Do I have to bring a cap for the swim segment?
Shoreline Orthodontics will be providing swimming caps in different colours, depending on the start waves.
Is it accepted to wear two (2) swimming caps, one on top of the other ?
No
Can I ride my bike in transition?
No, you can only ride your bike after you have crossed the mount line, and before the dismount line.
Can I put my helmet on after I grab my bike ?
No, you can only ride your bike after you have crossed the mount line, and before the dismount line.
Can I keep all my gear stuff in transition?
No, you are only allowed to have the gear you need during the race in the transition area.
How much room am I allowed in transition?
Each athlete will have .75m of space for their bike and race gear. Keep your gear no further out in your space than the front of your front bike tire.
First-Timer Tips
First off, congratulations on challenging yourself to try something new! Even our elites had to start somewhere!
We are proud to welcome all abilities and ages to the Shoreline Orthodontics Tri-K Triathlon. That is why we have multiple race distances and types of races on offer.
Here are some key definitions to help start you off.
Triathlon: Triathlon is sport comprising of 3 disciplines raced one after the other - it starts with a swim leg, then transitions onto a cycle leg and finishes with a run.
Duathlon: Duathlon is a sport comprising of 2 disciplines raced one after the other - it starts with a run leg, then transitions onto a cycle leg and finishes with another run.
Start Waves: Smaller groups of athletes that begin the race every few minutes. Waves are usually determined by the type of event and distances.
Swim Leg: The part of the race where the athlete swims. The swim leg is the start of the race and it ends once you exit the water before entering the transition area. The swim will be in the Comox Valley Sports Centre pool.
Transition Area: A defined area in which an athlete stores their bicycle and various other equipment. This is where the change over from swimming to cycling and cycling to running occur. The transition from swim and bike is referred to as T1 and that between the bike and run is referred to as T2. The overall race time includes time spent in T1 and T2.
Bike Leg: Part of the race course where the bike is to be ridden. The bike course starts at the Mount Line and finishes at the Dismount Line.
Mount Line: A designated line after exiting transition after which athletes are to mount their bicycles and ride. The Mount Line will be clearly identified by flags/line/volunteer marshall.
Dismount Line: A clearly marked designated line before returning to Transition from the bike course before which athletes are to dismount their bikes fully and walk/run to the bike racks.
Drafting: A technique where two or more cyclists, cycle in a in a close group to reduce the effect of drag by using the front bicycle’s slipstream. Reminder, the Tri-K is a NON-DRAFT legal event.
Run Course: Part of the race course where the athlete is to run or walk. The run course commences at the exit from the Transition Area and finishes at the Finish Line.
Splits: The time that it takes to complete a specific distance. In triathlon splits are usually given for the swim, bike and run legs. Splits can also be given for the two transitions (T1 & T2) and for various portions of the three individual legs.
Cut Off: Each category has three disciplines, (swim, bike, run). Within these disciplines, there is a cut off time to ensure the event runs smoothly, the volunteers' time is managed, and the facility use permits are respected.
Individual vs. Team: In some of the event you can sign up for as either an individual where you complete all three legs (swim, bike, run) of the race. Alternatively, you can sign up as a team. This is where you buddy up with 1 or 2 other people, and take a leg of the race each in a relay format.
Can I do a triathlon?
With some time and training, anyone can do a triathlon. The Tri-K is designed to be a competitive or recreational event with distances catering to both novice and experienced triathletes.
Kids events have distances that align with Triathlon BC's recommendations based on age. And kids can race down an age group if shorter distances are more to their liking.
For adults, there is a Try A-Tri event to offer novices and recreational participants a shorter distanced swim, bike, and run compared to the full adult/Junior Sprint distance, You can also enter the event as part of a team and choose one or two of the disciplines, depending on your team size.
What do I need to bring?
SWIM, BIKE, RUN OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Tri-suit or swimsuit*, goggles, towel
Bike and helmet, bike pump, shoes
Sunscreen
Shorts & t-shirt* Sunglasses
Runners
Hydration (water bottle)
* If you're not wearing a tri-suit. If you wear a tri-suit, you would wear it for all 3 legs of your race.
What items will I get in my race pack?
The following items will be provided for you in your race pack:
Results will be shared here shortly after your race, Make sure your race number is always visible to ensure you can find your photos later online.
Do I get a medal?
