(Select a topic of interest from the "FAQ" menu below. After viewing a topic, you can use your browser "back" button to navigate back to the Contents menu.)

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

 

Can I enter in a team?

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.

 

What equipment do I need?

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

 

What if I am not fast enough?

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?

 

Check-in: Saturday July 5 check-in will be at 7:00am – 7:45 am in the Curling Rink at the Rec Center, located on the north side of the building. 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 Milligan Drive to the Crystal Shores Beach house and get ready for your race. Take your bike and helmet, as well as your running/biking clothes to the bike rack in the transition area (Beach house parking lot) and leave your things there. You can change into your swimsuit in the change rooms of the beach house and wait for your race to start.

 

Swim: You will begin at the lakefront 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: 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, you can simply slap hands to signal the next member to begin their portion of the race. Swimmers will slap hands with the biker on the lakefront as they complete their swim. Bikers can slap hands with the runners outside the transition area where cyclists will dismount. Runners will wait in the transition area.

 

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!

 

How will I be timed?

We are pleased to offer chip timing this year through Winning Time Canada. The Winning Time chip is worn on an adjustable Velcro ankle strap. The chip is coded to match the participants race number. As athletes cross over the timing mats a controller box stores each individual chip code and the time at that exact instance. Winning Time will process this information and then produce the results instantly. For more information, visit their website at:

www.winningtime.ca

 

Where can I learn more about triathlons and training?

The Alberta Triathlon Association website has some good information: 

Getting Started

Training Tips

 

Can my kids participate?

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. 

 

What is the Kids Fun Run?

We are pleased to offer a fun running race for kids ages 15 and under following the triathlon. Participants will need to have their parents sign a waiver and pay a $5.00 day insurance fee. Please fill out the Kids Fun Run entry form and send it to us. You can also enter your child on race day before 8:00 am at the race check-in station. T shirts are available for those who pre-order them on their registration form before June 20. Distances will vary according to age groups .Approximate distances are:

5 yrs

25 metres

6-7 yrs

100 metres

8-9 yrs

200 metres

10 yrs & up

1 km run

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.

 

How can I register?

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

 

 Why do I need insurance?

It is mandatory that all participants are covered by the Alberta Triathlon

Association insurance policy, either by paying the $15.00 day insurance fee or by becoming an ATA member for the year.($45.00)

 

What is Kids Hope Ethiopia? How can I raise money?

This program helps orphan children in Ethiopia , a country where many children are in desperate need. For more information see: CHOIR and Kids Hope Ethiopia . Our goal is to reach out as a community to help Ethiopian children, while having fun and being active. We hope the triathlon will raise awareness about the needs in other communities as we work together to help others.

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

 

How can I help out/volunteer?

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:

info@foothillscharitytriathlon

 

(Last updated January 30, 2008)