BENAROYA RESEARCH INSTIUTE SEAFAIR TRIATHLON
Pre-Race Briefing
START TIMES: The Benaroya Research Institute Seafair Triathlon at will take place on Sunday, July 22 at Seward Park on Lake Washington. First wave departs at 6:30am (Prize Money Wave). Additional Waves are pre-assigned according to age divisions, with the last wave being the non-competitive Friends & Family wave at 7:55.
PRIZE MONEY: Seafair will be providing the following cash prizes to the top three overall males and females: 1st Place: $500, 2nd place: $250, 3rd Place: $100. To complete for the prize money, participants must be in the first wave with bib numbers 1 – 50. Pro & Amateur triathletes are eligible to compete for the prize money provided they are not currently a high school or collegiate athlete. NOTE: Athletes with bib numbers 1 through 50 (first wave) will not be eligible for age group awards, but are eligible for overall awards. All athletes competing for the prize money must have approval to compete in the elite (1st) wave prior to race day.
PACKET PICKUP: Mandatory packet pickup will be held at Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, on Saturday, July 22 from 9:00am to 2:00pm. There is no day-of-race registration or packet pickup on Sunday, July 22. Packets will include: Event T-shirt, Race Bib number (must be worn on your front during the run, and while crossing finish line), Bike Helmet Number (wear on the front of your helmet); Bike Number (place on your bike bar prior to entering the transition); Swim Cap (color designates your wave start); Timing Chip and Ankle Strap (wear on your ankle throughout the race--they will be collected at the finish line. Team Members must return their Timing Chip after each finishes their segment of the race (in the team holding area, or at the finish line).
DIRECTIONS TO BENAROYA RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT VIRGINIA MASON
Benaroya Research Institute (I-5 Southbound): Exit at Stewart Street and stay in the left lane. At the signal veer right (remaining on Stewart), go three blocks and take a left on Boren. Go seven blocks uphill and turn right on Seneca. The facility is two blocks down on 9th and Seneca on the Northwest corner. The Seafair staff member list has been emailed to the parking attendants. All staff should park in Buck parking facility. Enter from Ninth Avenue, across the street from the Buck Pavilion (1100 Ninth Ave)
Benaroya Research Institute (I-5 Northbound): Take the James/Cherry/Madison exit and follow it to the final off-ramp at Madison. Take a right on Madison and go up the hill for two blocks. Take a left on 9th Avenue; the facility is at the Northwest corner of 9th & Seneca. The Seafair staff member list has been emailed to the parking attendants. All staff should park in Buck parking facility. Enter from Ninth Avenue, across the street from the Buck Pavilion (1100 Ninth Ave)
DIRECTIONS TO SEward park:
From East (Bellevue, Mercer Island, etc.):
Take I-90 West to Rainier Avenue South exit (#3A, just past Mt. Baker Tunnel). Travel South on Rainier Avenue approx. 3 miles. Turn left (East) on Orcas Street. Travel approx. 1 mile to Seward Park Avenue.
From North or South of Seattle on I-5:
Take I-5 to I-90 East. Take the first exit (Rainier Avenue South; exit 3). Turn right and travel South on Rainier Avenue approx. 3 miles. Turn left (East) on Orcas Street. Travel approx. 1 mile to Seward Park Avenue
Parking: Park in the lot closest to the swim area on the circular drive.
RACE TRANSFER POLICY: For insurance purposes the Benaroya Research Institute Triathlon has a No Race Transfer policy in place. If they choose not to race this year, you may not give your race number to another athlete
Wave Starts: There will be fourteen wave starts, five minutes apart (with the exception of the first couple of waves), beginning at 6:30 AM. All participants must compete in their assigned start wave. Their accurate finish times depend on it. Penalties will be assessed to those that compete outside of their assigned wave. Cap colors designate your start wave.
