No. Under NO circumstances can headphones, either in/over ear or bone conduction headsets be worn during a triathlon.

THIS IS GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Per USA Triathlon rules for sanctioned events, headphones are not allowed under any circumstances. See the ‘What are USAT’s Rules for Triathlon’ question in this FAQ for more detailed information about this and other rules, or use the link in this site to read the rules directly from USAT’s website.

From the USA Triathlon Competition Rulebook:

The following are prohibited for use in any USA Triathlon sanctioned race:

a. Headphone(s), headset(s), technical earplug(s) or smart helmets which are inserted or covering the ears.

b. Communications devices of any type when used in any distractive manner.

A “distractive manner” includes but is not limited to making or receiving phone calls, sending or receiving text messages, playing music, using social media, taking photographs or using in a one- or two-way radio communication.

Devices include but are not limited to cell phones, smart watches and two-way radios. Possession and use of communication devices for navigation, tracking or data recording purposes is permitted.

In essence, you CAN have your phone with you, but it cannot be used for any purpose other than as a data tracking device, or as a means of contacting authorities in the event of an emergency.

We do not allow refunds, year-to-year deferrals, or transfers from athlete-to-athlete for ANY reason. A great deal of time and effort goes into producing these events, and funds are expended and applied on good faith based on your registration. We appreciate your understanding of this policy.

‘Transition’ refers to the transition area. It’s where you will rack your bike when you get to the race site. You will enter transition after exiting the water via Swim In, leave via Bike Out to ride the bike course, return via Bike In, re-rack your bike, and exit again via Run Out.

Typically transition opens 1 to 2 hours before the first wave of swimmers enter the water. It remains open until a few minutes before the race. ONLY athletes and volunteers are allowed in transition - no exceptions.

When you arrive at the race, you will enter transition and locate the number corresponding to your race number on a bike rack. Once located, rack your bike by the seat - not the handlebars - with the front of the bike on the same side as the number on the rack.

If you brought a small towel, place it on the ground beside your bike. Place your race items on the towel: Bike helmet (and shoes if you use them); sunglasses, running shoes, along with any socks you may use, hat or visor, and race number belt if you have one. Lay the things out so that they are accessible in the order you will use them. It helps to practice this before race day. Be sure that your items do not stick out in the aisle, and that you are not encroaching on the space of the person next to you. Place your empty bag behind the towel, under the rack.

Please do not bring buckets or chairs/stools to sit on. They consume more space than is available. If you require a chair to use for transition, inform race management before the race so that accommodations can be made if possible. Do not bring balloons to attach to the rack as they will be removed.

Orient yourself and the position of your bike with the entrances and exits. Physically walk from Swim In to your bike. Walk from there to Bike Out, and from Bike In back to your bike. Walk to Run Out from there. Back at your bike, locate a stationary landmark that you can use to orient yourself and easily locate your bike. Make note of the signs on the end of your row of racks; there will be a range of numbers written there that correspond to your number.

Once you have arranged your items and are confident you can find your spot after the swim, you may exit transition. It’s OK to re-enter up until transition closes (it will be announced) and you may not re-enter to reclaim any belongings until after the last cyclist has left for the run course. You may ask a volunteer to get something for you if they are available to do so; otherwise you will have to wait.

Please note - if there is a Bag Drop area available (it will be clearly marked with flags), please collect whatever belongings you would like to access while the race is still in progress - before transition has reopened - and place them in your bag, then drop your bag in this area. This area WILL be accessible to you while transition is closed, and you will not have to wait until transition has reopened to claim your items.

NO ONE will be able to remove their bike or any other materials from transition until the area has been re-opened by race officials.

When you exit transition post-race, volunteers will be checking your bike number against your body marking or run bib to ensure you have the correct bike.

As an athlete you will be issued a packet which contains race-related materials that you are required to utilize during the event. This includes but is not limited to; your timing chip (inclusion is race-specific so it might not be included every time), the numbers you will be applying to your bike and helmet, your run number bib, temporary tattoos (if they are utilized), and typically safety pins (for attaching run bib). Your packet will also likely include your race t-shirt, other bits of swag, and any relevant sponsor material. Race course maps are sometimes included as well.

Packet pickups are announced the week prior to the event, and usually initially occur at sponsor locations. Typically there is also at least one packet pickup opportunity at the race site prior to the event, and for a small fee, on race morning.

You are required to pick up your own packet and provide a photo ID along with a USAT card or proof of one-day membership. Packet pickup is generally available on multiple days at multiple locations in the week preceding the race. Race morning pickup is usually also available for an additional fee. Read the emails sent out prior to the race for detailed information about times and locations for packet pickup.

