the front). You are prohibited from striking or swimming over another swimmer(s). Failure to heed the command of an Official will result in a DQ & ejection from the event (no refunds).
• If the water temperature is 83 degrees or less, wetsuits are allowed. If you are racing for an age group award, the cutoff is 78 degrees. It is recommended that you wait until 5-10 min. before the start of your wave to put on your suit. Keep the suit rolled down to your waist until just before you enter the water. If you are new to wetsuits, purchase the wetsuit from a reputable dealer & insure a proper fit. Heed the manufacturer's warnings. Note: It is recommended that you train in your wetsuit under supervision before wearing the suit in a competition.

SWIM GEAR CHECK

The Bike

• Although bike safety inspection is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. If an Event Official deems your bike unsafe, you will be prohibited from participating in the Event (no refunds). A number of bike shops are offering FREE bike inspections (August 10th-August 22th). Check this web site for a shop near you.
• The bike leg takes place on the highly trafficked lakefront expressway. The two inner lanes (four-lane roadway in each direction) are dedicated to the triathlon & separated from automobile traffic by road cones. You should be alert & cautious of other competitors & automobile traffic. The innermost (median) lane is the primary riding lane with the outer lane for passing. If you are not passing another rider, riding in the right lane is termed blocking & is a "DQ" offense. If you enter the automobile lanes, you will be disqualified.
• The Accenture Chicago Triathlon is a USAT sanctioned event. Drafting Marshals on motorcycles will strictly enforce USAT rules including the prohibition of drafting. Officials will also be in transition. Failure to heed the commands of an Official will result in your disqualification & ejection from the event (no refunds).
• There are caution areas on the bike course (transition & turns) where you are required to slow & ride single file. Race officials will be on hand. Failure to heed their commands will result in a penalty or your disqualification (no refunds).
• If you break down on the bike, you must remove yourself/bike from the course. Officials with vans will be circulating the course. Need assistance? Flag down a van.

The Run

• The run takes place on roadways & sidewalks in the lakefront park. There may be an occasional in-line skater or recreational cyclist. Keep your eyes open & use caution at the turns. Avoid contact with other runners. If you intentionally strike another runner (Race Officials call), you will be penalized & may be removed from the event (no refunds).

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