COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
OUR EVENT SPONSORS
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
FROM THE CHALLENGE FAMILY
2015 Challenge Forster will be the third year the event has been staged and continues to build
it’s reputation as the peoples race held in the Great Lakes region on the mid North Coast of
NSW, widely recognized as the spiritual home of triathlon in Australia.
I’d like to thank all those competitors who have supported the event that past few years and
look forwarding to welcoming them along with many others at the finish line this year.
If you haven’t done this race yet, it’s one you need to put on your race calendar, great family
weekend and fantastic destination event.
Challenge Forster is a key race in the 44 event global Challenge Family series; it marked our
re-launch into the Australia market last year.
Challenge Forster offers one of the largest professional prize purses in Australia - $35,000. That
has attracted a strong, competitive field guaranteed to deliver some very exciting racing.
It is also an exciting time for Challenge Forster with the event now part of the expanding Asia
Pacific region for Challenge Family.
I know the whole team at Elite Energy are working hard to deliver an event better event this
year to ensure you have the very best athlete experience
MARCUS ALTMANN
CEO, Challenge Family Asia Pacific
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
RACE RULES & REGULATIONS
!!
!
!
To ensure that the event is safe and fair for all competitors Challenge Batemans Bay will be
conducted within the provisions of TA Race Competition Rules. It is your responsibility to
know and understand the Rules which are available at the following Link:
http://www.triathlon.org.au/
All events are NON Drafting.
1.  The draft distance is 12-metres (approx. 7 bike lengths) between bikes measured
between the leading edge of the front wheel of both the leading and following bicycle.
2.  When overtaking you have 25 seconds to complete the pass and a pass MUST be
completed once the 12-metre draft zone is entered i.e. athletes who enter draft zone
and do not complete the pass and drop back out of the draft zone may be penalized for
drafting.
3.  During the cycle leg of the Challenge Batemans Bay Event, Drafting, Blocking, Illegal
Pass, Helmet and Littering infringements incur a 5-minute time penalty to be served at
the Penalty Box located approx. 100 m before the end of the cycle lap, prior to the turn
back into the transition area.
4.  Failure to stop at the Penalty Box at the end of the lap in which the infringement occurred
may result in a Disqualification (DQ).
In all events, 2 Penalties may result in a Disqualification.
To minimise any misunderstanding on race day, the following summarises how you can avoid
breaching the rules.
• Avoid a BLOCKING infringement by riding on the left side of the bike lane
• Avoid a DRAFTING infringement by…
1. Keeping 12-metres between yourself and the cyclist in front of you – front wheel to front
wheel
2. Completing your pass within 25-seconds
3. Dropping back outside the draft zone once passed and before attempting to re-pass
• Avoid an ILLEGAL PASS infringement by passing other athletes on the right.
• Avoid a LITTERING infringement by not throwing away ANYTHING except when
approaching or exiting aid stations.
• Avoid a HELMET infringement by always having your chin strap securely fastened when
moving with your bike.
!
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
Race Regulations Continued…
A SPECIAL NOTE ON WETSUITS (if it is wetsuit swim)
Note the extract from the Australian Race Competition Rules with regard to wetsuits:
“2 SWIMMING CONDUCT
2.1 When wetsuits are allowed, all of the components of the wetsuit will fit to the athletes’
body tightly; “
If you have a wetsuit that has neoprene or carbon fibre flaps on the forearm to increase the
pull through the water, these suits are not legal.
Other common rule infringements are…
• UNAUTHORISED EQUIPMENT – absolutely no cell phones, MP3 players, Oakley
Thumps, iPods or other audio listening or communication devices.
•  OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE – do NOT accept any assistance from anyone other than race
personnel and do not have non-racers ride or run alongside you.
Triathlon is an individual event and it is your responsibility to fully understand the rules and
avoid infringements. A Technical Official’s ruling is final in the case of Drafting, Blocking,
and Illegal Pass infringements (Judgment Calls) and these are not subject to either protest
or appeal.
RUN
There is no Penalty Box on the Run course so if you receive an infringement on the run leg
you will serve an on-course Stop/Start Penalty with the Technical Official.
Conducting personal toilet other than at the oncourse toilet facilities provided may result in
a DQ.
Remember to treat other athletes, volunteers and officials with courtesy and consideration
as failure to do so is Unsportsmanlike Conduct and may result in a DQ.
