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IN THIS ISSUE
MANDATORY Pre-Event Bike & Helmet Safety Checks
MANDATORY Athlete Check-In and Packet Pickup
Important Race Information
Bike Racking & Body Marking
Race Day Parking
Race Day
Respect the Environment
Maryland Youth Triathlon Series
2012 Event Schedule
FAQ's & Resources
Race Day Is Almost Here!

  Greetings!

    


Race Day for the sold out, 2012 Kidz Triathlon is this coming Sunday, July 22, 2012. Nearly 600 kids will be competing; our largest field ever! We are so excited that you will be racing with us!

 

Please read the important information in this email, and remember to download the latest version of the 2012 TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon Athlete's Guide and other resources located on the Kidz Triathlon event page of our website under "Key Race Info" to address questions or concerns you may have.   

 

Notice that contrary previous information, athletes will receive their timing chips poolside before the race on Sunday morning as opposed to receiving them at packet pickup on Friday or Saturday.  Remember there is NO RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP.

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 21st at 4:30 pm. There will be ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

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. Always remember that winning is finishing what you start! We look forward to seeing you at the finish line!  

 

Celebrate Life!

Robert Vigorito, Founder/CEO, USAT Level 2 Certified Race Director
Kari Ebeling, COO, USAT Level 1 Certified Race Director & Team TriColumbia

 

      

 




 
 MANDATORY Pre-Event Bike & Helmet Safety Checks 

Princeton Sports logo 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 21st 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. 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 during bike racking, 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.

Princeton Sports will be at the Transition Area on Saturday during bike racking, and on race morning. Mandatory bike & helmet inspections can be done during bike racking, but we strongly advise against waiting until the day before the race, as the lines tend to be long, the weather could be inclement, your bike could need parts unavailable at the park, or repairs could take longer than just a few minutes.

MANDATORY Athlete Check-In & Packet Pickup   

RoadRunner logoWhen: Friday, July 20, 2012, 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm OR
           Saturday, July 21, 2012, 9:00 am - 3:30 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 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 a one-day USAT membership on the TriColumbia website when you registered for the event. (Staff will have a list of those who purchased one day USAT memberships when registering.) 

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 one day USAT memberships on our website when they registered.) Athletes who forget their USAT annual 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.
  • Purchase one day USAT event insurance at the USAT desk at check in. Payable by cash or check only. 
  • 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 if you have an annual membership. Don't leave home without it!   


 
Important Race Information


Be sure to take a look at all the important information about the 2012 TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon on our website.
  • Download the Athletes Guide  
  • Download the Course Maps 
  • Download Travel & Lodging Information 
  • Race Photography by Brightroom. Keep your race number visible & smile as you cross the finish line! Photos will be available for viewing via our website under the results & photos tab several days after the event. Note that for childrens' privacy concerns, photos will be searchable by bib number only, not by name.
  • Official Timing Results will be available under the results & photos tab on our website post race.

And don't forget to attend the MANDATORY Pre-Race Course Talk which provides important information about the race, and includes a question and answer segment. 

 

When: Saturday, July 21st @ 4:30 pm

Where: Clemens Crossing School Grounds (hill between the pool & school)  

 



MANDATORY Bike Racking & Body Marking

Bike RackingWhen: Saturday, July 21, 2012, 4:00pm - 6:00 pm OR Sunday, July 22, 2012, 5:45 am - 6:40 am
Where: Clemens Crossing Elementary School Transition Area


On Saturday or Sunday, proceed to The Clemens Crossing Transition Area to rack your bike.  Please note you MUST rack your bike on Sat. OR Sun. ONLY during the designated time. We recommend that participants who are competing in the 13 - 15 year old age group (age is calculated as of the age at 12/31/12) rack their bikes on Saturday afternoon.  Otherwise, they will have to rack on Sunday morning by 6:40 am, and wait until their start time of 10:00 am.

To enter the transition area, athletes must wear the unique, security wristband received at packet pickup. The transition area is RESTRICTED TO ATHLETES ONLY. Any accompanying friend, parent or child WILL NOT BE ALLOWED into the transition area at any time. Volunteers will be available to assist with racking and set up. Once racked, your bike cannot be removed. Full security provided during the event. There are no exceptions to this policy.


Princeton Sports will be on hand to do last minute safety checks and minor adjustments.

Body marking of age and race number will take place in the transition area for all ages on Sunday morning from 5:45 am - 6:40 am, and up until 9:30 am for participants in the 13 - 15 year old age group only. It is the athletes responsibility to ensure that volunteers mark their age as of December 31 2012, 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 in age groups 7 - 12 are to proceed to the pool between 6:45 am and 6:55 am. No athletes will be allowed to stay in the Transition Area past 6:55 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. Timing chips will be distributed poolside in race number order.

Older participants (ages 13 - 15) will be allowed into the transition area through an alternate side entrance so as to avoid younger children who are racing, in order to set up their transition area and get body marked prior to their start time of 10:00 am.  DO NOT IMPEDE OTHER ATHLETES DURING THIS TIME! This group should proceed to the pool between 9:45 and 9:55 am to prepare for their start. Again, please assemble at the pool in order of age groups with the youngest being first to enter the pool.  Timing chips will be distributed poolside in race number order.


