Frequently Asked Questions

Questions from athletes just like you come in all the time. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, please Contact Us. If you have any questions about specific race rules; swim, bike or run- you may want to review the USAT Rulebook because all of our triathlons are USAT certified.

Find Your Answer

Click the section below that corresponds to the topic you need help with.

Registration FAQs

Registration is available through our secure online registration platform generally until 1-2 day(s) prior to the race. If you have any registration questions be sure to read the FAQs first. If you still can't find what you are looking for, email us at info@bbsctri.com so we can help you.

Can I register on race day?

Please, try your best to register ahead of time. It gets busy on race day and we want to focus our energy on race coordination and safety-checks. There is no race day registration at RAGE or the Las Vegas Triathlon due to National Park Service regulations. Ideally, register 1 month in advance so we can pre-order your t-shirt size and so we’re not guessing on total numbers. You know what it’s like when you’re trying to host a party and you don’t know who and how many are coming. However, if you do need to register last-minute, we will do our best to accommodate you.

How do I access my confirmation email?

Use a personal email address when registering for your race. Always make sure to check your spam/junk folder for the confirmation email if you don't see it right away. It is your job to frequent the website and check your emails. If you use a business email, there is a good chance our emails will be blocked by your company's firewall. Like us on Facebook and join our newsletter to get the latest information.

How do I register as a 2 or 3 person relay?

Only the relay captain will pay the entry fee when they register. The others must register as “relay members” and pay a 1-day USAT fee or provide their USAT number. All relays will be required to pick up their packet together.

Click here for our Refund, Deferment, Transfer, and Event Cancellation Policy

Packet Pick Up FAQs

Can someone else pick up my racing packet?

Unfortunately, no. USA Triathlon requires all participants to pick up their own packets, unless they are 18 years of age or younger. If you cannot pick up your packet the day before, you can pick it up on race day for a small fee ($10).

For running races such as 5k and 10k: Yes, if you are participating in a BBSC running event only, you can have someone pick-up your packet.

Do I need to bring my USAT card?

If you are an annual USAT member, you must bring your USAT membership card so that we can confirm the number on your registration, and make sure the card is not expired. You can also access your USAT membership on a mobile device.

What should I do if my shirt doesn't fit?

If the size of the shirt you ordered does not fit, we will be hosting a SHIRT SWAP after the event. We cannot guarantee you will be able to swap, since it will depend on leftover shirts, but we will do our best to accommodate your request.


General FAQs

Athlete Guide

We will send you your athlete guide which contains everything you need to know about the race, approximately 5 days prior to race day. If you would like to review the race info in advance, please visit www.bbsctri.com as all race information is included on each race webpage.

What to Bring

Watch the weather closely. The show goes on no matter what the weather is doing unless conditions are dangerous.

How early should I arrive?

Athletes are welcome to arrive as early as transition opens. All BBSC transitions stay open for the duration of events. We just ask our athletes to be courteous of all athletes racing, even if you are already done.

Where do I park on race day?

Please check the race webpage of the event you are participating in for exact parking instructions.

Where should I tell my friends and family to go to cheer me on?

Have them hang around the main hub so they can see you start and finish. They can take a short walk to the transition area to watch you bike out, bike in, run out, and finish! Tons of action for them! Be sure to tell them to make signs for you, bring cowbells, and bring you flowers for the finish. Especially if this is your first race, you’ve got to celebrate! It’s a big accomplishment! We DO NOT want them driving on the Bike course to maximize safety for all cyclists.

Timing Chip

You must wear your timing chip during the entire event. You will be given a band that will hold your timing chip around your ankle. Make sure to have your timing chip on before you start the race and to step over the timing mats after each segment of the race. If you are wearing a wetsuit, place the timing chip under your wetsuit.

Are there any rules I need to abide by?

We currently adhere to the USAT Rules for Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike and USATF Rules for all of our Runs. Please click here to review the complete list of USAT Rules. Important rules include; no drafting, helmet required on the bike, and music are ABSOLUTELY NOT allowed during the race for obvious safety reasons.

Can my child participate if they are under 15?

Most likely, YES! Please email us and let us know that you have a young athlete who wants to race. We like to touch base with the parents or guardians of the younger individuals who will be racing.

