Q. What is the event check-in procedure?
A.  1. The first thing you need to do is go to the Registration Tent and register (9.00am - 9.45am)
    2. You will be given a coloured wrist band,  your goody bag and your t-shirt!
    3. Listen carefully to any instructions given by the registration team.

 

Q. Then what do I do?
A. You will then need to take your bike and any gear you need, including your helmet and covered shoes, to the Transition area.
You must be wearing your helmet when you put your bike in the transition area before the race as it allows the marshalls to see you have one.  Make sure your helmet fits perfectly BEFORE the race.

 

Q. How will I know where to put my bike in the Transition area?
A. Your age will be allocated a specific area in the Transition area and marshals will be on hand to show you where your area is. You must place your bike in a allocated area, then set up your riding / running shoes, etc for your race. You may wish to mark your spot by a brightly coloured towel that you will be able to recognise. Remember where your transition spot is!
 

Q. What time does the Transition area close ?
A. ALL BIKES MUST BE IN THE TRANSITION AREA BY 10.10am

There will be a race briefing for all participants at 10.15am
 
Q. Are there change rooms or tents available to get changed ?
A.There are public toilets at the race site, located next to the beach. Your school may also bring along a tent.
No nudity in the Transition area please!
 
Q. Can my parents and friends help me during the race?
A. No. Triathlon is an individual sport. No one other than competitors and marshals are allowed on course during an event.



Q. What happens if the weather on the day is wet?
A. The event will continue as planned.  In exceptional circumstances, the race organisers may need to modify the course for safety reasons.



Q. Will traffic be on any of the roads the event is using?
A. Yes there will be traffic but all residents will have been notified of the event and road cones along with marshals will be in place to ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience for all students and spectators. No children under the age of 7 will be required to leave the confines of the domain during their race.

Q. How will I know where to go ?
A. There will be a large number of marshals on the course to make sure all participants complete the correct course.  It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the course in the Course Maps section of this website. The Course Maps will also be displayed in the race briefing area on the day.



Q. Will I be racing against children the same age as me?
A. Yes, even though you may start with children a year younger or older than you, you will be racing against your own age group. You will have a different coloured wristband to them, so the marshals at the finish line can tell the difference.

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Q: I am in the 11-13 year old category and the run looks short on the map?

A: Our 11-13 year olds will be running a 1km loop twice on the day to make the distance 2km.

 

Swim / Splash Leg

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Q: Do I need to swim the swim/splash leg or can I walk or run it?

A: We expect our 5-6 year olds will do a combination of swim, walk and run their swim/splash leg. We expect all other age groups to swim the swim leg.

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Bike Leg



Q. Do I need a race bike to enter?
A. No, you can use any type of bike in good working order. Road bikes, BMXs, Mountain Bikes, etc are all welcome.



Q. Can I use trainer wheels?
A. Only the youngest age groups - 5 and 6 year olds, will be able to use trainer wheels.



Q. Do I have to wear a bike helmet during this event?
A. YES, all participants MUST wear an approved helmet during the bike leg. Any time you are in contact with your bike you must be wearing a fastened helmet, including in the Transition area.  No helmet, no start. 



Q. Do I have to wear shoes on the bike leg?
A. Yes all participants MUST wear closed shoes during the bike leg. Aqua shoes are fine.

Q. Do I have to wear a shirt on the bike leg?
A. All athletes need to cover their torso on the bike and run portions of the triathlon with either a t-shirt or rash shirt. No bikinis or bare tops (for boys).



Q. When can I remove my bike from Transition?
A. After the last race is finished. The MC will make an announcement to notify athletes and parents that it is OK to retrieve their bike and gear from the transition area.

My Ride Tauranga will be present on the day to do bike checks but it is your responsibility to ensure that your bike is roadworthy and in good working order before the event!

NOTE: Please ensure you have pumped up your tyres the night before the event.



Run Leg



Q. Do I have to wear shoes on the run?
A.It is strongly advised that participants wear shoes on the run as the run course involves a stone path, footpaths and road. They are, however, not compulsory. 5 and 6 year olds run on grass, so shoes are not required for the short run leg.

Q. Do I have to wear a shirt on the run leg?
A. All athletes need to cover their torso on the bike and run portions of the triathlon with either a  t-shirt or rash shirt. No bikinis or bare tops (for boys).

 

Event Timing



Q. Will the event be timed?
A. There will be no official timing for this event as the emphasis is on participation, rather than competition. Participants may time themselves if they wish.  

Q. What do I do at the finish line?
A. Once you cross the finish line, you will receive a lollipop and you can then sit down and enjoy your drink in your goodie bag. Well done, you have earned it!

 

Spot Prizes

 

Q. Do I have to be at the Prize Giving to get a prize?

A. Yes you do.  All athlete names go into a draw and are randomly pulled out.  If your name is called and you are not there, you don't get the prize!