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Important 2011 TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon Participant Information
Greetings!
Race Day for the 2011 Kidz Triathlon is just 3 days away on Sunday, July 24, 2011. We are so excited that you will be racing with us this year in this sold out event which is part of the first ever Maryland Youth Triathlon Series.
Please read the important information in this email, and remember to download the latest version of the 2011 TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon Athlete's Guide and other resources located on the Kidz Triathlon event page of our website to address questions or concerns you may have.
If you haven't had your MANDATORY bike and helmet safety check done yet, please go to Princeton Sports (either location) in the days before the race. There is no appointment needed, and having your bike checked before race morning will eliminate the need to do so race morning when there may not be time to address any possible problems.
In addition, please download, print, and sign the Concussion Information Sheet located under the resources tab of the Kidz Triathlon event webpage on the TriColumbia website. Bring the signed document with you to packet pickup. NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE WITHOUT THIS SIGNED DOCUMENT.
Don't forget to attend the MANDATORY Pre-Race Course Talk at the Clemens Crossing School Grounds (hill between the school & pool) on Saturday, July 23rd at 4:30 pm presented by TriColumbia President and Race Director, Robert (Vigo) Vigorito. There will be ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
We are still looking for some volunteers to help out on race day. If family or friends would like to spend some of their time helping out while you're racing, please email us. It's a fun way to pass the time and helps to keep all the kids safe, well hydrated and supported.
If you need to speak to TriColumbia Staff on race day, please go to the TriColumbia Information Tent located on the Clemens Crossing fields in the center of the venue.
Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids (both water and other liquids) as you prepare for race day. We will have a hose and cold towels at the finish line to assist in cooling you down. Always remember that winning is finishing what you start! We look forward to seeing you at the finish line!
Celebrate Life,
Robert Vigorito and The TriColumbia Team
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MANDATORY Pre-Event Bike & Helmet Safety Checks 
All entrants are required to have their bikes and helmets checked for safety. Free Safety Checks can be done any time from now until July 23rd at the Official Race Bike Support Shop, Princeton Sports (410) 995-1894, 10730 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044, or 6239 Falls Rd., Baltimore, MD 21209. No appointment is necessary.
Princeton will be checking all major bike components to help ensure a safe bike leg. You must bring your CPSC-certified helmet and your race day bike. The age of your helmet does not matter as long as it is ANSI or CPSC approved and in good condition (look inside the helmet for designation.) This is a USAT rule and requirement. The head/brain is your most important possession, and it must be protected at all times while on the bike. Please remember to be sure to buckle your bike helmet before you leave the transition area while racing.
Princeton Sports will place an official sticker on your bike to indicate that it has passed the safety check. You are strongly advised to have your bike inspected at Princeton Sports in the weeks prior to the event, and not at the venue on race morning, to be sure that parts are available should something need to be fixed prior to the event.
If you do not have an approved bike helmet or bike that has been inspected for safety, you will not be permitted to participate.
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MANDATORY Athlete Check-In & Packet Pickup
When: Friday, July 22, 2011 from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday, July 23, 2011 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: Road Runner Sports, 6630-C Marie Curie Drive, Elkridge, MD 21075
Please note that there is NO RACE DAY CHECK-IN/PACKET PICKUP. All registered entrants MUST attend packet pickup on Friday or Saturday in person, and MUST be accompanied by their parent or guardian. Per USAT rules, each participant MUST pick up his/her own packet. If you do not check in during the designated check-in times in person, you will not be able to participate in the event.
All participants, including youth (16 and under) must bring the following to packet pickup:
- A photo ID (parents/guardians can show their ID)
- USAT membership card to show proof of annual membership unless you purchased an annual USAT membership on the TriColumbia website when you registered for the event. Note that USAT youth annual memberships are available for only $5.00 per year via USAT website at http://www.usatriathlon.org/member-services
- Signed Concussion Information Sheet which can be found under the resources tab on the Kidz Triathlon event webpage on the TriColumbia website. Please download, sign and bring this document with you to packet pick up. No child will be permitted to participate without this document.
Special Notice Regarding USAT membership cards for check-in
Athletes MUST bring proof of annual USAT membership unless that membership was purchased at the time of registration on our website. Failure to do so will disallow participation in the race. (Staff will have a list at packet pick up of those who purchased annual USAT memberships on our website when they registered.) Athletes who forget their USAT membership card will have the following options:
- Go to your home or hotel and retrieve your card.
- Print a temporary membership card from the USAT website, www.usatriathlon.org
- Show a current membership card on a smart phone or PDA.
- Renew your annual membership at the USAT desk at check-in.
- Renew your annual membership online and bring proof of renewal.
Race staff and/or volunteers cannot search for USAT membership information or allow use of staff computers by athletes to retrieve information.
