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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
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I have never done a triathlon before. Can I enter?
Definitely.
Our event is for athletes of all ability levels. We want to encourage anyone
who is interested to give this event a try, from beginners who want to try
something new to experienced athletes looking for a challenge. Bring your
family out to cheer you on and have your
kids
join the Kids Fun Run following the triathlon. This is a fun family event for
everyone. Yes. If you are new to the sport of triathlon this can be a good introduction. Find one partner or two and create a team, One of you can do the swim, one can run and another bike. The point is to have fun and enjoy a new challenge.
Swim: a swimsuit, googles, towel (wetsuits are recommended) We will provide you with a swim cap, which is needed for timing. Bike: a bike helmet, a mountain bike, touring, or road bike, water bottle Run: running shoes General: Sunscreen, sunglasses
The
race will start in waves at different times so there will be people along the
course throughout the morning. Go at your own pace and enjoy. There is no
such thing as too slow or too fast!
How does a triathlon work? What happens first?
Package Pickup:
Friday July 9 6:30pm - 8:00pm (or late pickup Saturday
July 10 at 7:00am – 7:45 am) in the Curling Rink at the
Check-in
and Body-marking:
Saturday
July 10 at 7:00am – 7:45 am in the Curling Rink at the
Please park at the
Your number will be drawn on your
leg and arm and you will receive your
timing chip. If you have
not already had your bike checked or picked up your race package you can do
so at the late package pickup station. You will be given a race number to pin
to your shirt. Once you have checked in, you can walk one block east on
Please remember that the transition area is for athletes only. Spectators must stay clear of the transition area for safety reasons. Meet at the Beach House by 7:50 AM for Pre Race instructions.Also, please be aware that listening devices (ex. IPODs and MP3 players) cannot be worn during the race for safety reasons.
Swim:
You
will begin at the lake front for your swim. If this is your first time in a
lake swim you may wish to stay near the side or back of the pack to avoid the
jostling near the front. Remember to look up from time to time as you swim,
to see the buoys, which will help you stay on course. After you
complete the swim you can come to the transition area and find your bike in
the bike rack. You can change from your swimsuit in the beach house
locker room if you wish. Many participants simply pull on shorts and t-shirts
over their suits and carry on. (Women may want to wear a sports bra under
their swimsuits for running). You will put on shoes and your helmet (it must be
done up) and walk your bike out of the transition area.
Bike: Bikes must be walked out of the transition area. Helmets must be worn. Mount your bike and follow the bike route. Traffic will be controlled on the roadways on the bike route, but roads will not be closed so cyclists will have to exercise some caution along the race route. After your bike ride, you will dismount from your bike and walk your bike into the transition area, remove your helmet and put your bike back in the rack. Head out on your run.
Run:
There
will be a water station along the way. Traffic will be controlled on the
roadways, but not be closed, so runners will have to exercise some
caution along the race
route.You
will complete the run and cross the finish line to the cheers of the waiting
crowd!
Team
transitions:
If you are participating as a team, Swimmers wear the timing chip
and tag the bikers in the transition area. Swimmers will pass the
timing chip to the runners. Runners wait in transition to be tagged
by bikers before beginning the run.
Post Race Celebration:
Following
the race, come back to the curling rink at the Okotoks
Rec
Centre for the post race celebration which will include munchies and prizes! Lunch is free for athletes. Spectators can purchase lunch for a minimum $2.00 donation to Kids Hope Ethiopia.
Dr. Dick Northcott will present a brief presentation about Kids Hope
Ethiopia to let you know what your funds have helped to accomplish
in Ethiopia. Draw prizes and awards will be presented as well at
this time. I am worried about the swim in the lake. On Thursday, July 8th at 6:30 PM, the Crystal Shores Beach House has kindly offered a chance for any racers to come and try the 500m swim in the lake. This is a private facility and this is the only time that the swim is open to racers before the race. Please be aware that this is an informal, swim at your own risk (no lifeguard) swim. It will give you a good chance to try out the swim and test the water. You will need to check in before you swim as only registered racers will be allowed to swim. The gates open at 6:30 and all swimmers must be finished by 8:00 PM. The internet has some good information. Use your favorite search engine and look up "triathlon training" or "triathlon swimming open water" and you will find many sites that offer free training information and advice for swimmers.
We
are pleased to offer chip timing this year through Winning Time
Where can I learn more about triathlons and training? The internet has some good information. Use your favorite search engine and look up "triathlon training" and you will find many sites that offer free training information and advice, as well as sites that offer training and coaching for a fee. Your local library is another source of free information. They will have books on triathlon training, as well as magazines and periodicals devoted to the sport. You can also check with your local rec centre or swimming pool, or on the internet, for triathlon clubs in your local area that can offer training advice and support, as well as comradrie.
There
is a category this year for children aged 16-18 years in the triathlon. We
are also pleased to offer a fun running race for kids ages 15 and under
following the triathlon. See
What is the Kids Fun Run?
below
for more information.
We
are pleased to offer a fun running race for kids ages 2-15 following
the triathlon at 11:00am on the morning of the triathlon. Kids who want to
raise pledges bef ore the race will be given the name and picture of
an Ethiopian child on whose behalf they can race.
Pledge forms and registration forms
are available on our website. You can also register your child on
race day at the Rec Center. All parents must sign a waiver in order
for their kids to run in the fun run. You can do so at the
registration table in the Rec Center before the Fun Run. There is a
$5.00 ATA day insurance fee for this race. Kids t-shirts are
available for $8.00.
Distances will vary according to age groups .Approximate distances are:
Children may also collect
pledges to support children in Ethiopia
through Canadian Humanitarian.
So
start training now and join us for some fun!
Will medical assistance be available?
There
will be medical personnel available if you require help
First aid help is available in the transition area. If you have
special medical issues that you have not advised us about, please do
so immediately.
You
can register on our website through our online registration, or print off a
registration form and mail it to us. See:
Race Details:
How To Enter
It
is mandatory that all participants are covered by the
Association insurance policy, either by paying the $20.00 day insurance fee or by becoming an ATA member for the year.($35.00)
Who are Canadian Humanitarian and Kids Hope Ethiopia? How can I raise money?
This
program helps orphan children in
Proceeds
from our race will go to Kids Hope Ethiopia, as well as to a local charity to
help provide school supplies for needy children in the Okotoks area.
Use
your pledge sheet if you like to raise funds on your own or you may make a
direct donation to the program. See:
Race Details:
How To Enter
If you are interested in
volunteering for our race we would love to have your help. Please contact
Maureen
Misura at
info@foothillscharitytriathlon.
We
appreciate all our volunteers as they make our race day possible. If you are
interested in helping with sponsorship, you can also contact Maureen
Misura.
How can I get more information? If you cannot find the answers to your questions here or just need more information about anything on our site, you can contact us by email at: |
(Last updated May 31, 2010)