4th Annual

Escape to Crystal Lake Triathlon 2008

FAQs & Rules

INSURANCE
Endoman Promotions, LLC, carries liability insurance for every event we hold. Even so, we ask that you sign a waiver of liability (sometimes twice) stating that you will in no way hold Endoman Promotions, it's sponsors, venues, municipalities, associated personnel, or anyone or thing associated with the event, responsible in case of an accident, injury or death. Your agreeing to this provision allows us to continue to hold these great races and spectator-friendly events. Please be assured that SAFETY is our number one priority, with fun for all being a close second.

PRE-RACE
What do I need to do after I register?
Making a list of items you'll need for the race is always helpful, even for seasoned racers.  For triathlons, the list would include: goggles, bike, cycling shoes, helmet, running shoes, and race clothing, including a wetsuit.  In your race packet (picked up the night before or the morning before the race) you'll find your race number, general instructions, some sort of energy supplement and a swim cap.  Remember that your number must be worn on the front of your shirt or shorts when you cross the finish line.

Pre-Race Packet Pickup:
We will provide a few hours in the afternoon/evening before the day of the race for you to check in with the Race Crew and pick up your race materials. This can relieve a lot of stress and "morning-of" jitters, so if you can, get your stuff the day before. Or, pick up your packet the morning of the race, but get there early so you can set yourself up in the transition area and get all your gear situated.

What time should I arrive at the race venue?

We'll be there for you to pick up your race materials at least an hour and a half before the start.

What do I do when I arrive?

If you've checked in the night before, simply get yourself set up in the transition area.  Look around.  Become familiar with the entries and exits of the transition area.  Where do the bikes go out and come in?  Where does the running leg exit the TA?  If you're not sure, ask any one of our helpful Race Crew members.  If you're checking in that morning, go to packet pick-up and registration.

TRANSITION AREA
What is the transition area?

This is the staging area for the event, the area where you'll transition from one leg of the race to the next, e.g., from the swim to the bike.
In this event, both transitions are in the same place, so make sure all your racing items are there.  Many racers find using a towel to dry off, put your stuff on, and change on, very helpful.

Can I ride in the transition area?

NO! You must walk/run your bike out of, and then back into the TA. Riding in the TA may result in a 3 minute penalty, so be careful!

When will I know what to do as the start of the race nears?

There will be announcements throughout the morning, providing information about the event, venue, and course as well as announcements stating the Pre- Race Meeting time, which is typically 15 minutes before the race starts, and will be held very near the Transition Area.  The pre-race meeting will also give racers an opportunity to ask last minute questions about any aspect of the race.

THE SWIM SECTION


What's the best strategy for entering the water when the gun (in this case, actually a whistle) goes off?

As with most any type of race, "staging" is important.  This is the practice of positioning yourself in the pack, before the start, according to what you think your ability is compared to the rest of the racers.  For example, if you're a trained and high-level athlete with lots of tri experience, you'll want to line up in the front row, so to speak.  If this is your first triathlon and you're not real comfortable with the swim portion, get near the back and let the faster people go out first.

What do I do if I get in trouble in the water?

Immediately raise your hand and yell to one of the many safety boats and kayaks that will be positioned around the swim course. If possible, get out of the traffic and continue to yell for help - a safety boat will get to you immediately for assistance. You may rest by hanging on to a safety boat and then continue the race once you're feeling strong enough.  But please be advised, if you decide to be pulled out of the water, you are out of the race.

What do I do when I get out of the water?

Take off your swim cap and goggles. If you're wearing a wetsuit pull it down waist high and make your way to the transition area.  Once in the TA, remove the rest of your wetsuit and prepare for the bike portion.

Do I need a wetsuit?

Not necessarily, but the more serious, or seasoned racers, have them. They make swimming a little more comfortable by keeping you warm, and they provide a little buoyancy to make staying afloat a little easier. Crystal Lake is a big, deep lake, and can be a bit chilly, as well, so a wetsuit can be an advantage. If the water should ever get above 78 degrees, wetsuits will not be allowed so as to avoid the chance of racers getting overheated and possibly dehydrated.

Do I have to wear a swim cap?

Caps are required and we provide them, or you may bring your own.

THE BIKE SECTION
Do I need a helmet?
You must wear your helmet at all times during your biking segment.  No helmet, no race.

What should I wear for the bike leg?

Most athletes will wear their bathing suits or, if you have the latest in tech gear, the new tri suits. Some athletes will slip bike shorts over their bathing suits if they need a little extra padding. Some males will go shirtless, as well. A lot of racers don't wear socks because of the extra few seconds it takes to put them on. These are all personal preferences and you'll need to find out what works best for you.

Can I wear headphones, MP3 Players or IPods on the bike course?