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE VISUAL GUIDE FOR PACKET ITEM PLACEMENT

Your race packet will include a sheet of stickers, along with your swim cap, run number, and temporary tattoos (this is not always the case - continue reading). Follow these instructions to properly place the numbers and stickers you received in your packet.

Swim Cap
Wear it on your head during the swim. Even though you might have an extra number sticker in your packet, no numbers are applied to the swim cap.

Temporary Tattoos
If temporary tattoos are provided, please read the instructions for application thoroughly before applying. The tattoos should be applied to your arms between your shoulder and elbow. If you are wearing sleeves, it is permissible to apply them to your forearms. It is highly recommended that you apply tattoos the night before the race. It will save you time and potential frustration on race morning. They will not come off overnight or in your pre-race shower, and can be removed after the event by applying a strip of packing tape over them and pulling it off.

If tattoos are not provided, we will be body marking you as you enter transition. You are welcome to do this yourself; just use a large marker to vertically write your numbers between shoulder and elbow or on your forearm if you are wearing sleeves. We will also be marking you on race morning with your age (as of December 31st of the present year) on your calf, or with an ‘R’ if you are a member of a relay team.

Helmet Sticker
This sticker goes front and center on your helmet.

Bike Frame Sticker
This sticker is designed to wrap around your seat post and adhere to itself so that the number is visible from both sides. If you cannot put it on your seat post for some reason place it on the fork or anywhere else where it will be visible from both sides.

Run Bib Number
This is for the run ONLY. You do not need to wear it while on the bike. On the run it should be forward facing and unobstructed. We recommend a race number belt instead of safety pins. It is permissible however to pin the number to your shirt or tri kit.

PLEASE SEE THE LINK TO USA TRIATHLON’S RULES ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THIS SITE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

The following is excerpted from USA Triathlon’s published rules regarding USAT sanctioned events:

The rules set forth in this section are constructed to supplement the USA Triathlon Competitive Rules and shall apply to all competition sanctioned Events. For any issue not specifically addressed in these Youth Rules, the relevant USAT Competitive Rules shall apply.

Penalties
The type of penalty for violating a specific rule is listed at the end of the rule as either “TP” for “Time Penalty” or “DQ” for Disqualification. Time penalties shall be administered according to the table and are added to the participant’s final time.

• 1st Offense - 1:00 minute TP

• 2nd Offense - 2:00 minutes TP

• 3rd Offense - DQ

MEMBERSHIP & ELIGIBILITY

All participants shall compete based upon their age on December 31 of the year of the event.

All participants must be members of USA Triathlon. Membership in USA Triathlon is available to all persons, in good standing with USA Triathlon who submit a completed application, pay the required membership fee, and comply with all the requirements determined by USA Triathlon to be applicable to Membership.

Race officials reserve the right to require proof of age from each participant in the form of a birth certificate or other official proof of age document. Failure to produce a proof of age document may result in disqualification from the event.

SWIMMING RULES

Proper swimwear must be worn. DQ

No flotation devices of any kind may be used during the swim. DQ

No artificial propulsive devices such as fins, paddles, or gloves may be used. Goggles or face masks are required (race specific rule). Snorkels are technically allowed but not encouraged. DQ

Swimmers must be able to complete the entire course using any stroke. Swimmers may not make forward progress by pulling on lane ropes, swim gutters or any other inanimate object, or by making forward progress of any kind by holding onto a moving kayak, board, or boat. TP

If provided by the event, swimmers must wear the assigned swim cap throughout the swim. TP

Participants must follow instructions given by lifeguards and officials. TP or DQ at official’s discretion.

TRANSITION RULES

The transition area is open to participants, only. When transition closes for competition to begin, only participants and race officials may enter transition. Finishers may not retrieve gear until all participants have finished the cycling portion and have begun the run and the race director allows finishers into transition. TP or DQ at official’s discretion

Competition apparel (shoes, socks, shirts) must be placed next to the bicycle at the rack and may not be taken to the pool or open water swim start area. TP

Bicycles must be placed on the rack according to the directions given by race officials. Bicycles may be racked in the assigned area, by the handlebars, the seat or by using the kickstand. Bikes placed on kickstands must be in the designated area, in line with other bikes, and may not extend out into the lane of travel or lean purposefully on any other competitors equipment. TP

Participants may not interfere with other participants’ gear. If you need/thing something moved that does not belong to you get a race official, course marshal or race staff member. TP or DQ at official’s discretion

After completing the cycling portion, participants must return bicycles to an upright position in the same assigned location before beginning the run portion. TP

No riding bicycles in transition. Participants may walk or run their bicycles in and out of transition but cannot mount their bike until they are officially past the designated mount line (outside transition) and they must dismount before the dismount line. The area(s) between each participant’s bike rack and the mount/dismount lines is considered a strict no ride zone. TP

Event specific Rule - All athletes must claim their bikes by the time posted as the “Event Conclusion.” TP or DQ at Race Director or Transition Director’s discretion.

