What are the days and times that I may pick up my packet for free?

Packet pick up is only available Saturday, July 13, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Packet pick-up is at the Community Wellness Expo at the southwest corner parking lot (near Sears) at Westfield Plaza Camino Real, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad.  If you miss picking up your packet at the Expo, your packet will be transferred to the race site on Sunday, and there will be a $25 charge for Sunday packet pickup.

Do I have to show up on Saturday, July 13, at Packet Pick-up to pick up my packet?

Saturday packet pick up is free. You can choose to pay $25 for Sunday packet pick up and your packet will be available at the race site between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. No one else can pick up your packet for you. 

Can I register on Saturday during packet pick-up?

If there is space available in your age group, we will allow on site registration at the Community Wellness Expo between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

Can I register on Sunday?

There is no registration on race day.

Can I receive a refund/credit if I am injured?

There are no refunds. If you are injured the city will require a medical statement from your physician to process any credit for the following year's race. All requests must be in writing and received with official medical statement no later than Friday, July 29, 2013.

Can my friend take my place if I cannot participate?

No, no transfers are allowed.  Your race packet has been put together under your name. The time to reprocess the entry would impact the processing of the waiver, timing company, and other participants.

Do I need to bring my I.D. when I pick up my packet?

Yes, we do require that all participants bring a valid picture ID during packet pick-up. Your race packet will only be given to you. No one else can pick up your race packet.

Do I have to pay full price?

A fee structure is set up with a discount applied to all registrations prior to July 1. Any registration from July 1 on, will pay full price.

Can I get a complimentary entry fee?

The city does not offer any complimentary entry fees.

Can my son or daughter, who is under the age of 12, compete in the triathlon?

We have had some under age participants in the past. They may participate in the relay division as bikers or runners.  Call for special permission for the swim portion.

Can I race with my friends in another division?

Yes, but you will not receive your times (they will not be correct).

Do all relay participants need to check in on packet pick-up day?

Only if they have not signed a waiver.  All relay participants must sign a waiver. Waivers can be printed and dropped off/mailed in prior to the race or the participant must show up at packet pick up to sign a waiver.  Waivers that are not signed will not be processed and/or packets handed out.

Where is the swim course?

The swim course takes place in the open waters of the ocean. The race is run with an open entry (run from the beach). This means you will have to contend with waves on the way out as well as on the way in. Please practice beforehand if this is your first open water swim triathlon.

Where does the swim go out?

Approximately 400 meters north of lifeguard tower 36 below Cherry Street on the beach.

Where does the swim come in?

The finish is just south of lifeguard tower 36 at the Tamarack Parking Lot beach access.

Where can I get another swim cap if I lost mine?

Go to the late packet pick-up area on Sunday for a replacement.

What is the water temperature?

The water temperature along the Carlsbad coast in the summer is typically in the mid- to high sixties. There are a number of factors/events that could significantly change that, generally in the downward direction, such as a big swell or a period of high winds. Remember that you can wear a wetsuit! Goggles are recommended and a swim cap required.

What is the swim course?

The swim event starts at a point 400 meters north of Lifeguard Tower 36 (the one located just south of the stairs to the bathrooms at Tamarack). The swim course is a big "C" shape that goes west (out) 250 meters, then turns south for 500 meters, then comes in (east) 250 meters. The finish is just south of lifeguard tower 37. Once you enter the water, all buoys are kept to your left. The course is marked by large orange buoys with balloons tied to them.  There are pyramid buoys indicating the corners where you need to turn. 

Where is the lane line?

There are no lane lines in the ocean. There are swells, chop, currents, in-shore holes, rip currents, kelp and seaweed, stingrays and fish though. If you have not swum in the ocean before, this should NOT be your first time! If at any time you need assistance, do your best to get attention (yell, wave your arms if possible, etc.) Please don't wait until you are in real trouble to ask for help. It is OK to rest, with or without assistance from a lifeguard, and then continue the race. If there are waves at the start, dive below the wave/white water with your arms in front of you to avoid being pulled back.

Will I be able rent a wetsuit?

Our sponsor, Moment Cycle Sport, will provide rentals of wetsuits along with bicycles, Aero helmets, and race wheels.  Contact Moment Cycle Sport at www.momentcyclesport.com for details.  Wetsuit rentals reserve quickly, so don't wait until the last minute to reserve yours.

Special Note: If there are extreme weather conditions including, but not limited to high surf, strong rip tides, or poor visibility due to fog, the swim portion of the race may be canceled.  The triathlon would then transition into a run-bike-run.  The California State Lifeguards will assess the water conditions the day of the race. Safety of all participants is our priority.

Where is the Transition Area?

Tamarack Beach parking lot

Are spectators allowed in the transition area?

No spectators will be allowed in the transition area.  To enter, athletes will need to have their bib numbers.  Relay members must wear their wristbands to enter.

What time can I enter the transition area to setup?

The transition zone will open 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2013. Transition area closes at 7:45 a.m. sharp!

Can I have assistance in the transition area?

Yes, we can provide assistance with prior arrangements. Please see the transition coordinator for additional inquiries or email carlsbadtriathlon@carlsbadca.gov.

What time does the transition area close?

All athletes must exit the transition area except relay team members by 7:45 a.m. Relay athletes must remain next to their designated area at all times, no wandering around. Relays must hand off their transponder anklet to their relay member at the bike rack.

How do I get my bike out of the transition area? Do I need to wait until the race is completed?

We ask that no one attempt to re-enter the transition area after they have finished the race. We will allow only athletes to enter the transition area after 10:30 a.m. Please plan your day accordingly.

Bike

Where is the bike course?