Please remember to pack your USAT membership card. Don't leave home without it!
Many thanks to Clif Bar for providing Clif Kid Z bars to all our athletes in the goody bags!
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Important Race Information
Be sure to take a look at all the important information about the 2011 TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon on our website.
And don't forget to attend the MANDATORY Pre-Race Course Talk given by Race Director, Robert Vigorito, which provides important information about the race, and includes a question and answer segment.
When: Saturday, July 23, 2011, 4:30 pm
Where: Clemens Crossing School Grounds (hill between the pool & school)
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Race Day Parking
Parking is available at the 7th Day Adventist Chesapeake Conference Center on the corner of Martin Road and Quarterstaff Road. Look for the signs. Note that the lots are to the right as you enter the Center. Parking behind the church is prohibited. The church is allowing participants to use the lot for the conference center only. We cannot use the back lot where the school is as there will be church service on Sunday morning.
There will be NO parking on the west side of Martin Road from Audubon to Quarterstaff Road, and no parking on Quarterstaff Road along the bike portion of the course. You may park on Martin Road past the Church entrance. Other side streets are open to use as well. Please be respectful of the neighbors.
For more information including the schedule of events please download the Athlete's Guide.
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Race Day - Sunday, July 24th
WHAT TO BRING:
Two towels - one for the pool and one to sit on near your bike
Goggles
Swim suit
Swim Cap received at packet pickup
Numbers received at packet pickup
Race Belt received at packet pickup
Socks
Shirt for after swim to wear for bike and run
Bicycle
Helmet
Shoes for cycling and running
Water bottle to sip from at transitions (we will provide Gatorade Endurance and Water on course)
Dry clothes for after the race
RACE NUMBERS:
The Run Bib # must be worn and visible on the front of your body affixed to a race number belt. This bib number should be worn visible on the front of our body during the bike portion of the race as well, and will assist volunteers in identifying which athletes will need to complete 1, 2 or 3 loops on the bike course. You will be given a complementary race number belt to use at packet pick up. The Bike # must be placed/wrapped on the top tube of your bike. It is a peel and stick type. There will also be a small, peel and stick, rectangular Helmet number, that should be applied to the front of your bike helmet. This will help the race photographer identify you so that the best photos of you will be taken. Note - Athletes may not compete without a shirt.
RACE MORNING INSTRUCTIONS:
The race venue and transition area will open at 6:30 am. You must be wearing the unique athlete wristband to enter transition where you will rack your bike, set up your transition gear and have your race number marked on your body. (See section on Bike Racking and Body Marking).
Beginning at 6:30 am you must pick up your timing chip at the timing tent adjacent to the transition area. Fasten the chip to your ankle. It must be worn at all times while racing, will be used to record your race times, and will be removed by a volunteer at the finish line. The chip will also allow us to call out your name as you cross the finish line. The chip is not yours to keep.
THE SWIM:
Participants are to proceed to the swim start between 8:10 am and 8:25 am. Please assemble in order of age groups with the youngest being the first to enter the pool, and the oldest being the last waves to enter the pool. Athletes can assemble and wait for their swim wave in the area behind the diving board.
All athletes MUST be out of the transition area by 8:25 am. Please note that all participants MUST arrive in time to set up their transition area, rack their bike, have their body marked, and obtain their timing chip even if their swim wave takes place during one of later time slots. These activities take place from 6:30 - 8:00 am.
Athletes must wear the specific swim cap given to them in their packet. The color of the cap will denote their designated age group.
THE BIKE:
After finishing the swim, you will go into the transition area, put on and fasten your helmet, race bib, and shoes, get your bike, and walk/run out of transition. Please wait to get on your bike until a volunteer tells you it's OK. BE CAREFUL ON THE BIKE COURSE, AND ALWAYS STAY ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE. Remember that the bike course will be open to traffic. Make sure you know how many loops you must complete on the bike course which is based upon your age group. Please familiarize yourself with the race course before the event.
As you finish the bike, a volunteer will instruct you to get off your bike and you will walk/run your bike back into the transition area.
THE RUN:
You will then run out of transition and complete the run course. Again, please make sure you know the route for your age group by familiarizing yourself with the race course before the event.
When you cross the finish line, you will receive a custom finisher's medal, and hear the cheers of all the people who are so proud of you for completing the triathlon. YOU ARE A WINNER! TIME TO CELEBRATE!!
POST RACE TRI KIDZ FOOD TENT & PARTY:
Celebrate at the Post Race Party and Athlete's food tent from 9:30 am - 11:00 am located adjacent to the finish line. Food is for athletes only, and your wristband will provide you access. Enjoy healthy food provided by David's Natural Market, great music, and camaraderie.
