Start Waves - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Well yes and no. We have two elite start waves,
one for men and one for women. But these are "self select" start waves only, and
not a separate competition group. The purpose of our elite start waves is to get
the more experienced and faster Triathletes out in front of the main field so that
these folks don't have to move around slower participants. It's safer and people
don't get so grouchy. You do not have to qualify or provide comps to start in the
elite waves. But we ask that you honestly consider the following criteria to determine
if you should select to start in these waves:
- Do you expect to complete the 1/4 mile swim in 8 minutes or less?
OR
- Do you expect to complete the entire triathlon in 1:17:00 or less (men) or 1:28:00
or less (women)?
If you think you might not be able to keep this pace, please stick with your age/gender
group, or select the Friends & Family wave. Remember, we're trying to make things
as safe as possible. You don't want to be a speed bump for faster competitors.
You do NOT need to register for the elite start wave in advance; you can make this
selection on race day. You do NOT need a special swim cap color; wear the swim cap
you are assigned/given in your race packet.
Regardless of which wave you select to start in - elite, age/gender group, friends
& family - you will still be competing against others in your age/gender group as
well as overall. When you look at the results, look in your age/gender group and
in the overall standings.
Yes! The Friends & Family start waves are designed
to allow participants of different genders, ages, and abilities to compete at the
same time. You do NOT need to sign up for these waves in advance. You do NOT need
a special color swim cap. Wear whichever cap you are assigned/given in your race
packet. The Friends & Family waves are started after the last age/gender group waves.
Simply wait out the start of your age/gender wave and listen for the call for the
Friends & Family wave (typically wave 17). We will start the first 60 to 70 individuals
that enter the start gate. We will have as many Friends & Family waves as needed
to meet participant's needs.
There's no need to change the registration or get
a different color swim cap. You can make this decision on race day. When the elite
waves (wave 1 and 2) or Friends & Family wave (17 and up) is called, simply move
to the start chute. You will step over a timing mat as you enter the start chute.
This allows us to accurately track your results, regardless of the wave in which
you select to start.
No. We've had these competition groups in previous
years but dropped them as participants have told us that for our race, they prefer
the age group competition and are comfortable starting in the age/gender wave or
the other self select waves.
Wave numbers are approximate and are assigned to
facilitate timing and ensure accuracy and safety. We cap our wave size at about
70, although some groups will be smaller. After registration for the Sprint Triathlon
closes, we will finalize the Start Waves. The Start Wave Chart will be updated on
the "Day of Event" section of our website and will be posted at packet pickup and
the race site.
3 minutes because we of smaller sized waves.
We create the start waves by grouping participants
by age and gender, with some extra groups for "elites" and for those who want to
race with their friends. (See the first couple of questions in this section of the
FAQ.) For larger age groups, there are multiple waves. Some smaller age groups are
combined into a single wave. Once we finalize the Start Waves, you can view the chart
under the "Day of Event" section of our website. We make final updates to this chart
the week before the event once we have final registration numbers.
We assign cap colors based on the age/gender waves.
So that's the swim color you'll get in your race packet. On race day, if you elect
to start in either the Elite or Friends & Family waves, you'll still wear the swim
cap you were originally assigned. These waves will have a mix of cap colors. The
age/gender waves will have the same cap colors. If you do get a different cap color
from others in your age/gender wave, it's okay. We apologize, but sometimes administrative
or packet-stuffing errors happen. Don't change your start wave to match your cap
color! Your cap color will not affect your start wave or your timing results. We
do need you to wear the swim cap you receive in your race packet as it makes you
easier to spot in the water and helps us keep you safe.
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