We hope you have a great race, lots of fun, and achieve your Triathlon goals!
!
!
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
WELCOME- FROM THE RACE DIRECTOR
On behalf of the dedicated and enthusiastic team at Elite Energy, welcome to Challenge
Forster Triathlon Festival. We are looking forward to showcasing to a new generation of
athletes the original course that made Forster famous amongst endurance enthusiasts
world-wide, and a new, exciting and course concept to allow a safer, faster and fairer bike
course.
I am very excited that Challenge is coming to my old home area. While growing up in Taree
and spending time in Forster, I recall the days when legendary athletes like Jurgen Zack,
Peter Reid, Chris McCormack, Greg Welch and Bruce Thomas would come to town to test
themselves on the challenging course. So it is with a great deal of pride that I can, along with
the Challenge Family, show athletes where the home of long distance triathlon in Australia
all began.
With Challenge being run on Sunday (and finishing in the daylight), we are very excited to be
able to utilise the most picturesque and scenic run course in Australia (tell me if I’m wrong
after the race). The run goes over the famous Forster / Tuncurry Bridge, along the waters
edge where many a dolphin can be seen playing, and creeping out to the break wall. On
return you will wind your way through the crowds and meander along the compact gravel
paths metres away from the Pacific Ocean.
Along with the Challenge Half race, we have a packed and exciting weekend’s program that
includes Sprint & Enticer distance triathlons, MINIMAN kids’ Triathlon, and a Health &
Lifestyle Expo. Forster is a spectacular spot to race and holiday with great local cafes and
restaurants, and a range of accommodation from camping, cabins, motels through to beach
front homes.
We all hope you will have time to also enjoy the wonder and scenic beauty of Forster and
the Great Lakes area as a whole. At the end of this booklet are some suggested activities
and local attractions. More than 200 people from the surrounding areas have volunteered to
support you over race weekend, and each one of them is committed to getting you to the
magic of the finish line.
Along with our volunteers, we thank the local communities and businesses (especially along
the Lakes Way at Pacific Palms, Green Point, Blueys Beach etc.) who are disrupted by our
event, and we thank your for your contribution and patience.
Finally, our team hopes you enjoy your experience and wishes you the best race possible –
you are now all a part of our “Challenge Family”.
Mark “Emo” Emerton
Race Director
CEO – Elite Energy Pty Ltd
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
Event Schedule- Saturday 7th November 2015
Time
Event
Location
5.20am
Registration / Transition for Sprint Opens
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
6.20am
Registration / Transition for Sprint Closes
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
6.30am
Health & Lifestyle Expo Opens
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
6.30am
Race Briefing- Sprint Triathlon
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
7.00am
RACE START- SPRINT TRIATHLON
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
8am
Registration / Transition for Enticer Opens
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
9.10am
Registration / Transition for Enticer Closes
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
9.20am
Race Briefing- Enticer Triathlon
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
9.30am
RACE START- ENTICER TRIATHLON
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
9.30am
Registration/ Transition Opens for MINIMAN
10-12yrs
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
10.30am
Registration/ Transition Closes for MINIMAN
10-12yrs
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
10.40am
Registration/ Transition Opens for MINIMAN 7-9yrs
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
10.40am
Race Briefing- MINIMAN 10-12 years
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
11am
RACE START- MINIMAN 10-12 YEARS
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
11.30am
Registration/ Transition Closes for MINIMAN 7-9yrs
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
11.40am
Race Briefing- MINIMAN 7-9 years
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
12.00pm
RACE START- MINIMAN 7-9 YEARS
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
12.30pm
Presentation- Sprint & Enticer Triathlons
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
1pm
Compulsory Registration/ Transition Opens- HALF
CHALLENGE TRIATHLON
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
4pm
Compulsory Registration/ Transition Closes- HALF
CHALLENGE TRIATHLON
5pm
Health & Lifestyle Expo Closes
5pm
Compulsory Challenge Athlete Welcome, Race
Briefing and Media Function Start.
