Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. This is my first triathlon ever. What do I need to know?

Triathlons consist of swimming, biking, and running in that order. Your time for the race consists of the total time it takes you to swim, bike, and run, including the time to transition between the sports. USA Triathlon has some great resources for beginners here.

2. Should I race the Draft Legal or Classic race?

If this is your first triathlon, you should race Classic.

The Draft-Legal race is a highly competitive race in which strong pack riding skills and triathlon experience are required. If you are unsure if you have strong pack riding skills or triathlon experience, we recommend you sign up for the classic race instead. If you have questions about racing DL or whether you have enough experience, please email treeathlon@gmail.com with your qualifications and experience in pack riding and racing.

The Classic Sprint is open to all beginners and elite athletes.

2. What gear/equipment is required for this race? What is recommended?

You will need a wetsuit for the swim (it is required given the history of cold water temps at our race), a bike and helmet for the bike, and running gear such as running shoes for the run. So at a minimum, you need a wetsuit, a bike and helmet, running shoes, clothing to bike and run in, and a way to wear your race bib (see below).

It is recommended that you carry any spare parts that you might need for your bikes, such as extra tubes and a pump or CO2 cartridges, because it is a rule violation to receive outside assistance during the race, so in the event of a flat tire, you’ll need to change it yourself.

You may also want to have the following:

  • Bike or Triathlon shoes and their corresponding pedals

  • Water bottles for transition and the bike

  • Cycling glasses

  • Swim goggles

  • Swim Cap (we will provide one but you are welcome to wear two caps for warmth)

  • Towel

  • Bike gloves (although some athletes forego this in the interest of efficiency)

  • Socks (although some athletes forego this in the interest of efficiency)

It also can’t hurt to have spares of some of the above, such as goggles, hair ties, socks, and water bottles. 

USAT has more information for beginners about what is required and gear recommendations here.

For details about gear that is approved and not approved, the USAT rulebook can be found here.

3. Wait…what’s a race belt?

All participants are given race bibs that need to be worn during the run part of the race only. You can use a shoelace, but we recommend getting a race belt used for this purpose (something like this).

4. Are finisher medals given to participants?

Finisher medals are not given for the Classic or Draft Legal Races. See question below for info about age group awards.

5. Do you have age group awards?

Yes, in the classic race, we have awards for 1-3rd places in each 5-year age group (starting with a combined 18-24 AG and ending with a 65+ division). We will also give out awards to the single top relay team. The awards ceremony will take place at 1:30 PM on race day. If you cannot make it to the ceremony and think you placed 1-3 in your age group, see the table near the finish to pick up your age group awards.

In the draft legal race, prizes will be awarded to the top 3 men and women. These awards will also occur at 1:30 PM on race day, but please see the table near the finish line if you cannot make it to the ceremony.

WE CAN NOT MAIL AWARDS. YOU MUST ATTEND THE AWARD CEREMONY OR PICK UP THE AWARD AT THE TABLE NEAR THE FINISH AFTER THE RACE.

6. Is this event part of the Bay Area Senior Games?

Yes! To sign up, you need to register both with the Senior Games and through the official Treeathlon registration link. See further instructions for Senior Games registration here: https://www.bayareaseniorgames.org/sports-triathlon.

7. What temperature will the water be?

In 2020, the water temperature was around 57°F, and it will probably be somewhere between 55 and 65 this year. A wetsuit is required for this race. If you are interested, this website has historical water temperature data for the area.

8. How do I pick up registration packets?

Packet pickup will be held on Saturday, March 2, from 10:30 AM- 4 PM at the Redwood City Sports Basement (202 Walnut St., Redwood City, CA, 94063). The race packet contains the socks, race number, course maps, etc. Additionally, racers get 20% off Sports Basement purchases during packet pickup hours!

We strongly encourage you to pick up your packet on Saturday to avoid lines, but we will hold race-day packet pickup from 7-10 AM at the race venue in case you cannot.

9. Can anyone under 18 race in Treeathlon?

We have worked with the University and gotten approval for any high school triathlete aged 16+ to race this year! Students need a USAT membership and can register as age group athletes. For any questions, please email us!

10. I signed up, but I’m unable to race. Can I get a refund?

As the sign-up forms and waivers state, we cannot offer refunds.

11. Should I race the collegiate or Age Group category?

If you are currently enrolled at a college or university, you should race collegiate. If not, you should race age group.

If your question wasn’t answered here, don’t hesitate to contact us at treeathlon@gmail.com.

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