Basics

Q. What are the Basics?

A. The races will be held on May 29, 2010 with the Duathlon (2.45 mile run, 26.1 mile bike, 3.1 mile run), Triathlon (.5 mile swim, 26.1 mile bike, 3.1 mile run) beginning at 8 am and the Sprint Triathlon (.3 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 1.5 mile run) and 5K (3.1 miles) beginning at 8:30 am. The race is in Maysville, Kentucky along the Ohio River. We are called Buffalo Trails MultiSport Racing because of the many buffalo trails in the region centuries ago. Race headquarters (packet pickup) is at the French Quarter Inn on McDonald Parkway at the transition area. Packets can be picked up Friday Night 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Saturday morning 6:00 am until 7:40 am.

Q. Are there other activities planned for the family?

A. Maysville is a favorite stop for river boat cruises for many reasons - all of which translate into many activities (shopping, sight-seeing) for athletes and their families to do while attending. Many racers arrive the night before and stay in one of the many fine hotels in town.

Results

Q. When are results posted?

A. Preliminary results are posted soon after athletes begin to finish. Results are then updated continuously throughout the race. Results are not official until all penalties have been assessed.

Q. What if I do not see my name in the results, or my time is incorrect?

A. First check to see if your race number is on the USAT penalty list. After that, notify a timing official as soon as possible.

Q. My name is on the penalty list. There must be a mistake!

A. Penalties are assessed by the USAT officials. We cannot remove them unless directed to do so by the Head USAT Official assigned to the event. All questions concerning penalties should be addressed to them. A USAT official will be present at the results viewing area from the time the USAT penalties are posted until we start the official awards ceremony.

Q. Are the results posted on the web?

A. Yes, results will be available for viewing following the race. Results are posted the same day of the race at itsracetime.com. Also, we will have a link to the site from our website.

Q. Will we receive complete results in the mail?

A. No, complete results are available for viewing from our website.

Q. What are the prizes?

A. Cash prizes are given to male and female, Duathlon, Triathlon and Sprint Triathlon as long as the minimum registration is met. Cash prizes are also given to the fastest splits for Run 1 (Du), Swim (Tri), Bike (Du) and (Tri). Other awards are typically given to minimally the top 25% of the pre-registered athletes in each division.

Q. I placed for an award but have to leave before the scheduled awards ceremony. What should I do?

A. We encourage you to find a way to stick around and enjoy the festivities. If you absolutely, positively must leave before the award ceremony starts, you can have your award mailed to you. You must notify us however that you will not be present.

Bike

Q. When can I retrieve my bike?

A. After the last cyclist comes into the transition area. The Transition Coordinator will notify athletes that it is OK to retrieve your bike and gear.

Q. Where can I get a spare tube or a bike repair completed?

A. We hope to have at least one bicycle mechanic on hand to help take care of your last minute needs.

Chip Timing

Q. What is Chip Timing?

A. A Chip is a tiny computer transponder that you wear around your ankle during the race for scoring purposes. If you do not wear THE Chip assigned to you, you will not be scored in the race.

Q. Do I need to rent a Timing Chip for the race?

A. Timing Chips are provided for all participants in the event. There is no charge for the chip unless you fail to return it following the race. The Chips will be distributed the morning of the race.

Q. What happens if I lose the Timing Chip?

A. You are responsible for the Chip and band. If you lose it, or do not return it following the race, you will be billed for the replacement cost of the chip and band ($35).

Q. I'm on a Relay Team, who wears the Chip?

A. Each member of the team wears the chip during his/her segment of the race. The members will transfer the chip from one team member to another at your bike position in the transition area.

Q. What do I do if I lose my Chip during the race?

A. Please make sure you notify the finish line timers at the finish line so they can manually record your time.

Q. Where do I put the chip?

A. The Timing Chip is attached to an ankle bracelet that must be worn around your ankle during the entire race. It does not matter which ankle you affix it to, or if the chip is above or below your socks or wetsuit. If the Chip is not affixed to your ankle, you will not be scored.

Q. Can I put the Timing Chip on my own ankle bracelet?

A. Yes, as long as it secures the chip in a perpendicular position to the ground. You must return our band to us or you will be billed $5 for the replacement cost of the band.

Q. How can I make sure you have my Chip number assigned to me for the race?

A. The Chip number is the same as your race number.

General

Q. What foods and fluids will be available on the course?

A. Water and Sport Drink will be available before the start of the race at the water station near the transition area. Water stations will be available on the run and bike courses. At the finish of the race you will enjoy our spread at a great post race party.

Q. Can my spouse or friends help me in during the race?

A. No. The sport of triathlon is an individual sport. In accordance with USAT rules, outside assistance is not allowed and will result in a USAT penalty.

Race Registration

Q. Will race participation be limited?

A. Yes. For safety reasons, and to ensure a quality race experience for all participants registration will close at 400 participants.

Q. How do I enter?

A. The easiest and quickest way to enter is by registering online via our link at http://www.imathlete.com/events/BuffaloTrailsDuathlonTriathlonand5K

.Q. Will late registration be available?