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
Club Forster, 19 Strand Street,
Forster
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
Event Schedule- Sunday 8th November 2015
Time
Event
Location
5.00am
Transition Opens – Half Challenge Triathlon
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
5.45am
Transition Closes – Half Challenge Triathlon
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
6.00am
RACE START HALF CHALLENGE TRIATHLON
Forster Keys Reserve, Forster
2.30pm
Presentation- Half Challenge Triathlon
Main Beach, Forster
* We encourage all competitors to attend presentation to celebrate age group Medal
winners as well as an awesome selection of random draw prizes including local
restaurant meal/ drink vouchers, Orca wetsuits, Polar watches, Rudy Project sunnies
and much more - just pop your race belt in the prize wheel!
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
RACE OFFICE/ COURSE INFORMATION
Our team will be on hand at Athlete Registration and also at the race office to answer any
specific questions you may have regarding the course, the rules and to assist you
generally. Do not hesitate to raise any query, no matter how trivial it may seem.
We aim to make your triathlon experience as memorable as possible.
Race Office Location:
Forster Keys.
Office hours will be approx:
Saturday
Sunday
7th November
8th November
1pm- 4pm
5am – 2pm
REGISTRATION (Compulsory for all Challenge competitors)
Location: Forster Keys
Day: Saturday 7th November
Time: 1pm- 4pm
You must also rack your bike at this time
Bring: Your I.D (Driving license/ TA Membership) to collect your race pack. No race
packs will be issued without I.D being shown at registration on Saturday.
Please note ALL competitors MUST register and put their bikes in transition on
Saturday afternoon according to the times above.
BIKE TRANSITION
This will be open on Saturday afternoon for all competitors in the Challenge event to rack
their bikes between 1pm and 4pm
Transition will be open Sunday 8th between 5.00am- 5.45am for all competitors to set
up their gear. Please bring your helmet, nutrition, shoes etc. with you at this time.
N.B Helmet check in and inspection will happen on Sunday 8th November on race
morning as you enter the compound.
It is compulsory to register and rack your bike at the times stated above. No early or
late registration will be permitted (Except in EXTREME circumstances, this must be
arranged with the Race Director prior to the event)
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
RACE DAY CHECK- IN (SUNDAY 29TH MARCH)
On race morning prior to entering the bike compound to prepare for the race, you must
ensure that you have the following items as part of the compulsory apparel rules:
Compulsory Items- Swim Gear:
1. Swimming costume (note later, the rules relating to wetsuits), or Tri-suit.
2. Swim cap (issued at registration) You MUST wear the swim cap we issue you with!
Compulsory Items - Bike Gear:
1. Numbered Race bib correctly pinned on back of upper clothing,
2. Cycle helmet with numbered sticker adhered to FRONT or RIGHT side of helmet.
Non-compulsory Items - Bike Gear:
E.g. Sunglasses, towel, gloves, extra clothing, (singlet t/shirt, arm warmers if conditions
are cool), sunscreen, spare parts and tool kit, socks, Vaseline.
Compulsory Items - Run Gear:
1. Numbered Race Bib correctly pinned on front of upper clothing.
2. Running shoes.
Non-compulsory Items - Run Gear:
E.g. Sunglasses, towel, Vaseline, sun visor, running cap, socks, sunscreen, spare
singlet/t-shirt.
N.B. Bike Pumps: Either hand these to supporters as you are leaving the bike
compound, or put them in the Gear Bag area for collection after the race. Gear bags and
bike pumps cannot be left in the Transition area and will be removed by officials.
TIMING
•  Please note you MUST wear your timing chip on your left ankle for the duration of
your race. It is a means of recording your finish time across special timing mats
located at the end of each leg of the race and other check points (turnarounds etc.)
•  At race completion you will be required to remove the timing band and hand it to
officials prior to leaving the secured finish area.
•  If you pull out or do not race for any reason please ensure you return your timing chip,
as you will be charged a $150 fee for any non- returned timing chips.
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
Transition – Race Morning
Race morning, you can go directly to the bike compound (Transition) and prepare your
bike and race day equipment. We ask you place your Race Day Equipment (running
shoes etc) on the CHAINRING SIDE of your bike. A team of officials will be at Transition
Entry to reapply your race number if it has come off during the night. Please ensure that
you bring your timing band on race morning check in and this should be secured at this
time to your LEFT ankle. Check-in is from 5:00 am. There will be strict security for entry
to the bike compound. Your ID bracelet/wrist band must be still secured to gain
entry. You must use the swim cap issued to you at Saturday Registration.
