What is the Transition Area And What Happens There?

Only athletes will be allowed in the transition area during the event. There will be a transition team to help all athletes with setting up their area. The transition team will also transition all 5-8 year old athletes. This will help to make the transition area safe and fair for all athletes. We ask that all athletes enter the transition area at the south entrance near the post office with bikes, and transition gear. The transition area will be CLOSED to adults at 7a.m. After 7 a.m. athletes will be escorted in by volunteers to get their transition area set up. Please note there is only one area to enter the transition area.

In the sport of triathlon the Transition Area is like the hub in the center of a wheel with the swim, bike, and run like wheel spokes. The athlete passes through the Transition Area twice in the event. In the Transition Area the athlete moves from swimming to biking and then from biking to running.

Every athlete has an assigned spot in the Transition Area (by age-group) where his/her bike, helmet, shoes/socks, shirt, shorts, towel and other needed stuff is located. The triathlon begins at the pool. Following the swim, the athlete moves to the Transition Area. The athlete will find his/her assigned spot, and he/she will remove any swim equipment such as goggles, and quickly dries off and puts on what is needed for the bike ride. Bathing suit removal is not permitted.

Athletes put on shorts and a shirt over their bathing suit with their race bib number pinned on in advance. Some athletes just put on a shirt or running belt (with number) and ride with bathing suits instead of shorts-over-suits. The athlete takes his/her bike and (walking the bike) exits the Transition Area following the sign that says Bike Out. The bike cannot be mounted until the athlete passes the Bike Mount Line, which will be clearly marked. Bike helmets must be worn at all times while the athlete is in contact with the bike, even when dismounted.

After the ride the athlete returns to the Bike In entrance to the Transition Area. The athlete must dismount the bike prior to crossing the Bike Dismount Line. Then (walking the bike) goes back to where his/her equipment is located. The bike is placed in the rack, helmet and other riding equipment is removed, and the athlete prepares for the run. Generally, young athletes ride their bikes in their running shoes so after removing the bike stuff they are ready for the run. Runners may jog to the Run Out sign in the Transition Area, watching for bikes and other runners. The triathlon finishes at the end of the run on the fields near the large tent.

Transition Area Tips:

  • The transition area is open to everyone on the Friday evening before the event and prior to 7am on the day of the event. Parents are not allowed in the transition area after 7am on the day of the event.
  • It is recommended that you help your athlete during one of these open times to find their assigned transition location and drop off necessary items.
  • The following items can be left in the transition area on Friday evening:
    • Athlete’s bike and helmet, with athlete number stickers applied to your athlete’s bike and helmet
  • In addition to a bike and helmet, participants should bring the following items the day of the event to place in the transition area:
    • Race Bib attached to a T-Shirt or Running Belt (to put on after the swim portion of the race)
      • If your athlete did not pick up their race bib at the Friday night Expo, they may pick it up at the Kiser Park Shelter Saturday morning.
    • A full water bottle
    • Two towels, one of which should be old. Put the old towel on the ground beside the bike at the athlete’s transition location so they can use to stand/sit on. The other towel is for drying after the swim.
    • Shoes & socks for the bike and run portions
    • Shorts to go over swim suit, if desired
  • Your athlete should arrive to the event at least one hour prior to their start time wearing a swim suit and if desired, swim goggles, cap, and sandals (sandals will need to be given to an adult prior to your athlete entering the swim portion).
    • Remember to apply sunscreen to your athlete.
  • As soon as your athlete arrives on Saturday morning, proceed to the Kiser Park Shelter to pick up your athlete’s ankle timer and race number marking. Confirm all necessary items are in the transition area and proceed to the Athlete Staging Area at the entrance of the pool.
    • If your athlete did not pick up their race bib and registration packet at the Friday night Expo, they may pick it up at the Kiser Park Shelter Saturday morning as well.

The time spent in the Transition Area counts as part of the overall time so it should be as fast as is reasonable but not so fast that your athlete forgets to put on the helmet or doesn’t tie his/her shoes. We will have volunteers in the Transition Area to assist athletes so we ask that parents stay out for the safety of the participants.