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.


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, and in front of the church proper, where there are 15 spaces, but 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.

Race Day  - Sunday, July 22nd     

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
Socks
Shirt for after swim to wear for bike and run
Bicycle (7 - 12 year olds if not already racked on Saturday; 13 - 15 year olds can rack on Race day, but must complete by 6:45 am)
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

Be sure that you are familiar with the race distances for your age group for the all three legs of the event.  They are clearly spelled out in the Athletes Guide and in the course maps.  Athletes are responsible for knowing and completing the race courses for their age group including the appropriate number of laps in the pool, on the bike, and the configuration of the run course.

RACE NUMBERS:
The Run # must be worn and visible on the front of your body either on a shirt or pinned to a race number belt. Safety pins will be available at packet pickup. 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.

RACE MORNING INSTRUCTIONS:
The race venue and transition area will open at 5:45 am. You must be wearing the unique athlete wristband given to you at packet pickup to enter transition where you will rack your bike (if you didn't rack on Saturday afternoon), set up your transition gear and have your race number marked on your body. (See section on Bike Racking and Body Marking).

All athletes MUST be out of the transition area by 6:55 am. Participants age 13 - 15 may re-enter transition from 7:30 am - 9:45 am, but are not to interfere with younger athletes who are racing.  Please note that all participants MUST arrive in time to set up their transition area, rack their bike, and have their body marked.   
THE SWIM:
Participants age 7 - 12 are to proceed to the swim start between 6:45 am and 6:55 am for a 7 am start. 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.  Participants age 13 - 15 will proceed to the pool between 9:45 am and 9:55 am for a 10 am start. This group can enter the transition area via a side entrance from 7:30 am until 9:45 am to be body marked and to set up their transition area, but their bikes are to have been racked on Saturday  or on Sunday from 5:45 am - 6:40 am. All athletes will receive their timing chip poolside in race number order.

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 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.  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!!

David's Natural MarketPOST RACE KIDZ TRI FOOD TENT & PARTY:
Celebrate at the Post Race Party and Athlete's food tent from 8:30 am - 12:00 noon 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:
Ages 7 - 12 - approximately 9:00 am at the post race party.
Ages 13 - 15 - approximately 11:30 am at the post race party.

A HUGE thank you to ALL our 2012 TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon Sponsors, including Road Runner Sports, Gatorade, Hammer Nutrition, Aqua Sphere, Princeton Sports, Endurafit, Kinder Mender Walk-in Pediatric Center, David's Natural Market, RackJacket, Brightroom 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, and volunteers who help make the event great! 

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. 

TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon & The Maryland Youth Triathlon Series

MYTS logoABOUT 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!

Joanna M NicolayFUNDRAISING 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. 
event_schedule2012 Event Schedule
 
April 29, 2012 - Athleta Iron Girl Columbia 1/2 Marathon & Coed 5K - benefiting Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center -
In addition to an awesome inaugural medal, Iron Girl 1/2 Marathon finishers will received a bracelet with a special commemorative sterling silver Iron Girl 13.1 bead.

May 20, 2012 - Columbia Triathlon


June 3, 2012 - Blackwater Duathlon - USAT National Long Course Duathlon Championship  

 

June 10, 2012 - Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Triathlon & AquaVelo 
**The EagleMan 2012 Aqua Velo was named by the USAT Mid Atlantic Regional Committee as the 2012 Regional Championship.

June 24, 2012 - Celebrating Heroes Triathlon benefiting MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital Network. 

July 22, 2012 - TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon   - part of the Maryland Youth Triathlon Series

August 19, 2012 - Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon -
Registration is closed - contact charity teams for possible entry opportunities.  CTA Community Slot are no longer available.

September 9, 2012 - Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon - Registration is open - First 500 who sign up will receive the opportunity to pre-register for the 2013 Iron Girl Columbia, which sold out in just 3 hours this year!

September 29, 2012 - ChesapeakeMan Endurance Festival benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic featuring the Ultra Distance Triathlon, Skipjack 75.2 Triathlon, Aquabike & Bugeye Classic (intermediate distance) - Registration is open.

** The ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon has been designated as the 2012 USAT Mid Atlantic Championship and was named by Triathlete Magazine as a "Best 140.6"

 

About TriColumbia:
As a non-profit 501(c)(3), TriColumbia not only makes a difference for participating athletes by providing superior events and memories to last a lifetime, but also gives back to our community by supporting many local and regional charities, which provide a full spectrum of support for citizens in need.  TriColumbia donates both in direct contributions as well as by providing fundraising team racing opportunities for charities.
The majority of race fees are tax deductible.
 

Our Sponsors

EnduraFit   Kindermender   Gatorade   Princeton Sports 

Hammer Nutrition   Aqua Sphere   Road Runner Sports   ASI Photo 

Columbia Association   Howard County Board of Education   David\'s Natural Market   Maryland Public Television 

Rackjacket   Howard County General Hospital   

Frequently Asked Questions & ResourcesFAQ's Question Mark
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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