BICYCLE EQUIPMENT RULES

Each helmet must be inspected for, and contain a US-CPSC sticker. The CPSC standard is a legal requirement for any helmet manufactured for the US market. It was adopted by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, and is mandatory for all helmets manufactured for sale in the U.S. after 1999. So European and off-brand helmets do not have the sticker. Everyone that wishes to take part in the race must have a helmet with the inspection sticker inside. DQ

The bicycle must be road worthy and in safe operating condition. DQ

The bicycle shall have two wheels. DQ

There must be at least one working brake on each of the two wheels. DQ

The bicycle may be on-road, off-road, or a combination style. No recumbent style bicycles are allowed. DQ

All handlebars ends shall be solidly plugged. DQ

All participants must wear a tinted or clear pair of sunglasses OR a built-in helmet shield. This is a race specific requirement. DQ

Race officials reserve the right to disallow any bicycle deemed unsafe. Any unusual bicycle must be approved by race officials prior to competition.

CYCLING CONDUCT

Cyclists must wear a helmet approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. DQ

The helmet must be securely fastened prior to mounting the bicycle and at all times while riding the bicycle. The helmet may not be unfastened and removed until the participant has completely dismounted. DQ

Cyclists shall wear shoes at all times while on the bike (cycling or running shoes are allowed). DQ

Cyclists shall ride in a safe manner, which includes:
a. Riding on the right side of the lane; TP
b. Riding no closer than 6 bike lengths distance behind a leading cyclist; TP
c. Passing on the left of the slower cyclist and completing the pass within 25 seconds; TP
d. Riding in a straight line without swerving, veering, or blocking the forward progress of other cyclists. DQ

Race officials may remove and disqualify any cyclist who appears to ride or behave in an unsafe manner.

RUNNING CONDUCT

Participants shall run or walk the entire course. DQ

Participants shall wear shoes at all times while on the run course. TP

No personal audio devices or headsets may be used or carried during any portion of the event. DQ

GENERAL RULES

Unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of participants or their supporters will not be allowed. Participants must treat others with courtesy and respect. No rude, abusive, or discourteous language or behavior will be tolerated. DQ

Participants must complete the prescribed course in its entirety. While this obviously means course cutting it also means veering off course and running more than is given. Even those that do more than the course has marked are still disqualified. It doesn’t matter how you deviate from the marked course, just that you did. KNOW YOUR COURSE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE. DQ

No personal audio devices or headsets may be used or carried during any portion of the event. DQ

No unauthorized assistance of any kind is allowed. Non-participants may not run or ride a bicycle with a participant nor may they provide participants any food, fluid, or equipment aid during competition. This also means that the participants and/or their supporters may not set out (abandon) hydration or nutrition on the course. TP All aid must come from water stops, officials, medical, safety, staff, SAG or volunteers. Any serious situations that may arise and need the immediate assistance of non-participants will still result in a TP or DQ but should be the last thing on anyone’s mind if the situation is that serious it warrants immediate assistance (ie medical emergencies).

Race numbers must be displayed at all times. Swimmers must be clearly body-marked, cyclists must display their bike numbers, and runners must wear their bib numbers. TP

LITTERING IN ANY WAY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Whether intentional or accidentally (abandonment) leaving anything behind can potentially endanger other athletes and/or result in the event not being permitted the following year. DQ Please be a Good Steward of the venue(s) so that we may all be welcomed back with open arms.

Multiple options are usually available during signup for specific categories of athletes. In most cases, ‘Age Group’ will be the category you choose. That category represents the overwhelming number of athletes in the race, and pits you against other individuals broken down by age groups.

Other options may include Athena/Clydesdale. Athena is for women weighing 165 lbs and over, who want to compete against other women who fit that description. Clydesdale is a similar category for men who weigh 220 pounds or more.

Another common category is PC/AWD. PC=Physically Challenged; AWD=Athletes with Disabilities. This category is self-explanatory, and includes athletes who fit the category description based on USAT’s definitions.

The ‘Ainsley’s Angels’ category (if an option) is specifically for members of this organization.