Bike Inspection
Officials may only carry out a cursory inspection of your bike. You should ensure your
bike, as well as your helmet, is in a safe working order before presenting it at check-in to
avoid rejection. Bike inspectors may check for such things as:
• Front and rear brakes operable
• Tyres in reasonable condition
• End plugs on handle bars
• Loose head sets
• At least one water bidon cage
• Stripped cables
• True wheels
• Singles glued securely to rims
Disc wheels may be used on rear only. There will only be sufficient facilities for minor
repairs and/or purchasing of required minor parts, at the check-in. Trained personnel will
only effect on-the-spot minor adjustments, if required. A mechanics fee may be charged
for repairs. Your bike will be placed in the compound in accordance with your race
number and will be secured overnight. You will be able to go to your bike on race
morning to pump up your tyres, place your drink bidons and set your gear.
Helmets
Immediately prior to Sunday race day check-in, Triathlon Australia Technical Officials
may carry out a visual inspection of your helmet. Your helmet, therefore, must be
correctly fastened on your head at this time. This visual inspection, however, as with the
bike inspection, is not a certification of roadworthiness or safety effectiveness.
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
Compe'tor!Race!Number!
These!must!be!visible!at!all!'mes!during!the!event.!Numbers!must!not!be!altered!in!any!
way!and!MUST!be!displayed!on!UPPER!CLOTHING!ABOVE!THE!WAIST.!If!compe7ng!in!a!
tri9suit!your!cycle!and!run!numbers!must!be!displayed!on!front!(run)!and!back!(bike)!of!
the!suit.!If!using!a!race!belt,!then!numbers!must!be!secure!and!displayed!at!front!or!back!
and!not!to!the!side!of!the!body!
!
Gear!Bags!
Your! Gear! bags! and! bike! pumps! must! be! placed! in! the! special! Secure! Area! next! to! the!
bike!compound!on!race!morning.!You!will!be!provided!with!a!numbered!tag,!which!must!
be!secured,!to!your!street!gear!bag!for!later!collec7on!aEer!the!race.!
!
Aid!Sta'ons!
There! will! be! ONE! aid! sta7on! on! the! bike! leg,! and! there! will! be! THREE! (3)! RUN! aid!
sta7ons,!allowing!access!to!ﬂuids!approximately!every!2km.!The!ﬁrst!aid!sta7on!on!the!
run!will!be!situated!approx.!300m!from!transi7on.!For!pre9race!ﬁlling!of!water!boRles!and!
sports! drink,! there! will! also! be! the! transi7on! aid! sta7on.! Please! remember! that! 50%! of!
the!race!volunteers!will!be!at!Aid!Sta7ons!9!they!will!do!their!very!best!and!will!be!trained!
beforehand!–!however,!some!are!inexperienced,!so!PLEASE!BE!PATIENT!AND!POLITE.!
Water!and!the!electrolyte!replacement!ﬂuid!Endura!will!be!available!at!these!Sta7ons.!
!
Run!Aid!Sta'ons:!!
Tables/volunteers!will!be!spread!as!follows:!
!
!!!!!Water!!!!!!!!!!Endura!!!!!!!!!!Gels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Cola!!!!!!!!!!!!!Food!
!
When!approaching!an!aid!sta'on,!be!ready!to!call!your!need.!For!Endura!you!should!call!
simply!“Endura”.!
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
Bike!Aid!Sta'on!
Tables/volunteers!will!be!spread!as!follows:!
!
!!!Water
!Endura
!Water!
!
Please!ensure!that!you!start!your!race!with!at!least!one!full!bidon!/!boRle!of!your!own.!The!
aid!sta7on!is!towards!the!end!of!each!lap!of!the!3!lap!course,!so!you!will!have!approx!27km!of!
cycling!before!you!reach!the!aid!sta7on!for!the!ﬁrst!7me.!
Call! for! what! you! want! as! you! approach,! and! pass! through! a! sta7on! and! be! aware! of!
volunteers!and!fellow!athletes!at!all!7mes.!
If!you!need!to!stop!at!a!Sta7on!for!ﬁrst!aid,!toilet!or!other!emergency,!move!to!the!leE!of!
passing! cyclists,! slow! down,! enter! the! sta7on! area! just! before! one! of! the! tables! and!
dismount.!
Discard!bidons!in!designated!areas!located!at!the!approach!and!exit!of!each!Aid!Sta7on.!