In the morning event (ages 10 through adult) each finisher will get a participation medal. For ages 12 and older (not including the Try A-Tri) medals will be awarded for first, second, and third place for gender and age group.
In the afternoon kids race event (ages 4 to 9) a finisher ribbon will be handed out.
Our Top Tips
Top Tips for Transition
Hey guys! So you've signed up for your first triathlon - CONGRATULATIONS! I promise, you won't regret it. It doesn't feel so long ago that I signed up for my first triathlon...so I understand that you might be nervous. That's totally normal. But just remember - every single other athlete on the start line (first-timer or seasoned pro!) will be feeling nervous too. That's what's awesome about our sport - you're part of a community. We're in it together, from the second you snap on your goggles, to that awesome moment you cross the finish line. Happy training and good luck!
Transition is the ‘fourth’ leg of your race, and it can make or break your experience. Top tips for transition are:
First off, congratulations on challenging yourself to try something new! Even our elites had to start somewhere!
We are proud to welcome all abilities and ages to the Shoreline Orthodontics Tri-K Triathlon. That is why we have multiple race distances and types of races on offer.
Here are some key definitions to help start you off.
Triathlon: Triathlon is sport comprising of 3 disciplines raced one after the other - it starts with a swim leg, then transitions onto a cycle leg and finishes with a run.
Duathlon: Duathlon is a sport comprising of 2 disciplines raced one after the other - it starts with a run leg, then transitions onto a cycle leg and finishes with another run.
Start Waves: Smaller groups of athletes that begin the race every few minutes. Waves are usually determined by the type of event and distances.
Swim Leg: The part of the race where the athlete swims. The swim leg is the start of the race and it ends once you exit the water before entering the transition area. The swim will be in the Comox Valley Sports Centre pool.
Transition Area: A defined area in which an athlete stores their bicycle and various other equipment. This is where the change over from swimming to cycling and cycling to running occur. The transition from swim and bike is referred to as T1 and that between the bike and run is referred to as T2. The overall race time includes time spent in T1 and T2.
Bike Leg: Part of the race course where the bike is to be ridden. The bike course starts at the Mount Line and finishes at the Dismount Line.
Mount Line: A designated line after exiting transition after which athletes are to mount their bicycles and ride. The Mount Line will be clearly identified by flags/line/volunteer marshall.
Dismount Line: A clearly marked designated line before returning to Transition from the bike course before which athletes are to dismount their bikes fully and walk/run to the bike racks.
Drafting: A technique where two or more cyclists, cycle in a in a close group to reduce the effect of drag by using the front bicycle’s slipstream. Reminder, the Tri-K is a NON-DRAFT legal event.
Run Course: Part of the race course where the athlete is to run or walk. The run course commences at the exit from the Transition Area and finishes at the Finish Line.
Splits: The time that it takes to complete a specific distance. In triathlon splits are usually given for the swim, bike and run legs. Splits can also be given for the two transitions (T1 & T2) and for various portions of the three individual legs.
Cut Off: Each category has three disciplines, (swim, bike, run). Within these disciplines, there is a cut off time to ensure the event runs smoothly, the volunteers' time is managed, and the facility use permits are respected.
Individual vs. Team: In some of the event you can sign up for as either an individual where you complete all three legs (swim, bike, run) of the race. Alternatively, you can sign up as a team. This is where you buddy up with 1 or 2 other people, and take a leg of the race each in a relay format.
Can I do a triathlon?
With some time and training, anyone can do a triathlon. The Tri-K is designed to be a competitive or recreational event with distances catering to both novice and experienced triathletes.
Kids events have distances that align with Triathlon BC's recommendations based on age. And kids can race down an age group if shorter distances are more to their liking.
For adults, there is a Try A-Tri event to offer novices and recreational participants a shorter distanced swim, bike, and run compared to the full adult/Junior Sprint distance, You can also enter the event as part of a team and choose one or two of the disciplines, depending on your team size.
What do I need to bring?
SWIM, BIKE, RUN OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Tri-suit or swimsuit*, goggles, towel
Bike and helmet, bike pump, shoes
Sunscreen
Shorts & t-shirt* Sunglasses
Runners
Hydration (water bottle)
* If you're not wearing a tri-suit. If you wear a tri-suit, you would wear it for all 3 legs of your race.
What items will I get in my race pack?