AWARDS CEREMONY:
Takes place at 10:30 am at the post race party.
A HUGE thank you to ALL our 2011 TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon Sponsors, including Road Runner Sports, Gatorade, Hammer Nutrition, TYR, Princeton Sports, Subaru, Xterra Wetsuits, Endurafit, David's Natural Market, Fitness Concepts, RackJacket, PNC Bank, ASI Photo, Thanks as well to our community supporters and volunteers including Howard Conty Police, Howard County Fire and Rescue, Howard County Public School System, The Columbia Association, Howard County General Hospital, and all our charity team, Tri Club and community partners who help make the event great!
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 MANDATORY Bike Racking & Body Marking On Sunday Morning
All bikes must be racked on Sunday ONLY at the Transition Area at Clemens Crossing Elementary School between the hours of 6:30 am - 8:00 am. To enter transition for racking you must be wearing the security wristband received at packet pick up. Please note that the transition area is RESTRICTED TO ATHLETES ONLY. Any accompanying friend, parent or sibling WILL NOT BE ALLOWED into the transition area. There will be volunteers available to assist children. Once racked, your bike cannot be removed until after the event. NO exceptions!
Princeton Sports will be on hand to do last minute safety checks and minor adjustments, but it is a much better idea to have your mandatory bike and helmet safety check done at Princeton Sports in the days before the event.
Once you have finished the event and want to remove your gear, please take care to stay out of the way of athletes who are still competing. Do not impede their progress.
Body marking will also take place in the transition area from 6:30 am - 8:00 am. It is the athletes responsibility to ensure that volunteers mark their age as of December 31 2011, which corresponds to the age division in which the athlete will compete. Your race number will be marked on each arm and thigh. Please do not apply sunscreen, oil, vaseline or lotion until after you have been body marked.
Participants are to proceed to the pool between 8:10 am and 8:25 am. No athletes will be allowed to stay in the Transition Area past 8:25 am. Please assemble at the pool in order of age groups with the youngest being the first waves to enter the pool, and the oldest being the last waves to enter the pool. Athletes waiting to compete should assemble behind the diving board area.
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Please Respect The Area And Thank Our Volunteers
PLEASE respect both the environment and the areas that this event travels through. Do not drop trash anywhere other than aid stations. We encourage you to use trash receptacles and to take your trash with you when you leave the venue in order to protect the environment.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon & The Maryland Youth Triathlon Series
ABOUT THE MARYLAND YOUTH TRIATHLON SERIES
The Maryland Youth Triathlon Series was formed to drive awareness of Melanoma skin cancer among adolescents and young adults and support the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation. Melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer among young adults ages 25-29 and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old. Based in Maryland, the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation is a leading international voice for melanoma prevention, detection, care and cure. The Foundation promotes melanoma awareness through its "WIN-THE-FIGHT" initiatives.
ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION
All children completing at least two Maryland Youth Triathlon Series events will receive a certificate of recognition from the State of Maryland. Children completing three events will also receive a Maryland Youth Triathlon Series sun-safe hat. And, for each race a child completes he/she will receive an entry (up to a maximum of four entries) for a chance to win one of 10 grand prizes worth $40 at the end of the series!
Youth fitness advocate and triathlete role model, Hunter Lussi, will be appearing at the Pre Race Course Talk and at all four Maryland Youth Triathlon Series events, and all children participating will receive a signed copy of Hunter's book, America, Get Off the Couch!
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY
As participants in The TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon and the Maryland Youth Triathlon, kids have the unique opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the Joanna M. Nicolay Melenoma Foundation, through personal fundraising made easy by creating your very own online fundraising page. And there are some great incentive gifts built in. By recruiting donors, you can earn baseball tickets for the Frederick Keys, Bowie Baysox or Aberdeen Ironbirds AND with a little extra effort, a $50 Dicks Sporting Goods gift certificate or family sun-shade canopy!
Click HERE for more information or to set up your own personal fundraising page.
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2011 Event Schedule
September 24, 2011 - ChesapeakeMan Endurance Festival featuring the Ultra Distance Triathlon named by Triathlete Magazine as a "Best 140.6", Skipjack 75.2 Triathlon, and Aqua Velo, and The Bugeye Sprint
** The ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon has been designated as the 2011 USAT Mid Atlantic Championship. Registration is open.
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Frequently Asked Questions & Resources
If you're not sure about some of the rules & regulations for CTA's races or if you're just looking for answers to commonly asked questions, download the FAQ
Nutrition is a key component to proper training and racing. TriColumbia sponsor, Hammer Nutrition, has an extensive resource page
If you still have questions about specific races, feel free to email us |
FIND US ON THE WEB
Columbia Triathlon Association is now on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Please join us on these site for daily updates, special offers, and race reports.
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