Olympic Challenge Waves Below
Wave #1 (6:30) = RED (Elite Males & Females)
Wave #2 (6:31) = SILVER (Males 30-34)
Wave #3 (6:33) = SILVER (Females 30-34)
Wave #4 (6:36) = YELLOW (Males 35-39)
Wave #5 (6:39) = YELLOW (Females 35-39)
Wave #6 (6:42) = ORANGE (Males 29 & Under)
Wave #7 (6:45) = ORANGE (Females 29 & Under)
Wave #8 (6:48) = WHITE (Males 40-49)
Wave #9 (6:51) = WHITE (Females 40-49)
Wave #10 (6:54) = LT GREEN (Males 50 & Over)
Wave #11 (6:57) = LT GREEN (Females 50 & Over)
Sprint Waves Below
Wave #12 (7:20) = LT BLUE (Males 30-34)
Wave #13 (7:25) = WHITE (Females 30-34)
Wave #14 (7:30) = DK BLUE (Males 35-39)
Wave #15 (7:35) = PURPLE (Females 35-39)
Wave #16 (7:40) = PURPLE (Males 29 & Under)
Wave #17 (7:45) = PINK (Females 29 & Under)
Wave #18 (7:50) = LT GREEN (Males 40-49
= GOLD (All Relay Teams)
Wave #19 (7:55) = LT BLUE (Females 40-49)
Wave #20 (8:00) = DK GREEN (Males & Females 50 - & Over)
Wave #21 (8:05) = RED (Friends & Family Division)
Transition Area/Equipment Storage Area opens at 5:15 AM race morning. Elite participants must be setup in the transition by 6:15 AM. IMPORTANT NOTE: In and Out Privilege is allowed for participants but will be responsible to set up for assigned wave.
Before entering the transition: Racers must have their body marked, and their bike number on their bike. No exceptions. Only registered athletes are allowed in the transition area for the safety/security of their equipment.
Body Marking: On race morning, there will be two body marking locations leading into the transition area. Their left arm and calf will be marked with their race number and their right calf will be marked with their age (the age is for the participants benefit only—this will allow them to watch for those in their competitive division during the race). They will also have your left arm marked with your race number. It is highly recommended that they get their body marking done during packet pickup on Saturday, July 21.
Bike Number: Participants should have the bike number on their bike prior to entering the transition area to setup.
Chip Timing: To receive results, each participant must wear a timing chip on their ankle using the red and white strap provided in your packet. They must return the Chip after you have completed the race.
Swim:
Water Temperature: Upper 60's
WET SUITS are not required for this event. It is simply a matter of preference.
The Start: In-water start at Andrews Bay in Lake Washington.
The Swim Course is a triangular, counter-clockwise swim.
The Water Markings are large orange buoys. Always keep the designated buoys to your left. Large orange buoys will also designate the exit from the water.
Safety Boats: Boats are positioned on the course for participants’ safety. If they need help, they simply move towards the inside of the triangle, raise their arm and yell. They may hold onto the side of the boat. If they choose to be pulled into the boat, they will be disqualified. They may, however, complete the other two legs of the race. Medical staff will be stationed on the boats. There will be radio communication from ship-to-shore.
Bike Course: The route leads participants out of Seward Park, traveling north on Lake Washington Blvd. Continuing onto Lakeside Ave S, cyclists turn left onto Day Street and then right up the hill to enter the I-90 Express Lanes, near the east end of the Mt. Baker Tunnel. Once on the I-90 Express Lanes, cyclists continue until the turnaround located approximately at the 77th St exit on Mercer Island. The return route is the same to the transition area in Seward Park.
Bike Course Volunteers & Officials: Support crews will consist of Seattle Police, SEAFAIR volunteer course monitors, and AA Sports management.
Bike Trouble: If their bike breaks down and they are unable to fix it, a sweep vehicle will pick them up and bring them back to the finish.
Rules of the Road and the Race: For safety, make sure that you follow all the rules of the road and USA Triathlon Competitive Rules. Special Note: No cyclist is allowed to pass another when going down the hill from the I-90 Express Lane to 36th Avenue S. Once on the flat they may again pass. Those caught passing on the steep downhill will be assessed a five minute penalty. Safety Officials will be present. Please respect this rule for the safety of all.
Run Course: The run starts on a clockwise tour of the lower loop of Seward Park. On the east side of Seward Park, runners will trek to the upper loop and then run down the same hill back to the lower loop and continue clockwise to the finish line in the parking lot on the south side of the park.
Course Markings: Large directional signs (bike signs and run signs) will be posted. If they are on the bike follow the bike signs. If they are on the run, follow the run signs. They will also see white chalk markings on the pavement for the bike only.
Turn-a-rounds: On the bike course, there will be a large orange cone and volunteers at the location of the turnaround on the I-90 Express Lanes. There is no turn-around on the run.
Water Stops: There will be 2 water stations. The first one is located just outside the run exit out of the transition area and the second is located on the east side of Seward Park on the run course at about the 2-mile mark.
