Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled answers to frequently asked questions for the McDonald's® Kids Triathlon. If you are not able to find an answer to your triathlon question on this page, please e-mail us at registration@CapriEvents.com.

General Questions

The Swim

The Bike

The Course

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Changes to Entry

Equipment

Transition Area

USAT

Waves

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McDonald’s Kids Triathlon — Saturday, August 23 Foster Avenue Beach

  • Individual and Relay Team Divisions
  • (Age as of 8/23/08) Swim Bike Run
  • 7-8 years 100-meter 4-kilometer 1-kilometer
  • 9-10 years 100-meter 4-kilometer 1-kilometer
  • 11-12 years 200-meter 8-kilometer 2-kilometer
  • 13-14 years 200-meter 8-kilometer 2-kilometer

If someone hands me my glasses at the end of the swim, does that violate the "No Help" rule?

No, but they will not be allowed in the swim exit chute and will have to stand behind the fence lining the start or the run to transition.

Do I have to get body marked at the Expo?

No, but we strongly urge you to do so. Body marking will be available on race day, but the lines may be very long. You may not body mark yourself.

Once registration closes, will you be placing names on a waiting list?

Yes, we will be forming a waiting list once registration closes. If your entry is not received in time you will be placed on our waiting list. You will be notified if you are placed on the waiting list and if we are able to enter you in the race.

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What is the water temperature?

Lake Michigan is a large open body of water. Therefore water temperature can vary dramatically from the high 50’s to the low 70’s. The average in the past few years has been 68 to 74 degrees.

Do I need a wetsuit?

No.

Can I use any stroke in the swim portion?

Yes, you can use any stroke that allows you to see the buoys and stay on course.

How deep is the water for the swim?

It is shallow enough to stand in at Foster Avenue Beach for the McDonald's Kids Triathlon and the Fleet Feet Sports SuperSprint Triathlon.

If I hang onto the lane lines or buoys , will I be disqualified for doing so?

No, you may stop and rest during the swim, but you must not interfere with the progress of other swimmers. You may hang onto the guard boats or buoys.

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Do I have to get my bike inspected?

No, but it is highly recommended. Many people experience technical problems on race day that could have been easily avoided if the bike had been inspected prior to the race. In order to avoid disappointment on race day we urge all competitors to have their bikes inspected no more than three weeks prior to the event. Please contact your local bike shop for additional information. Free bike inspections are available at bike shops throughout Chicagoland. Click HERE for a list of the participating dealers.

What will the course be like?

Course descriptions and maps are available for each event on-line listed in the information section under "Course".

Will the race begin on the beach or in the water?

The McDonald’s Kids Triathlon on Saturday, August 23, will have a beach start.

What is the swim course like?

The McDonald's Kids Triathlon will take place in Lake Michigan at Foster Avenue Beach with a beach start.

If I am unable to make the race, can I get a refund?

As is clearly stated in all of our materials, there will be absolutely NO REFUNDS. If you are unable to compete due to illness and/or injury then you may qualify for a medical transfer to next year’s event. In order to qualify you must submit:

  • A completed Medical Rollover Form - get form by clicking HERE
  • A letter from your doctor on your doctor's letterhead

These materials must be mailed in to the Registration Coordinator, c/o CAPRI Events, PO Box 577490, Chicago, IL 60657-7490. All materials must be submitted no later than 2 weeks after the race. All transfer requests and inquiries will be handled by the Registration Coordinator. All decisions made by the Registration Coordinator are final. Incomplete requests will not be considered.

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If I am unable to make the race, can I give my entry to a friend?

No. If someone else races under your name and is injured, or causes an accident, that person will not be covered by any protection typically afforded to an athlete through the USA Triathlon sanction and insurance. Plus, if the athlete racing in your name causes injury or damage, you may be liable in part for those damages. For instructions on transferring your entry, click HERE.

What is the procedure for making a change to an entry?

To make any change to an entry you must do so in writing. These changes must be submitted to the Registration Coordinator, who will make all decisions concerning entries into the event. All decisions will be final. For instructions on transferring your entry, click here. All transfers must be submitted by July 1, 2008, NO EXCEPTIONS.

There will be a $25 fee for every transfer of an entry.To submit your transfer request, please mail to:

CAPRI Events
Registration Coordinator
PO Box 577490
Chicago, IL 60657-7490

How can I contact CAPRI Events?

Mail: CAPRI Events - PO Box 577490 - Chicago, IL 60657-7490
Phone: 773/404-2372
Fax: 773/404-6591
Email: registration@caprievents.com

Are there specifications for the bike helmets and wetsuits?

Yes, the bike helmet must be ANSI, CPSC or SNELL 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.

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.

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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?

No, we do not provide, nor do we have a source for equipment rental. Additionally, we strongly discourage anyone from using equipment they have not trained with.

When will I be able to access the transition area?

The McDonald's Kids Triathlon transition area, located next to the Foster Avenue beach, will be accessible from 6:00am to 8:45am on Saturday morning. The transition area will reopen for this event from approximately 9:15am to Noon.

Why do I have to be in the transition area so early if my wave doesn’t start until later in the morning?

The transition area closes at the specified times regardless of what wave you are in. All equipment must be in by the appropriate time. In order to ensure the security and safety of our competitors and their equipment, there will be absolutely no exceptions to this rule.

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Can I use decorations (balloons, etc.) to indicate where my things are in the transition area?

Yes, but they should not interfere with anyone else being able to easily and safely access their equipment. We reserve the right to remove any materials that will interfere with the safety and security of our competitors and their equipment.

What time will the transition area re-open?

The exact time is to be determined by the Race Director and is dependant on when the last competitor completes the bike course and has set out on the run. All equipment must be picked up by Noon. We will not be responsible for any equipment not claimed after those times.

Where can I get a USAT permit?

USAT permits are mandatory for anyone participating in the McDonald's Kids Triathlon. If you are not already a USAT member you may purchase a single-event permit for the event by submitting payment with your registration or by purchasing a single-event permit at the Expo on Friday.

If you would like to purchase a one-year membership for USAT please visit their website at http://www.usatriathlon.org for information.

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If I already have a USAT card, do I have to bring it with me to packet pick-up?

Yes, if you do not bring your card with you, you will be required to purchase a single-event permit.

How is my wave assigned?

Waves are assigned according to division, gender, and age group. For larger age groups, there are multiple waves. Some smaller age groups are combined into waves.

Can I switch my wave?

Wave assignments cannot be changed. You will be disqualified if you start in the wrong wave.

How many people will be in my wave?

Wave numbers are approximate and are assigned to facilitate timing and ensure accuracy and safety. On average the minimum number is 80 and the maximum is 150.

How many minutes are between waves?

There are four minutes between waves.

When will the wave assignments be finalized?

Waves will be finalized the week before the race. The wave start schedule will be available at the Expo.

What time does my wave start?

Wave start times will be posted at the Expo.

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