Absolutely not! Not at any time during the bike portion of the race. You must be aware of your surroundings at all times for safely reasons, and wearing a musical device creates a huge distraction. Violators will be disqualified!

What if I have technical problems on the bike?

You may not get any outside help; you must fix the bike yourself.  If your bike cannot be fixed you will be picked up by a "sag wagon" and you will be out of the race. The sag wagon will follow the last bike out and you'll be able to get a ride back to the transition area.

Are there aid stations on the bike section?
Not for this race.

How will I know where to go on the bike course?

It is the athlete's responsibility to know the course, and it is recommended that you drive (or ride) the course sometime before the race.  The course will be marked the day before, and you should have a map from the online map provided on the website, or at pre-race packet pickup. The course will be marked with signs, paint, chalk, cones, and volunteers.

Can I use a mountain bike or cyclo-cross bike on a road bike course?

Yes. You can use any type of bike you'd like, except the motorized kind!

Will I have to stop at intersections?

Hopefully not, as most intersections will be manned and our race crew will attempt to stop or slow traffic. But the race is on an open course, meaning there will be vehicular traffic, so proceed with extreme caution.  Watch for loose gravel at intersections, too!

What do I do if I go off course?

Once you've discovered your mistake, retrace your route exactly, until you get back to the point at which you got off course. You may then proceed with the race. If you "cut in" somewhere to intersect the course, or somehow get back to the course using a different way, you will be disqualified.

Can I draft another cyclist?
No. Drafting, or riding directly behind another cyclist to save energy, is not allowed. There will be assessed a 3 minute penalty for the first offense and disqualification for the second offence.

THE RUN SECTION


Where do I put on my running shoes?

In the transition area.

What should I wear (aside from my running shoes)?

Most athletes will wear their bathing suit or the new tri-suits throughout the entire race. Some athletes like to slip on a pair of running shorts over their bathing suits as well. Again, some male racers will go shirtless, but they must have their number plates pinned to the front of their shorts.

What do I do when I am ready to run?

You will head out on the run-out chute, which will be marked. 

How will I know where to go?
Simply follow the Betsie Valley Trail along the south shore of Crystal Lake. It's a 4-mile, hard packed gravel out and back course, so it will be extremely difficult to take a wrong turn!

Are there aid stations on the run course?

Yes. There will be one at the mile mark and then again at the 2 mile turnaround. Cold water will be handed out.

What if I get into trouble out there (i.e., overheat, exhaustion, etc)?

Most volunteers at aid stations will be able to either assist you or get you to EMS. Some race staff will be on bicycles or roaming in vehicles, as the trail parallels a roadway. Race crew on the course will have communication to race officials as well as to EMS.

Can I have a family member or friend run with me?

No. This is considered "help" (called pacing), and since this is an individual event, outside assistance is not allowed. This policy keeps it fair for all racers.

Can I have a family member hand be a water bottle or food?

No, see above.

Can I use a heart rate monitor or pacing device during the run?

Yes.

What do I do when I cross the finish line?

You will be handed a finish slip which will have your race position on it. Fill out the rest of the slip with your name and age group, and then drop it into the corresponding basket, e.g., "Male 25-34". Race Crew will be there to assist. That's it. Get yourself some refreshments at the food table and take a dip in the lake to cool off. After the last finisher crosses the line, there will be an awards ceremony and drawing for some great swag.

How do I get my results?

There will be preliminary results posted in the results area near or in the pavilion in the park. The final official results will be posted on the website shortly following the event.

RELAY TEAMS


How many people for a relay team?

Two to three people.  Obviously, if you have two people, one of them is going to be doing two of the legs.

Is there an age limit for the relay?

No, as long as the individual is able to successfully and safely complete their discipline.

Can males and females race together in a relay?

Yes, you may have any mix of age and gender.

Do all the relay members of my team finish together?
No, just the person who is completing the last discipline of the triathlon, which is the run. Remember, no pacing with your teammate!

Can my teammate(s) have their race gear on and ready to go?
Yes.

When can my teammate start his/her segment of the race?
When you tag, or touch your teammate in the transition area. We may incorporate wrist bands this year, that you would pass off to your teammate for the next segment.

FREQUENTLY USED TERMS:

PR - Personal Record

5k - 5000m = 3.1mi. Run

10k - 10,000m = 6.2mi. Run

Duathlon - Run, Bike, Run

Triathlon - Swim, Bike, Run

Super Sprint race - less than Sprint

Sprint race - 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run

Olympic distance race - 1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run (the distance used on the Olympic distance triathlon)

Half Ironman distance race - 1.2mi. swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1mi. run

Ironman distance race - 2.4mi. swim, 112 mi. bike, 26.2mi. run

The "Escape to Crystal Lake" Triathlon Distances:
Swim: 750 yards
Bike: 16 miles
Run: 4 miles