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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McDonalds
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 50s to the low 70s. 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 McDonalds 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 years 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 its 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 doesnt
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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