FAQ & Rules


Question Categories

  1. General Event
  2. Swimming
  3. Biking
  4. Running

General Event

What is the fee to participate?
The cost is $40 for early registration, $50 late registration fee.

Is the entry fee a tax donation?
NO. The entry fee is for the participant to do the race and receive a finishers shirt upon completion. Since goods and services are received, a tax donation for the entry fee is not allowed.

How does a participant register for the event?
The only way to register is online via Active.com

Is this event iPod Friendly?
The Stroup Kids For Kids Epilepsy Foundation is proud to announce that the Tri To Help event is an iPod friendly Triathlon. So go ahead, Crank it up!

Can spectators watch the event?
Yes, spectators are welcome to attend the event and cheer on the participants through the swim, bike, and run stages. Signs are great motivators!

Is there an age limit for participating?
No. If the participant is under 18 they must have his/her parent or legal guardian sign the event waiver for consent.  The event waiver is distributed and signed during the packet pickup the day of the event.

The only restriction is that the participant will need to be able to swim, reach the peddles on a regular spin bike provided by the host club on the lowest seat setting, and reach the treadmill display/controls/emergency stop button on the treadmill.  Participants are NOT permitted to bring their own trainer bikes.

Is there prize money for the event?
The grand prize is $100 for the Top fundraiser. To win the prize, you do not have to be a participant in the indoor triathlon event. More details and pledge forms can be found on the event website at http://www.tritohelp.org

What is the distance for the indoor triathlon?
The indoor triathlon is about the same as a sprint triathlon outside. The discipline intervals are 10 minute swim, 30 minute bike, and 20 minute run in that order.

How does a team relay work?
The Tri To Help indoor triathlon offers individual participants and team relays for a given heat time. Team relays consist of 3 team members. Each team member participates in ONE of the 3 disciplines – swim, bike or run. Team relay results are calculated against other relay teams and are not calculated against individual participants that completes all 3 disciplines.

What are the time intervals for each event?
Starting at 8am they run every 40min. Last heat starts at 3:20pm.

How will I know what heat I’m registered in?
During the registration process, each participant will select a preferred start time. Start times will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis and to the closest available slot possible. Within 48 hours after the participant is registered, you will be receiving another email from the race director with further details (including exact heat start time) and instructions about the event.

When will I pickup my race packet?
Packet pick-up will only occur on the day of the race at the registered hosting club. A registration table will be setup for event check-in. Packets may be picked up as early as 7:00 am. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to your designated start time.

What equipment will be used during the event?
The event will be using 4 lanes in the pool (2 participants per lane), 8 stationary or spin bikes depending on what is available at the club, and 8 treadmills.

How are the results recorded during the event?
There are participant tracking sheets for each participant. A volunteer will have this sheet for all three disciplines recording: 1. Number of lengths completed in the pool 2. Total distance in miles compiled during the 30 minute bike ride 3. Total distance in miles compiled during the 20 minute run.

How are the results calculated?
Each participant will compete in 3 stages in the following order:  Swim, Bike, and Run. You must participant in each of the 3 stages to receive a score. The overall male and female winners in each stage will be awarded 100 points. All other participants will be awarded points based on a percentage of the winner’s finish compared to their finish.

Who will run the event?
The event race director will oversee event day operations. Volunteers will mostly run the event. A pool of volunteers will be needed for each heat. A volunteer will be assigned to count a participants laps in the pool and direct to the next triathlon stage.

Participants will have a tracking sheet to record laps during the 10 minute swim, record the bike distance (in miles) after the 30 minute bike, and record the run distance (in miles) after the 20 minute run. There will be 3 shifts for volunteers. Each volunteer will be assigned one or more shifts as follows:

Shift 1 – 7:30am – 10:30am
Shift 2 – 10:30am – 1:30pm
Shift 3 – 1:30am – 4:30pm
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Swimming

In the pool can we flip at each turn or do we simply touch the wall?
You can swim any way you would like. Some do flip turns, backstroke or side stroke.

Can we use our feet to push off the wall?
Yes, some swimmers do flip turns and others touch and push off.

Can I use snorkels, fins, or a wet suit for the swim stage?
Bathing suits and tri suits are allowed, no other swimming apparatus or wet suits are permitted.

Should I bring a towel?
Yes, you will need this after this swim because some host clubs do NOT supply towels.

After the swim do we wear what we wore in the pool to the bike?
Some people bike and run in their swimsuit, but its personal preference.

Do we have an area set up with our towel, shoes, etc. or do we go into the locker rooms for that?
The transition time is 10 minute so usually participants run into the locker room, dry quickly, change into other attire, and put on biking or running shoes. The transition time is strictly 10 min. Usually there is a volunteer that runs in the locker room and yells out 5 min. left, 1 min. left, etc. If using the locker room, please bring your own lock.

Can you take a break or stop in the middle of a lap?
Yes, but the clock is running and you only have 10 minutes to log as many laps as you can. Only full laps will be counted.

Can you swim any style (Backstroke, freestyle, etc)?
Yes

Can you walk the laps or do you have to swim?
Yes, you can walk or swim during the 10 minutes.

Will I be allowed to warm up in the pool before this race?
No, host clubs like to allow the club members to use the pool during the 30 minutes in between heats.
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Biking

What type of bikes will be used at the event?
We use spin bikes with odometers connected to measure distance. The type of spin bikes will vary from club to club. Some participants use clip-on bike shoes for this discipline.

What level is the bike going to be at?
The bikes will not have any levels set. We are using spin bikes and they can be set to any comfortable resistance level.

Can I bring my bike and trainer?
No. All participants in the event will be using the same spin bikes provided by the host club.
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Running

What speed and/or incline will the run be at?
The treadmills will be set at incline 1.0. The speed is up to the participant.
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