What to Expect

• Do we have to wear a swim cap for the swim?

All athletes will be given a swim cap at race package pick up but you are not required to wear the swim cap for the swim.

• What do I do with the race number I am given?

You are required to have your race bib number with you in order to enter and exit the transition area and to ensure you get the right number during body marking. Also, during the bike portion of the event you need to wear your race number on the back and on your front during the run.  A race number belt is an inexpensive purchase that saves your clothes from pin holes and makes it easy to swivel the race number from back to front.

• Do I really need the race package?

Your race package includes a list of final instructions for race day.  If you choose pay the kings ransom (all funds benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) to pick up your race package on race day between 6-7am, you are still responsible for knowing all details, however you will just have less time to memorize the details.

• Do I really need to have numbers drawn on me?

All athletes must visit a body marking station on race day to have their race bib numbers written on their legs and arms prior to the triathlon start time.  It takes us a lot to get volunteers and one way we bribe them is by telling a select few they get to draw on people with permanent marker (just like in grade 3 only they don't get in trouble).  Your anticipated swim time will be written on your hand at the body marking station as well on race day so you will know where to line up at the swim start so please practice swimming the required swim distance prior to race day so you get the right number (your anticipated swim time) written on your hand.

• When do we pick up the timing chip?

The timing chip & strap will be picked up at the body marking station on race day with no exceptions.  This timing chip attaches with a Velcro strap around the athlete’s ankle and keeps track of when the athlete crosses each timing mat along the race course.  The timing chip tracks your time throughout the course so you must have one to be timed.  You don't get bragging rights about finishing if you aren't timed so make sure you pick up the strap and make sure it is removed by a volunteer at the finish line (no the volunteers are not trying to accost you or provide you a congratulatory hug (though they might if asked) at the finish line they are just there to ensure your timing chip is returned).

PLEASE NOTE: Once the transition area has been closed for the race meeting, athletes are not permitted back into the transition area as the timing mats have been reset to zero in preparation for the start of the race.  If you cross the transition mat after the transition area has been closed, your race time will be affected. 

• How do I know when to start the swim?

All athletes self seed themselves for the start of the swim portion of the triathlon.  Your anticipated swim time will be written on your hand during body marking so you can look at other athlete hands to determine the best placement for yourself for the swim start.  Be honest with yourself & place yourself with others who will be swimming your speed so that everyone has a successful swim experience. 

• How does the swim work?

Adult athletes enter the 50 meter swim lane single file across the timing mat at the shallow end of the pool (slowest group of swimmers first. 30-40 minute swimmers).   Athletes will swim to the end of the first lane on the left hand side of the lane, turn around, and swim back on the other side of the lane. Once the athlete has swam back in the first 50m lane (reaching the swim start area) they will go under the lane rope and repeat this pattern until they exit the pool at the deep end of the pool (your last lap will be 50m only in one direction toward the deep end).

• How do I get to the transition area from the pool?

Upon completion of the swim portion of the event, athletes will exit the pool at the door nearest the deep end (a volunteer will be present to assist athletes out of the pool) and make their way to the transition area located across the empty parking lot through the paparazzi (or family and friends depending on how you look at it) , down the stairs, across the timing mat,  and into the transition area.

• Once I have completed the swim then what?

Once you have made it to the transition area, athletes will prepare themselves for the bike potion of the event.  Keep in mind this does not mean taking time to go get a coffee nor does it mean stripping down in the transition area to change into your cycling clothes (nudity on the course is strictly prohibited being this is a family event and the local residents don't take to kindly to that sort of thing).  Remember, you must secure your helmets (be sure to put in on the right way not backwards) prior to removing your bikes from the bike rack.  Take your bike over the timing mat and to the mount line but keep in mind that bike shoes don't make good runs shoes and falls can easily happen.  Once you have crossed the mount line you must mount your bike & begin the cycling portion of the event.