Where can I find lost items?

Please come to the event with all personal belongings well marked with your name and/or race number. Any equipment that appears to be "lost" and unmarked will be returned to the timing trailer during the event. Contact us at info@bbsctri.com to locate your lost items after the race.

Audio Devices

Audio devices/headphones will not be allowed in triathlon events or any running event that is associated with a triathlon. This is for the safety of all athletes.

Missed Awards

Winners who are not present at their ceremony can email in to claim their podium award, and will be required to pay the $10 shipping and handling fee. Awards are shipped in bulk every 2-3 races depending on BBSC’s race and travel schedule, so it can take up to two months for your award to be delivered.

Age Groups

An athlete’s age is determined based on their age as of December 31st of this year, for all USAT Sanctioned events. Please take into consideration how old you will be after you’ve had your birthday this year.

Safety / Medical

If you are having difficulty during the swim and wish to be rescued, remove your cap and wave it in the air. A member of our water support team will assist you as quickly as possible. If you need medical assistance on either the bike or run course, look for staff that will be roaming constantly, or tell another athlete and they will call it out to us as they pass by. An ambulance with staffed paramedics will be positioned at the finish line.


Transition Area

Do I have to get body marked? Yes. You can choose to do so either at packet pick-up or on your way into transition on race morning, but all athletes must be body marked.

How do you keep my equipment safe?

Volunteers are positioned at all the ins and outs of transition and will be checking to be sure body markings and numbers on equipment match.

Body Marking

You will need to be body marked before you enter transition. Body marking is for safety, identification, and competition.

Left Calf

Your race and USAT age (or division) will go on your left calf.

Your race:

“L” for Long Course

"O" for Olympic

"S" for Sprint

“A” for Aquabike

“D” for Duathlon

Your USAT age as of Dec 31, or division:

“A” for Athena

“C” for Clydesdale

“R” for Relay

Both Arms

Your bib number will go on both upper arms.


The Swim

Wetsuits

Wetsuits are optional for the swim but will provide buoyancy and warmth. However, many people opt for no wetsuit for a triathlon. USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower. USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78.1 - 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will not be eligible for awards.

Will there be somewhere to change clothes after the swim?

There will be port-a-potties nearby, but most athletes just swim in what they plan to wear during the bike portion.

Do I have to swim a freestyle stroke?

Although freestyle is the most common, any stroke that propels you forward will be acceptable.

If I hang on to a kayak, will I be disqualified?

No. You may hang onto a boat, kayak, or buoy for as long as you need to, but using any of these devices to help propel you forward will result in disqualification.

I’m nervous about an open water swim. Do you have any tips?

Open water swims can be intimidating so your first time out there should NEVER be on race day. Many lakes in the area have swim beaches… some even have measured courses available for practice. We recommend you find some open water and practice several times in advance. The key is to keep your distance from the athletes around you and to not panic. You have plenty of time to finish, so take your time if you need it.

Can I wear fins or a snorkel?

You may not use flotation devices, fins, paddles, or any other equipment that assists you in forward propulsion will result in disqualification. Snorkels are legal but will make you ineligible for awards.


The Bike

Bike

A biking helmet is always mandatory while on the bike. You will be pulled off the course if you are not wearing a helmet. You will receive 2 stickers in your package with your race number on them. The small sticker should go on the front of your helmet. The bigger sticker will wrap around your bike frame. Road, or mountain bikes are acceptable. For safety reasons, be sure to have end-caps on the end of your handle-bars.

Will there be on-site mechanical/bike support?

Yes, this is a perk we offer to our athletes. We will have a Bike Mechanic on-site and patrolling the bike course, to provide basic bike service and repairs.

Bike Support

A bike technician will be available near transition on race morning. A bike support vehicle will roam the course during the bike portion of the race. If you have an issue and need support, find the nearest aid station or tell a fellow athlete to alert the aid station ahead of your situation. Aid stations will be equipped with radio bike support. Remember, bike support may be preoccupied somewhere else on the course, so prepare yourself as best you can to avoid a need for bike support. Tip: To avoid a flat, wait until race morning to inflate your tires to the proper air pressure. Pumps will not be allowed in transition so plan to give your pump to a friend or leave it in your vehicle.