RELAY TEAMS: Each teammate will wear their own designated bib number and timing chip in order to give you your individual splits. After having their body marked, please place the gear and bikes at the designated “Relay” area in the transition. During competition, they must tag (touch finger tips) at the designated “Team Tag Area” upon finishing or starting your segment of the event. VERY IMPORTANT: If you are the cyclist or runner, please be very careful NOT to cross any Chip timing mats as you are wandering around prior to the start of your individual leg. If you cross a mat after the race has begun, your time will start at the time you stepped on the mat. We want you to have a good race and accurate results, and it is very important that you understand this element of the timing process. Team swimmers and cyclists must turn in your timing chip at the “Team Tag Area”, or at the finish line or to the AA Sports Timing Center to avoid getting charged a $20.00 replacement fee.
ON-SITE BICYCLE REPAIR/SERVICE will be available on race day courtesy of Gerk’s in the transition area.
Post Race awards ceremony will be held at Seward Park following the completion of the triathlon (approximately 11:15AM).
BRIGHTROOM Photography will be on-site to capture participant’s finish line and course pictures. Please encourage racers to have their bib number visible on their front when you finish so that Brightroom can easily identify them. View photos at www.brightroom.com
RESULTS will be posted at the finish area after the race. Please be sure to check your results prior to the Awards Ceremony at 10am. Official results will be posted on-line at www.racecenter.com and www.seafair.com
KIDS TRIATHLON: Will start around 10:30 am for Beginners and 11:00 am for Intermediate. Kid’s ages 6 to 12 have an option of two events (per the following):
Intermediate: 100yd Swim, 1-Mile bike, and .4-Mile Run – 1st Wave
Beginner: 50yd Swim, 1-Mile bike, and .2-Mile Run – 2nd Wave
The Kid’s transition area is located near the tennis courts. All kids receive a T-shirt and Finishers Medal! Registration available at www.active.com and at Packet Pickup on Saturday.
SPECIAL NOTICE CONCERNING MILFOIL
Due to circumstances beyond our control, the milfoil in Andrews Bay will not be cut prior to the race on July 15. Although the milfoil will be pushed back as athletes enter the water, please expect to encounter some milfoil throughout the swim.
HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE! SEE YOU AT THE RACE!
SAFETY
As the sport of triathlon increases in popularity each year, and race courses become more and more crowded, it is very important to know and follow the basic competitive rules. Race officials will be patrolling the course to ensure a safe and fair event, so it is very important (especially on the bike course) to follow the rules set forth. Please review some of the most commonly violated rules.
MOST COMMONLY VIOLATED RULES
1. Helmets: No modification may be made to the helmet. Helmets must be worn as they were purchased.
2. Chin Straps: Chin Straps must be buckled at all times when on a bicycle. DO NOT unbuckle your chin strap unless you are off your bicycle.
3. Outside Assistance: No assistance other than that offered by race and medical officials may be used. Triathlons are individual tests of fitness.
4. Transition Area: All equipment must be placed in the properly designated and individually assigned bike corral. All participants must return their bicycles to an upright position in their designated bicycle corral. No person shall interfere with another participant’s equipment or impede the progress of another participant. No participant shall bring any glass containers into the transition area.
5. Drafting:
Drafting—keep at least three bike lengths of clear space between you and the cyclist in front. If you move into the zone, you must pass within 15 seconds.
Position—keep to the right hand side of the lane of traffic unless passing.
Blocking—do not ride on the left side of the lane unless you are passing someone and do not interfere with other cyclists attempting to pass.
Overtaken—once passed, you must immediately exit the draft zone from the rear, before attempting to pass again.
6. Course: All competitors are required to follow the prescribed course and to stay within all coned lanes. Cutting the course is an obvious violation and going outside the course is a safety issue. Cyclists shall not cross a solid yellow center line for ANY reason, and will be disqualified if this rule is violated. Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws at all times.
7. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Foul, harsh, argumentative or abusive language or other unsportsmanlike conduct directed at race officials, volunteers, spectators or fellow athletes is forbidden.
8. Headphones: Headphones, ipods, walkman’s, etc. are not to be worn at any time.
9. Race Numbers: All athletes are required to wear race numbers at all times during the run. Numbers must face the front and be clearly visible at all times. Numbers may not be cut or folded or altered in any way. DO NOT transfer your number to any other athlete or take a number from an athlete that is not competing.
10. Abandonment: All personal equipment and belongings taken out onto the course must stay on the athlete the entire time. No garbage, clothing, etc. shall be thrown on the course.
11. Bar-end Plugs: Handlebars and stem must be fashioned to prevent any danger. All handlebar ends must be solidly plugged to lessen the possibility of injury (bar-end plugs will be available in the transition area on race morning).