There’s a first time for everything, so don’t be intimidated by anyone you see who has obviously got some experience. They had a first time too! The easy answer to this is to ask questions. There are plenty of answers regarding training for your first race in hundreds of books, YouTube videos, and Facebook groups, just to name a few. Or ask anyone who calls themselves a triathlete and they will happily talk your ear off sharing all the knowledge they have amassed. The important thing is to go into the race with as much preparation and information as possible. Read everything that the race provides (including all the sections in this FAQ) and don’t be afraid to contact race management if you are unsure of something. On race day, find a volunteer and ask any questions you might have. Your first race will be a learning experience that you can put to the test in your second one.

The absolute bare minimum you would need for a race is a swimsuit, some goggles, a bike helmet, and some cycling and/or running shoes. Realistically if this is your first event, you’ll want to wear either a one-piece swimsuit (for females), or invest in a a tri suit or some tri shorts to wear over your swimsuit while on the bike. Tri shorts/suits have a thin pad akin to padding in bike shorts but thinner, and not as prone to absorbing water. Following the swim, you would either go directly to the bike, or you can put on shorts at that point if you choose before heading out - and add a shirt if you want. The idea here is to reduce the amount of actions required to get you on the course, and save time in the process. It’s up to you to decide what you’ll need to feel comfortable.

We follow USA Triathlon’s rules regarding wetsuit usage. They are as follows:

• Water Temp Less than 78ºF: Wetsuit Legal.

• Water Temp 78º-84ºF: OK to wear a wetsuit, but not eligible for awards.

• Water Temp greater than 84ºF: Wetsuits are not allowed.
  
  The term ‘wetsuit’ also applies to neoprene shorts (also called lava pants), as well as neoprene calf sleeves.

If it has two wheels, the tires hold air, there is one functioning brake on each wheel, is human-powered, and the bar ends are plugged, you’re all set. You’ll likely see people who spent more on their bikes than your first car, but in all likelihood that’s not what they started out with. Mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids, even beach cruisers are fine. Just be sure you’re able to complete the distance on whichever bike you choose, and remember there are cutoff times for each segment.

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, e-Bikes are not allowed at all.

Race morning starts the day and night BEFORE the race. Spend as much time as you need to organizing your equipment and getting it packed so you can get out the door quickly on race morning. If possible, load your bike and race gear the night before, and have breakfast waiting. If you received temporary tattoos in your race packet, be sure to apply them before bed. Have the route to the race site mapped out and account for any potential delays. Know where the parking areas are located and if you’ll have to walk to get to transition.

GET THERE EARLY. WE CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.

If transition opens at 5am, be there at 5am. As soon as you arrive, locate the bathrooms/porta-potties, and get that out of the way. You don’t want to be standing in line when it’s time for you to get in the water.

Enter transition (athletes only are allowed in transition). Locate your numbered spot, and rack your bike by the seat, with the front wheel facing outward from your number. Do not rack by the handlebars. Set up your personal transition area on one side of your bike by the front wheel (but not in the aisle). It should only include things you will need for the race. Typically this includes a small towel to put on the ground, your bike helmet and sunglasses, bike shoes and socks (if applicable), running shoes and socks (if you wear them) and any clothing you plan to put on after the swim. Place your bag behind the towel, directly under the rack and out of anyone else’s way. Please do not bring buckets or stools/chairs as they take up considerable space. Be considerate of your neighbors, as space is limited. If you are unable to put on shoes without being seated, please inform a volunteer.

Locate the entrance/exit points. Swim In (where you enter after completing the swim), Bike In & Bike Out (where you depart on and return from the bike leg) and Run Out (where you exit to begin the run). Orient yourself to the location of these areas as it pertains to the location of your bike. Physically walk from Swim In to your bike, from there to Bike Out, from Bike In back to your rack, and from there to Run Out. Locate a fixed landmark that you can use as a visual point of reference for your bike. Make note of the numbered sign on the end of the rack indicating the range of numbers. DO NOT tie a balloon to your rack - these are not allowed and will be removed prior to the race.

Remember that transition will close within a few minutes of race start. No one is allowed to re-enter after they have finished the race until the final cyclist has returned and started the run. If you need anything from inside transition your best bet is to ask a volunteer to assist.