Can I use my mountain bike?

Yes. Many do.

Can I ride a recumbent or tandem bike?

Sorry, no. It is against USAT rules.

Do I need to have my bike inspected?

It’s always a good idea to be sure your equipment is in good working order, but not required.

Will there be bathrooms on the course?

We have porta-potties for the start/finish and a couple restrooms located along the bike and run course.


The Run

Run

You must finish the race with your bib number on the front of your body so that it is visible. Some people choose to pin it on at the beginning of the race and have it on for the whole event, so they don’t have to worry about it. Typically, triathletes use race belts to avoid putting pins in their clothes. BBSC sells race belts at packet pick up for $5 each.

Will there be bathrooms on the course?

We've ordered Porta-potties for the start/finish. We will have a couple of restrooms located along the bike and run course.

Can I walk if I want/need to?

Absolutely. Beginners and veterans alike are welcome at all BBSC events. Race as competitively as you are comfortable.

Can I run with my dog during the race?

We do not allow dogs on or near the course during triathlon events. Even if you are racing the 5K or 10K associated with a triathlon, it would be unsafe to have pets on the run course.

Can I run with a stroller during the race?

We do not allow strollers on the run course during triathlon events. Even if you are racing the 5K or 10K associated with a triathlon, it would be unsafe to have strollers on the run course.


Relays

How does a Relay Team work?

If you are competing on a Relay team, please read the following information very carefully.

When registering

Relay teams consist of 2 or 3 members. All relay members must register individually so they can sign the safety waivers. Only the captain will be prompted to pay the relay team's entry fee.

When checking in at Packet Pick Up

Your entire relay team must check-in together. Your relay team will share a bib number and timing chip. The swimmer only needs the swim cap and bib number marked on their body. The biker will have their bib number on the helmet and bike. The runner will wear the bib number on the front of their body. All registered relay members will receive a t-shirt, goodie bag, finisher medal, and post-race meal.

When racing

When the race begins, the swimmer will complete their swim and then go through the normal swim entrance. Then they will run to the bike rack, pass the timing chip to the next relay member and then the biker will exit through the normal bike exit. The biker will complete their bike, enter into the transition area through the normal bike entrance, rack their bike, and pass the timing chip to the next relay member. The runner then takes off through the normal Run Exit and completes the run course. Everyone meets at the finish line to greet the runner as they finish, cheer each other on and each member will get a finisher medal!

Timing Chip Exchange

The Timing Chip is the baton in a relay. You must hand-off the timing chip inside of transition by the bike. The timing chip must always be worn on the ankle by the team member who is currently completing his leg of the race.


Things to Know

Open Division

Those who choose to compete in the Open Division should be highly competitive. Male or female., you will start in the first wave for your distance, and although you will only be eligible for Overall awards, you will be included in Age Group rankings by USAT. Athletes may choose to race in the Open Division for any triathlon, however, exclusive Open waves will be based on demand.

Beginner Division

Those who choose to compete in the Beginner Division are not required to be first-timers. Male or female, if you would prefer to start in the last wave for any reason, you may do so. Beginner division athletes will be eligible for both Overall and Age Group awards and will be included in Age Group rankings by USAT, however, separate Beginner waves will depend on the number of athletes who elect to go this route and will be offered for Sprint distance races only.

Communication Plan

Prior to the race, establish a communication plan with family and friends. Share relevant information with your emergency contact. It is essential that you have a plan for contacting or reuniting with your group following your race.

Courses

Directional signs, marshals, volunteers, and staff will be positioned to clearly designate the course, however, IT IS THE ATHLETE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE COURSE before beginning their race. Maps are available online and will be posted both at packet pick-up and on race morning but will not be printed and distributed to each athlete.

Course Cut-Off Times

Course cut-off times can be found on the race day schedule. BBSC has the right to remove an athlete from the course and DNF the athlete if the course coordinator determines there is no possibility of finishing within the allotted time frame, based on the athlete’s location, time, and average speed. But please don’t be worried about this! We have very generous cut-off times. If it does happen, you’ll get to ride back in style in our Official BBSC Truck!