A. Late registration (Race Week) will only be available if we have not reached capacity. Please check the event website for updated registration availability. Race Day registration will not be available.

Q. What is the difference between Age Group, Military, Clydesdale and Athena?

A. These titles are racing categories offered by us at our events to give as many people as possible a chance to take home gold. As an athlete you may select ONE category to compete in. Age Group is for regular age group competition; Military is for athletes currently serving in or employed by the military; Clydesdale is the division for males 200 lbs. and over; and Athena for females 150 lbs. and over. In order that Clydesdale, Athena and Military athletes can be ranked by USAT, all athletes will start with their respective age group swim wave, regardless of the division entered.

Q. If I meet the Clydesdale or Athena weight categories, do I have to race in those divisions?

A. No. You can select to race as an age group athlete, or as a Clydesdale/Athena athlete.

Q. If I am currently in the military, do I have to race in the Military division?

A. No. You can select to race as an age group athlete, a Clydesdale/Athena athlete, or in the Military division.

Relay Teams

Q. How do Relay Teams work?

A. A relay team consists of two (Duathlon) or three athletes (Triathlon) competing in separate segments of the race. Typically, one team member swims, another bikes, and the third runs. In a two-person team, one member completes the 2 run segments and the other the bike segment. Relay Teams are categorized as male, female, or co-ed.

Q. Can one team member pick-up our team packets or do all of us need to be present?

A. No. Each team member must show a photo ID and proof of USAT membership. Proof of membership can include a photocopy of a USAT card or the confirmation obtained from the USAT website. You can also bring completed USAT membership forms for all team members with you to registration. You can download a USAT membership form here.

Swim

Q. How do I get to the swim start?

A. Shuttles will be available for transportation to the swim start. It is a ½ mile walk from packet pickup and would also be a nice walk that will take you over the last ½ mile of the final run course. Bags will be available for you to put your gear/shoes in so that we can get it back to you after the race.

Q. Is it a in water start?

A. We are providing a unique opportunity to jump off a barge for the start of the race.

Q. Will this be a fast swim?

A. We expect this to be a very fast and fun swim because you will be swimming with the current and will not have any corner turns to make. The sun will also be behind you so no glare to fight.

Q. Will there be a swim warm-up?

A. There will not be a swim warm-up because of the start off a barge.

Q. Will the swim be a mass start?

A. It is expected that we will be able to start each swim (Tri or Sprint Tri) at one time. If there are more than 150 swimmers for either race, we will start in waves.

Q. What is a 'wave'?

A. One or more divisions start at specific times with 2-10 minutes in between. Wave start times will be posted race morning. You must start in your wave according to USAT rules or result in a time penalty or disqualification.

Q. What about water quality?

A. Water testing will be performed to ensure water safety. In the event of that the water tests show that the water is unsafe for swimming, a run will be substituted for the swim.

Q. Do I need to bring a swim cap?

A. No. Swim caps will be provided in your race packet.

Q. Will wet suits be allowed on the swim?

A. Water temperature in the Ohio River can be quite cool, even on Memorial Day Weekend. It is for this reason wet suits will be strongly encouraged.

Transitions

Q. Are there changing tents in the Transition area?

A. Port-o-lets will be available close to the transition area.

USA Triathlon

Q. What is USA Triathlon?

A. USA Triathlon (USAT) is the National Governing Body for triathlon and duathlon. USA Triathlon sanctions events, picks national, world and Olympic teams; trains and hires officials; promotes the sport, etc. To learn more about USA Triathlon and the official rules go to www.usatriathlon.org.

Q. What is meant by "Sanctioned by USA Triathlon"?

A. The USAT sanctioning process ensures that each event gets the USAT stamp of approval and is safe, fair, legal, and well-organized. In turn, this allows USAT athletes to compete in quality events and potentially become a nationally ranked athlete. The insurance for the event is through USAT.

Q. Do I need to join USA Triathlon to compete in this event?

A. No, you do not need to be a USAT member to compete BUT non-USAT members will be required to purchase a one-day license ($10). You can also purchase a USAT membership ($39). You will be given the opportunity to purchase a one-day or yearly license when you register online at http://www.imathlete.com/events/BuffaloTrailsDuathlonTriathlonand5K. USAT membership is certainly encouraged because of the great benefits package each member receives.

Q. I put my USAT number on the registration form. Do I still need to bring my membership card to check-in?

A. Yes! Even though we may have your USAT number on file, USAT requires that we see proof of current membership at check-in. Your USAT number does not indicate your membership status. If you do not bring proof of membership to check-in, you will be required to purchase a one-day license in order to compete.

Q. What if I lose my card, or recently joined USAT and have not received my card?

A. Visit the USA Triathlon website at www.usatriathlon.org for details on how to obtain a replacement card or temporary proof of membership.

Q. What about relay teams? Do all relay team members need a USAT license?

A. Yes. Just like individual participants, all members of the relay team must show proof of USAT membership or will be required to purchase a one-day license at check-in.

Q. Should I include my USA Triathlon membership fees with my registration form?

A. We prefer that you join USAT online at www.usatriathlon.org, but you can join as part of the Buffalo Trails MultiSport Racing event check-in process.