If!you!use!a!Jetstream!system,!be!aware!that!the!volunteers!will!not!open!bidon!tops!for!you.!
When! approaching! a! sta7on! be! ready! to! call! your! need.! For! the! Energy! drink! simply! call!
“Endura”!
Portable! toilets! will! also! be! available! in! the! area.! There! will! be! a! Sta7on! and! toilets! at! the!
Finish!line.!
The!Finish!Area!Sta7on!will!addi7onally!provide!(for!compe7tors!only)!ice!cream,!fruit!salad,!
and!fruit!op7ons!such!as!bananas!and!watermelon,!plus!water!and!Endura.!
!
Rubbish!on!Course/!LiMering!
Please!show!respect!for!the!local!community!and!surrounding!wildlife!9!DO!NOT!LITTER!!!Any!
item!that!needs!to!be!discarded,!including!but!not!limited!to!water!boRles,!gel!wrappers,!
energy!bar!wrappers,!broken!bike!parts,!or!clothing!items,!may!only!be!discarded!at!either!
the!rubbish!bins!provided!at!race!central;!at!your!bike!transi7on!area!or!the!run!aid!sta7ons.!
!
This!forms!part!of!the!TA!Race!Compe''on!Rules!and!may!result!in!a!compe'tor!being!
penalised,!disqualiﬁed,!suspended,!or!expelled.!The!nature!of!the!rule!viola7on!will!
determine!the!subsequent!penalty.!
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
Toilets!
Port9a9loo!toilets!will!be!located!in!the!transi7on!area,!expo!area,!at!most!run!aid!sta7ons,!at!
the!bike!aid!sta7on!and!at!the!ﬁnish!line,!with!public!toilets!located!on!the!run!course.!
Please! ensure! you! use! these! facili7es! as! required! as! anywhere! else! may! lead! to!
disqualiﬁca7on!or!Police!ac7on!if!caught,!par7cularly!in!residen7al!areas.!
!
Mechanical/Bike!Support!On!Course!
Mechanics!and!limited!spare!parts!will!be!provided!on!race!day!by!an!extremely!experienced!
and!friendly!team.!The!team!will!be!located!near!the!Transi7on!area,!and!also!on!the!course!
on!race!day.!
Compe7tors! should! be! self9suﬃcient! with! repairs,! and! should! ensure! you! carry! adequate!
equipment!to!do!this.!Be!aware!that!it!may!be!some!7me!before!the!mobile!support!team!
can!get!to!you.!
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
WAVE START TIMES
To be confirmed
RACE BRIEFING
Race briefing for ALL races will happen in transition 15 minutes prior to race
start
It is your responsibility to be aware of transition flow and the course details
Please note you MUST display your race bib on your back during the Bike leg
and on your front during the Run leg. We recommend wearing or purchasing a
race belt (available at registration)
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
LIFESTYLE EXPO
Trading Hours
Saturday 7th November 6.30am – 5.00pm
The Expo will feature a selection of gear, clothing, and food and drink stalls for both
athletes and the general public to enjoy. The Expo will be situated at Corrigans Beach
Reserve, and provides the ideal opportunity for athletes to stock up on last minute
equipment needs and talk to the experts behind the brand.
Our exhibitors include: Aqua Shop, Endura, Epic Performance Sportswear, Last Lap
Sports, Sporting Accessories, Forster Keys make sure you come along to check out
the fantastic offers available and to pick up any last minute essentials for your race
needs!
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
WELCOME
FROM GREAT LAKES TOURISM
It is our pleasure to welcome you all to the Great Lakes. This is where the magnificent
eastern dividing range forms a backdrop to one of the most dazzling stretches of coast
you will ever see. A region full of unique and memorable experiences.
With its 145 kilometres of stunning coastline and glittering mosaic of inland waterways
based around the impressive Wallis, Smiths and Myall lakes networks the Great Lakes is
NSW’s water playground.
Here you can experience natures varied moods, from wide expanses of sub-tropical
forests to the tranquillity of a deserted beach during a brilliant sunrise. Secluded bays and
exciting surf beaches, stunning coastal scenery and historic hinterland combine to make
the Great Lakes the perfect destination.
Welcome too, to the home of long course triathlon in Australia. This is where it all started
over 25 years ago and we are proud of our history and reputation for presenting and
hosting world class events.