For race day, you should have the following items:

Swim

• Tri suit or swimsuit

• Cap

• Goggles

• Anti-fog solution for goggles​

• Bodyglide (skin lubricant)

• Pre-race sandals or other footwear

• Towel

• Spare goggles (tinted and clear)

• Ear plugs if necessary

• Sunscreen

​​Bike

• Your bike

• Water bottles (for frame cages) or hydration pack

• Bag attached under seat or mounted on top tube for flat kit/tools

• Spare tube or tubes

• Floor pump (please do not bring into transition)

• Tire levers

• Cyclist’s multi-tool (with Allen wrenches)

• CO2 inflator (with cartridge) or minipump

• Helmet

• Sunglasses or clear eye protection

• Jersey, T-shirt or tank top (if you plan to wear)

• Cycling Shorts (optional)

• Cycling Gloves (optional)

• Cycling Footwear

• Cycling Socks

Run

• Running shoes with speed (elastic) laces

• Running socks (if you change from cycling socks)

• Cap or visor

• Sunglasses (if different from cycling glasses)

• Watch or heart rate monitor with chest strap (this should be put on prior to the swim)

Additional Options

• First-aid items (blister treatment, bandages)

• Medical info/emergency contact card and/or Road ID bracelet

• Prescriptions/Over-the-counter medications

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm

• Chamois Cream

• Baby wipes (for cleanups) or hand sanitizer

• Race packet

• Race number belt (for bib)

• Safety pins

• Performance gels/chews/bars

• Performance beverages or drink mixes

• Recovery foods/drinks

• Transition bag(s)

• Phone

• Cash/credit card/photo ID

• After-race clothing

• Transition bag

Yes. If an athlete is unable to complete a segment of the race within the time allotted, they will be disqualified and removed from the course. At the race director’s discretion, an athlete who makes the swim cutoff but not the bike might be permitted to complete the run, but would still be disqualified. Anyone still on the run course after the race cutoff time is subsequently disqualified as well. Please note that instances like this are the exception rather than the rule.

Pricing varies from one event to the next. You can locate current pricing by clicking the ‘Sign Up Now’ button on any of the individual race pages - you will be transported to the registration site, where current pricing is listed. Prices typically increase as the date of the event draws closer.

The order of events are Swim, Bike, Run. The vast majority of races labeled as a triathlon adhere to this order of events.

At race with a Duathlon, the swim is replaced by a run - usually shorter in distance than the final run. Duathlons are a great option for people who are dubious about the swim.

Yes! You can either have three team members - one per discipline - or two, where one person would complete two of the legs and the second person the remaining leg.

You know your stomach better than anyone. It’s recommended that you avoid eating anything the night before that might cause stomach distress on race morning. Bland foods are typically the best on the morning of; things like bananas, applesauce, plain bagels, and peanut butter are common pre-race breakfast foods. Just make sure you eat early, and try to drink 16 - 20 oz of fluids over the course of the morning before the start.

Be aware of the bathroom locations, and be aware that the lines can get very long very quickly!

For shorter races, you typically will not eat anything over the course of the race. Possible exception would be a sports gel or blok. Don’t forget to hydrate, especially when it’s hot. Take advantage of water stops on the run, and practice drinking while on the bike. There will be plenty to eat at the post-race party :)

In general, the Race Director will determine if inclement weather is enough to affect the race. Typically a delay or series of delays will result if it appears that the weather will not be bad for long. Please remember, NO ONE wants to cancel an event, and cancellation only occurs if the safety of athletes cannot be maintained. High winds and torrential rains might cause a cancellation, but this is rare. Light rain is not a show-stopper, but rain accompanied by lightning strikes is a different story. Typically if the swim is canceled due to weather or water temperature, it will be replaced with a run. Standing water on the course can also affect potential cancellation or altering of the race course.

Our races will accommodate athletes as young as 10 (there ARE youth-specific events that accommodate athletes from ages 6 to 16). Before signing them up, please be sure that they are capable of completing the segments they are being committed to. If your child is 16 or younger and you want them to compete, it is at the Race Director’s discretion, and you will need to contact him directly for permission.

As for an upper age limit - there isn’t one!

Yes. Shoes are required for both the bike and the run segments. They are required for both Youth events and Adult events. USAT rules may differ, but it is our position that wearing shoes for both the bike and the run creates a safer environment for both Youth and Adult athletes. There are no exceptions to this rule. Any person found to be in violation of this rule will be disqualified.

No. USAT rules prohibit the use of aerobars in Youth events that are sanctioned by USAT. If HTX holds an event that is not USAT sanctioned, this rule will still apply. Any person found to be in violation of this rule will be disqualified.

No. USAT rules prohibit the use of disc wheels in Youth events that are sanctioned by USAT. If HTX holds an event that is not USAT sanctioned, this rule will still apply. Any person found to be in violation of this rule will be disqualified.