Niagara / Grimsby FAQ’S
Where does the Kids Race start?
The Fun Run starts on Nelles Road (The road that is perpendicular to Lake St.) A race official will lead the kid’s race on a bike from start to finish! When in doubt, follow the bike!
Do I need to register my Kids for the Fun Run?
No, the kids race is free this year. Anyone interested should listen for the finish line announcer to start calling for participants towards the finish line area. Kids will receive a souvenir race number at this point which they can pin to their shirt if they would like.
Can I run along beside my child during the Kid’s Fun Run?
Yes!
What's the first thing I should do when I get to the race site?
Please park in designated areas only. Remember that parking along the side of a road may interfere with the race.
Take your bike, gear etc to the transition area (fenced in area) and find a spot on the bike rack.
Now proceed to the registration area (ask a volunteer for directions) – usually not far from transition.
Registration has a few different steps…
- Step 1 - look your race # up on the alphabetical list
Step 2 - sign a waiver (you will hand this in when you pick up your race #)
Step 3 - pick up your race # and pins and hand in your waiver
Step 4 - pick up your swim cap (triathletes) - duathletes can skip this step.
Step 5 - pick up your race t-shirt .
Step 6 - go back up to the transition area where Sportstats will be set up. This is where you will pick up your timing chip. Show them your Race # and they will get you your chip. Wear it on your ankle.
Step 7 - next you will be getting bodymarked. They will put your age on your Left calf and left arm.
- Step 1 - look your race # up on the alphabetical list
You are now ready to race! Listen to the announcer for last minute or specific instructions. Remember the earlier you get this done the more time you have to warm up and relax before your event.
Do Try-a-Tri athletes need a timing chip?
Yes they do!
Where do athletes get their timing chips and bodymarking?
At the SportStats tent located near the transition area
Where do I put my race number while competing?
Please have your race number pinned to your front when you cross the finish line. This helps us tremendously with timing. If you have access to a “race belt” this is very beneficial as you can put the belt on after the swim segment – spin your # around to your back for the bike and then spin it around again for the run. Race belts can be purchased at the black Northwest Mutual Funds Tent on race day for $13 tax included. Race belts are a wonderful triathlon tool that saves you from having to put pins through your nice shirts.
I heard there is a big hill in this race – what happens if I have to get off my bike and walk some of it?
We call it the BEAST of the EAST.
Not a problem - just make sure you stay to the right of the road and pay attention to those who may be coming up on your left. Also be aware of bikes and cars that may be coming down the hill as well.
I liked the changes to the sprint run course. Is this going to be the same for 2008?
Yes- weather permitting.
But if it is wet or has been really wet prior to the race- the course will go back to using the road. For those of you that are unfamiliar with this change- if conditions are favourable - we put in a short portion of trails (approximately 1km) on the way back to the park. The trail is part of Grimsby’s waterfront trail and it includes crossing a small foot bridge . There are a few wooden steps on either side of the bridge just to make it more interesting!! The bridge has a bounce to it when you run across it. Don't be alarmed- it's fun!
Where are the aid stations on the run course?
Try a Tri - there is 1 water station that you will pass twice on the course.
Sprint Races - there are 3 stations that you will pass twice. They will be equally distributed throughout the course. Gatorade and water.
Where does the Duathlon start?
The du starts right outside the transition area on Lake Street. Can’t miss it! The first run segment of the course is 1k out and 1k. back. Follow the same route as the 7k course but you are only doing 2 k of it.
Are there special instructions to Relay competitors?
There is not too much that is different. When you are all assembled before the race begins- go pick up your timing chip. There is only one chip per team. The chip gets exchanged between segments of the race only if the participant changes. The exchange is made at the bike rack inside the transition area. The relay bike rack is separate from the age group racks. Please try and stay out of the way of other participants as much as possible when making the switch.
This is my first time in a triathlon and I am nervous about the swim. Will I be disqualified if I have to take a break by hanging on to the kayak or boat?
Safety is our biggest concern overall. If you need to take a break please raise your hand in the air and get the attention of one of the lifeguards. You may hold on until you feel ready to continue swimming again. You will not be disqualified.
I am uncomfortable about the swim portion and all those people around me. What can I do?
If you would like go to the Inquiries Table and speak to Janet. She can switch you into the last wave where you have more room to spread out and take your time.
Have you ever tried a wetsuit? Wetsuits not only keep you warm but they also help keep you buoyant. If you would like more information on wetsuit advantages or would like to rent one you can contact one of these reputable dealers…
Ironman Wetsuits is the official wetsuit sponsor of the Subaru Triathlon Series and Subaru Muskoka Ironman 70.3.
D’Ornellas - www.dornellas.com 416-752-3838
Endurosport - www.endurosport.com 416-449-0432 or 800-448-4678
Fitness Technique - www.fitnesstechnique.com 905-875-0964
Swim and Sports - www.triswim.com 905-602-9159 or 1-877-874-7946
What is a “wave”?
Since there are a large amount of people all doing the same race we can’t have you all starting at the same time . We divide up the waves the Wed before the event . Typically there will be roughly 100 people or less per wave all starting at 3 minute intervals. We will post the wave starts by Thursday morning on the homepage of our website so you can see when you will be starting ahead of time.
Good Luck to Everyone!!!