The bike course is a two-lap, rolling hill course along the California coastline. Take a moment to enjoy the view but don't miss the South turn around at La Costa Avenue, or the North turnaround at Solamar Drive. Remember: this is a 2-lap course! Please do not come through the finish line if you do not complete 2 laps of the bike course.

Where do I go for bike safety inspections?

There is no bike check required.

Do you have to wear a helmet for the bike portion?

Yes, all cyclists must wear an ANSI approved helmet. The helmet MUST be securely fastened upon exiting and entering the transition area as well as throughout the course.

Can I wear a motorcycle helmet for the bike portion?

No. Only an ANSI, CPSC, or SNELL approved helmet may be worn.

Can I ride a Mountain Bike, Cruiser, BMX, etc., type bike for the bike portion?

Road Bicycles or Mountain bikes may be used. NO recumbent cycles. Hand cycles and Tandem bikes are only allowed for Challenged athletes and relay division participants.

Does my bike need to be "racked"?

Yes, please go to the corresponding swim cap color on the bike racks that match your swim heat cap color. You may set up your bike anywhere in your designated color area.

If I miss the 2nd lap on the bike course will I be disqualified?

Yes. Remember: this is a 2-lap course! Please do not come through the finish line if you do not complete 2 laps of the bike course.  The south turnaround is at La Costa Avenue and the north turnaround is at Solamar Drive. 

Is there drafting?

No, the Carlsbad Triathlon is a non-draft format race. The stagger rule will be in effect.

What is the Stagger Rule?

You must stay at least 10 meters away from the next competitor unless passing.

Can I rent a bike?

Our sponsor, Moment Cycle Sport, will provide rentals of bicycles, along with wetsuits, Aero helmets, and race wheels. Contact Moment Cycle Sport at www.momentcyclesport.com for details.

Run

Where is the run course?

The run course runs along the sea wall to Pine Street. Runners will proceed south on Carlsbad Blvd. At the power plant the runners will make turn around and run south on Carlsbad Blvd. to the finish line at Hemlock.

Do relay teams need to stay in their area and be tagged by their partners?

Yes and you must transfer the timing chip.

Where is the information tent?

The information tent is located at the volunteer booth.  Course maps and the swim heat schedule will be posted at the volunteer tent. 

Where is the start?

Below Cherry Street on the beach at life guard tower 36.

Do we need to be body marked?

Yes, body marking is required. Marking will be done in the Transition in the bike area or on Saturday at the Community Wellness Expo.   Feel free to mark yourself if you prefer.  Markings are done on both biceps and above the knees.

Where do numbers go?

Your bib should be attached to the front of your running shirt or shorts. The bike frame number should be attached to your bike frame towards the front.

Where do I find drinking water before the race to fill up water bottles?

We suggest that you fill your water bottles prior to coming to the race. We will have a water station in the transition area where you may fill up your bottles.

Is there a practice swim? When and where?

There is no official practice swim and the water will be cleared prior to the race starting.  You can warm up in the water between 6:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. but we suggest that you stay near the shore.  If this is your first open water swim triathlon, please practice prior to Sunday.  Check out the clinic schedule for swim clinics.  We will also eblast all registered participants as soon as a clinic is scheduled. 

What do new racers have to do on race day?

Make sure that your race numbers are placed in their appropriate locations, set up your bike in the appropriate cap color location for your wave, check to make sure you have your swim cap, get body marked, make your way to the swim start area before 8 a.m., relax and have fun!

Where do I get my t-shirt?

You will receive your shirt with your packet.

Are T-shirts for sale?

Shirts will be available for purchase on Sunday after 10:30 a.m. for $10 each.  Also, past year's Carlsbad Triathlon t-shirts will be available for sale near the volunteer tent.

Where are the bathrooms located?

Porta-Johns will be located in the transition area as well as near the hospitality tent by the finish line. Tamarack Beach bathrooms are located just above the parking lot on the north side of the driveway.

I did not eat breakfast. May I have food from hospitality?

Athletes are more than welcome to help themselves to some refreshments. Please remember that there may be other athletes coming in later so refrain from sharing with families and friends.

Is there any special training scheduled prior to the race, and where is it being held?

Please check our clinic schedule for a list of all clinics.  We will eBlast all registered participants as soon as a clinic is scheduled as well as post it on our website.  Also, announcement will be made via Facebook at City of Carlsbad Triathlon and Twitter @cbadtriathlon. 

When and where are the results posted?

Unofficial finish results for top finishers will be posted at the volunteer tent 15 minutes after the first finisher crosses the line. Results will be updated every 20 min. after that. Complete results, with split times, will be posted Monday at 3 p.m. at www.carlsbadtriathlon.com.

Can I still finish the race if I am disqualified on one portion of the race?

Yes, you will be able to finish the race. Please do not come through the finish line with your timing chip though if you are disqualified.

Is there a handout of the race course?

Print a copy of the course map or look for it posted during race day. If you are unfamiliar with the course, please review it prior to racing, as there are two distinct turnaround points for the bike course, which can be confusing and if missed, disqualify you from the race.

Is there a map of the course posted on race day? Where?

A large course map will be posted on race day by at the volunteer tent.

What time is the Awards Ceremony?

Awards ceremony will be held at approximately 10:45 a.m. Awards given 1st through 3rd place in each age category, and relay divisions. No awards will be handed out prior to the awards ceremony.

Special Note: If there are extreme weather conditions including, but not limited to high surf, strong rip tides, or poor visibility due to fog, the swim portion of the race may be canceled.  The triathlon would then transition into a run-bike-run.  The California State Lifeguards will assess the water conditions the day of the race. Safety of all participants is our priority.