• Do I really need to know the race course?

It is each athlete’s responsibility to know the race course ( the red font is because this is important).  Please be aware of other cyclists, volunteers & traffic.  The road is open to traffic so be safe first and fast second!  All athletes must follow the direction of traffic control during the event.

• How long is the bike course?

The Walnut Grove Triathlon adult bike course is a 2 loop 9 km course (18km in total) As you near the transition area upon completing your first loop, follow the directions to the second loop of the course. Both loops are identical except for the 2^nd loop passes the transition area proceeding back onto the bike course & the finish chute returns to the transition area for the completion of the bike course. 

Please note: all athletes will have to pass over the timing mat on the bike course turn around (located at Telegraph Trail just before the Belmont golf course) twice in order to have completed the bike course in full.

• What do I do when I complete the bike course?

Upon completing the second loop of the bike course, athletes will follow the signs indicating “back to transition”.  Athletes will be required to dismount at the dismount line prior to walking/running their bikes back into the transition area, crossing the timing mat as they enter transition.  Athletes must rack their bikes in the same location as they removed them from at the start of the bike course.  Remember, your helmet must remain secured until your bike has been fully returned to the bike rack.  Failure to do so will result in a penalty from the lovely Tri BC official(s) that take their jobs very seriously.  If an athlete forgets to remove their helmet and begins the run portion of the event they have 2 options, leave their helmet on for the entire run portion (and for ever live in triathlon infamy) or retrace their steps and return their helmet to their transition area.  It is a penalty to drop your helmet along the course (not to mention expensive since you will likely loose the helmet) so please remember to take it off in transition.

• Do I really need to behave on the run?

The race and the athletes are guests in the community of Walnut Grove & are expected to be polite & respectful of others using the sidewalks & trails along the run course.  Stay to the right along the run course and make sure you cross the timing mat situated along the run course.  We don't want to hear any belly aching that your time wasn't counted because you forgot to cross the timing mat.  Also, don't take offence if we question how you managed to complete the 5km course in under 10 minutes.  The timing mats are their to keep everyone honest so please make sure you cross it.

• How do I know the Finish Line is near?

As you near the end of the triathlon run course, you will cross a wooden bridge & head out of the forested area toward the finish line.  Enjoy the moment as your family & friends cheer you on at the finish but remember to keep moving as the finish line doesn't come to you, you go to it.

• Once I hit the finish line then what?

Once you cross the finish line our friendly volunteers will frisk you for timing chip straps.  Well, they don't exactly frisk you but they do need to get the timing chip strap off your ankle you go into to the “athlete only” area where you can replenish your nutrition with fresh fruit & other snacks.

• When can I get my bike out of transition?

You will be permitted to remove your bike & other belongings from the transition area after the final athlete has crossed the finish line & the transition area volunteers have re-opened the transition area.  No bribes for early admittance will be accepted for early entrance so please don't try.  Well actually if you want to bring a large roll of $20 dollar bills we may be able to work something out but the starting bid is $400 so it is your call.  You will be required to show your race number bib upon entering & exiting the transition area.  Remember, this is for you and your bikes safety so please be cooperative.

• What is this tiny tri thing?

For us the tiny tri is the best part of the race.  Join us as we encourage the youngest athletes amongst us (the 4-7 year olds) make their way through their very own race course.  The Tiny Tri begins at approximately 11:30am once the majority of adult athletes have crossed the finish line.

• What about the prizes?

Upon completion of the Tiny Tri, race awards & prizes will be presented near the finish line.  Draw prizes are chosen earlier in the day, so please visit the draw prize tent to see if you were a lucky winner.  Prizes are awarded to athletes placing 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd in each age category.  You must be present to claim your prize as prizes will not be mailed out to athletes.  In addition for 2011, the Walnut Grove Triathlon committee is pleased to announce that we are awarding one entry to the 2012 Oliver Half Ironman to top female overall & top male overall.