The following items will be provided for you in your race pack:
- Race Number bib (you must wear this during the run portion of your race)
- Swim cap (you must wear the event swim cap. The colour of your cap corresponds to the race wave start position that you are in)
- Bike number stickers
- T-Shirt
- Wristband
Results will be shared here shortly after your race, Make sure your race number is always visible to ensure you can find your photos later online.
Do I get a medal?
In the morning event (ages 10 through adult) each finisher will get a participation medal. For ages 12 and older (not including the Try A-Tri) medals will be awarded for first, second, and third place for gender and age group.
In the afternoon kids race event (ages 4 to 9) a finisher ribbon will be handed out.
Our Top Tips
- Make sure you access and read through the Athletes' Guide once it is published.
- Make sure you attend the race orientation the day before and the briefing before the event starts on the event day. This is where you’ll find out any necessary information about your race.
- Don’t try anything new on race day. A good rule is – train the way you’d like to race, and race the way you’ve trained. This is especially important when it comes to your hydration and nutrition.
- Arrive at the race start with plenty of time. Allow extra time for traffic, parking, pumping up your bike tires etc. It is normal to feel nervous (even the pros get race-day nerves!) – you don’t want the added stress of running late to add to your nerves!
- Make sure you apply plenty of water-proof sunscreen before your race. You can even keep an extra tube of sunscreen in your transition area.
- The Tri-K pool swim is a rolling start - which means you will enter in a designated lane and then start your wave in a specific position with gaps in between. It's important to enter your expected swim time for your swim distance to ensure we place you in a lane with comparable swimmers to avoid catching up with each other too frequently.
- Before the race, make sure you’re comfortable handling your bike. Practice left and right turns, as well as taking your water bottle out of the holder, drinking, and putting it back in the holder, all while you’re cycling at a consistent pace. Drafting is also a word you will hear a lot in triathlon – the Tri-K is a NON-DRAFT race, which means you are not allowed to cycle too close to the person in front. This does not apply to the swim or the run leg.
- Make sure that you know how many laps of the swim, and where your turnarounds and course route is for the bike and run. You will be responsible for counting your swim laps (there will be swim lap counters to help try and keep track). If you don’t complete all of the laps, you will be disqualified. And of course, you don’t want to do any extras!
- Make sure you hydrate on the bike and the run legs. You will need to bring your own hydration on the bike (put a water bottle on your bike – make sure you practice drinking while you’re cycling!). On the run, you will pass by multiple ‘aid stations’!
- Don’t take your wristband off until you have checked your bike out – the officials will only let you remove the bike which has the corresponding race number to your wristband. For the morning event participants, the wristband is also your ticket for your free lunch.
- Enjoy yourself! And be sure to SMILE as you cross the finish line, so your finish photo looks as amazing as you are!
Top Tips for Transition
Hey guys! So you've signed up for your first triathlon - CONGRATULATIONS! I promise, you won't regret it. It doesn't feel so long ago that I signed up for my first triathlon...so I understand that you might be nervous. That's totally normal. But just remember - every single other athlete on the start line (first-timer or seasoned pro!) will be feeling nervous too. That's what's awesome about our sport - you're part of a community. We're in it together, from the second you snap on your goggles, to that awesome moment you cross the finish line. Happy training and good luck!
Transition is the ‘fourth’ leg of your race, and it can make or break your experience. Top tips for transition are:
- Practice your transitions before the race, and then set your transition area up for your race exactly as you did in practice.
- Know your transition area like the back of your hand. There will be dozens of other triathletes taking part and you might be disorientated when you come out of the water – with so much going on, it’s easy to lose track of where YOUR transition area is. Before the race, walk through the route from the swim exit to transition, then out to the mount line for the cycle, then from the dismount back to transition, and then the exit to the run. This will help to ensure you don’t get lost in the race-day excitement!
- For those with long hair, put your hair in a low bun or ponytail underneath your swim cap, so that you can fit your bike helmet on
- Leave your bike in low gear in transition
- Practice getting on your bike after running with it (you'll do that *after* the mount line), and then practice braking the bike and getting off (you'll do that *before* the dismount line).
- Coming off your bike and into your run can feel a little uncomfortable – your quads will feel heavy at first, but I promise, as the run progresses they will loosen up. I recommend shortening your stride a touch as you set out on your run (to match the cadence from your cycle) – once your legs loosen up, you can start to move back into your regular running gait. Make sure you practice running ‘off the bike’ in your training so you’re used to the feeling.