Finish Line Etiquette

Friends and family can join you as you cross the finish line. Make sure they are positioned at the beginning of the finish line chute to meet you. Please be aware of other athletes around you.

Finish Line Policy

Each athlete will be given adequate time to catch their breath and celebrate their accomplishment. We ask that each athlete immediately continue on to the food tent & Expo, as not to interfere with other finishers to ensure the safety of participants, volunteers, and fans. Allow yourself time to receive your finisher medal, water bottle, recovery drink, and EXIT the finish tent. The finish tent can get crowded. Athletes will NOT BE ALLOWED to loiter or wait for friends to finish.

Hydration

The best hydration strategy for endurance athletes is to maintain focus on staying fully hydrated beginning one week before race day, but good hydration is especially critical for two or three days prior to the race. Please consider hydration as a key to having your best race and avoiding a visit with the medics!

Litter

Please remember that we are guests of the venues that support us. Litter on the course could jeopardize the life of our events, so please, DO NOT LITTER… dispose of all trash in proper receptacles.

Timing

Flatirons Event Specialists will be timing all BBSC events. Timing mats will be positioned at each entrance of transition and at the finish line. Five splits will be taken from these mats; swim, T1, bike, T2 and run. Finish times will be posted at the timing trailer near the finish line. Results will be continually updated throughout the day. Final results and splits will be posted online atonlineraceresults.com [CT3] by the end of the day.

Transition

All bike racks will be assigned based on race distance, gender, and age group. PLEASE BE SURE TO LOCATE THE RACK YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED BEFORE SETTING UP YOUR EQUIPMENT. If you happen to set-up in the wrong area, you will be asked to move.

Volunteers

Volunteers help support you from the minute you pick up your packet to the time you cross the finish line and beyond. Volunteers are the key to making our races successful, to the very end! If you have any feedback or concerns about the race, please direct those harder questions to race staff.

Wave Starts

It is recommended that you arrive at the race site 1 hour ahead of your wave start time, so you can hydrate, position your gear, check your bike, get body marked, and utilize the porta-potties [CT4] at a leisurely pace. You should be down by the water with your wave at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start of your wave. Each wave is based on distance and in some cases, Age & Gender. Each wave will have a distinct swim cap color. You should plan extra time for traffic or parking delays.

Weight Divisions

Limits for the Athena & Clydesdale divisions are determined by USAT. To qualify for the Athena division, women must weigh at least 165 lbs and men racing as Clydesdales must weigh at least 220 lbs. All who wish to race in these divisions will be weighed in at packet pick up.

Water Temperature

The water temperature will be taken by the USAT Official 1 hour prior to each event. That is the temperature that will decide whether wetsuits are allowed. *See wetsuit policy in USAT Rules.


Awards

Top 3 Overall Male and Females will be awarded and Top 3 Male and Female in each age group will be awarded. Overall individuals will be excluded from the age group awards.

Open/Elite

Athletes who participate in the Open/Elite division will qualify for overall awards but will not qualify for age group awards, per USAT rules.

Individual Age Groups

Based on USAT age categories, if your birthday is prior to December 31st of that race season, you will race in the older age group even if you haven’t celebrated your birthday yet. 15 and under, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & over.

Clydesdale and Athena

To qualify for the Athena division, women must weigh at least 165lbs, and men racing as Clydesdales must weigh at least 220lbs. All who wish to compete in these divisions will be weighed in at packet pick-up. If you choose to race in the Clydesdale (220+ pounds) or Athena (165+ pounds) categories, you are not eligible for Age Group awards due to USAT restrictions. You must choose one or the other.

Relay Teams

Top 3 relay teams will be awarded in the. Relay Division will be Co-ed.

Beginner Division

Those who choose to compete in the Beginner Division are not required to be first-timers. Beginner division athletes will be eligible for both Overall and Age Group awards and will be included in Age Group rankings by USAT, however, separate Beginner waves will depend on the number of athletes who elect to go this route and will be offered for Sprint distance races only.

If I missed my award, can you ship it to me?

Yes, we can mail your award for a $10 Shipping and Handling fee. Awards are shipped in bulk every 2-3 races, so it may take a month or two for you to receive it.

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