Frequently Asked Questions

I am a first time triathlete. What do I need to bring?

Each athlete will need

Swimsuit & Goggles
Bike & Helmet
Biking and running clothes
Water bottle for Transition area and the Bike Course

At Packet Pick Up, each participant will receive a swim cap, race number (with pins to attach to clothing), required athlete wrist bands (kids receive one additional band for a parent/guardian), t-shirt and a goodie bag.

As a parent of a youth triathlete, can I help my child in the Transition area or run alongside them during the event?

One parent or guardian will be allowed in the Transition area during designated times prior to the race start, and only allowed if wearing the matching youth triathlete wristband. Once the Transition area is closed, no one other than athletes, volunteers and staff will be allowed inside. Volunteers will be available to help tie shoes, buckle helmets, and direct the kids where to go. Family may connect with the athlete after they have crossed the Finish Line.

When and where are the Athlete Briefings?

A pre-race Athlete Briefing will be held 15 minutes prior to the first wave start for each race at the Swim Start. Additionally, a detailed SuperSprint/Kids Tri briefing will be held at the Multisport & Fitness Expo on Friday, August 26 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the Continental A (Ground Floor).

*Times are tentative and subject to change.

Will there be chip timing?

Yes, all events utilize chip timing. You will be able to view final times and splits following each race. Be careful not to lose or damage your timing chip. Lost or damaged chip replacements will be the sole responsibility of the athlete associated with the chip for $50.

Will athletes be body marked?

Yes. Athlete packets contains two temporary tattoo numbers, which can easily be applied to each shoulder. On race morning, volunteers will be available between Transition and the Swim Start to write the age on participants’ calves (using permanent marker).

How do I know where to put my bike?

After being body marked, enter Transition to find the bike racks with your specific race/bib number. Kids, SuperSprint and Divvy groups will have separate areas within Transition. Volunteers and staff will be on-site to assist.

Can I check my bike in on Friday?

All athletes for the Saturday races must check their bikes in Saturday morning.

What is the water temperature?

Foster Beach is a shallow beach on Lake Michigan, and temperatures vary from the high 60’s to the mid 70’s. The official water temperature will be measured on race morning.

Which equipment is needed for the swim?

Swim caps (provided in the race packet) and swimsuits are required for the swim portion. Goggles or a face mask are optional.

Are wetsuits allowed?

Competitive division athletes may wear wetsuits up to and including 78.0°F. Recreational division athletes may wear wetsuits up to and including 83.9°F. Inflatable, swim fins, snorkels and propulsion devices are not allowed. See the attached Event Rules for full details.

Will there be traffic on the Bike Course?

No, the Bike Course is closed to vehicular traffic, and the Run is held solely on the Lakefront Path.

Are there any Aid Stations on the course?

Aid Stations will be located at the entrance of Transition, as you run in from the Swim, at the Run Out chute and at the 1k run turnaround. Water and Gatorade Endurance will be provided. There are NO Aid Stations on the Bike Course.

What happens at the end of the event?

There will be music, food, family fun and an Awards Ceremony following the race in the Finish Festival area southeast of Transition. We encourage all athletes and spectators to stay around for the ceremonies. The Kids Tri ceremony will take place at 10:00 AM. The SuperSprint ceremony is scheduled for approximately 11:30 AM.