We are a community that loves to celebrate, loves its sport and recognises our cultural
heart. Our events reflect this.
Make sure you get out and explore this
wonderful part of the world and do not forget
the local visitor centre has everything you
will need to make your stay complete or help
plan your next visit.
Have a fantastic race.
The Great Lakes Tourism Team
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
THE COURSE
Swim Course – 1.9 km
The Swim Course closes 1 hour after your official wave start time. Failure to meet this
time will result in a DNF (did not finish) classification. The course will be a 2 lap 2 km
clockwise rectangular shaped swim in the sheltered waters of Forster Keys with a deep
water start.
The depth of the water varies throughout and there is very little tidal current. At you near
the swim finish, swim as close to the shore as possible prior to standing. There will be
many trained personnel along the Swim Course (surf rescue on rubber duckies and
rescue boards) to assist you in case of any medical emergency while you are in the
water. If you experience difficulties during the swim and require assistance, raise your
arm. You may use a float or stationary craft to support yourself to regain composure
before continuing and not incur a penalty. If you obtain other assistance rules provide that
you will be disqualified from taking further part in the race.
WET SUITS: The Triathlon Australia appointed Technical Delegate will take the water
temperature 24 hours before race start and the reading will be displayed at Registration
on Saturday afternoon. The water temperature will be taken again on race morning and
the wearing of wet suits will be conditional upon water temperature. The temperature of
the water should be in the vicinity of 22°C. If, however, the temperature is well below this
due to freak conditions it is possible the swim could be shortened. Wet suits and an
additional cap/s are advisable in such conditions. Wet suits may be checked for
acceptable thickness and illegal flotation inserts. Wet suits which do not meet Triathlon
Australia acceptable standards in this regard may result in disqualification after the swim.
SWIM START: There will be up to 6 wave starts. After a race brief in Transition, you will
be called to the start area in your wave group. You must not move beyond the start line.
You will have sufficient time for a warm up before being called back to the line.
N.B. Technical Officials will monitor competitor behaviour during the swim. Breaches of
rules will result in a three minute time penalty prior to entering the bike compound area.
Check out the map here:
http://www.challengeforster.com.au/images/maps/Forster_Challenge2_2014.pdf
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
Bike Leg – 90 km
The course will consist of two laps (1st lap 50km, 2nd lap 35km) out and back along The
Lakes Way followed by the 5 km ride into Forster Town Park (T2). The course is best
described as mostly flat to undulating with only a couple of small hills.
After exiting the water, athletes will run up the chute to the bike compound (T1). Athletes
will exit T1 at the southern end and cross the official bike mount line, marked on King
George Pde, and commence the bike leg. They must walk their bike within the compound
and only mount after crossing this line.
Athletes will cycle down King George Pde and turn right at the roundabout onto The
Lakes Way and head south where they will cycle to the southern turnaround point
located approx. 2km past Macwood Road. After completing a U-Turn athletes head back
to the Forster Keys roundabout where there will be a turnaround point located prior to the
roundabout where they complete another U-Turn and return to the southern turnaround
again. The second lap is along the same route as the first except that they will only cycle
to the turnaround point located approx. 500 metres before Boomerang Drive.
On their second return, athletes will continue through the Forster Keys roundabout and
continue to the dismount line at the northern end of North St at Forster Main Beach,
dismount and then transition at their bike within the T2 bike compound. Your T2 gear bag
will be ready and waiting for you. Athletes then run towards the exit, turn left out of
transition for the start of the run leg. See course maps for details. View the bike leg
tracked on MapMyRide.
NB the one cycle aid station is double sided, and will be located approximately 2.5 km
from the 2nd lap turnaround point, at Tiona.
Check out the map here:
http://www.challengeforster.com.au/images/maps/Forster_Challenge3_2014.pdf
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
Run Course – 21.1 km
The course is a two and a half (2.5) lap, flat to undulating and very scenic course. With a
large crowd of supporters expected along the course, especially around the Forster Main
Beach area where the traditional finish shute and arch are located, athletes will be
inspired to perform to the best of their capabilities.
Runners will exit from T2 at Forster Town Park and run towards and then across the
iconic Forster-Tuncurry Bridge. Runners will run to the left of oncoming runners. They
will then run along the Rockpool Rd footpath to the 1st turnaround point at the end of the
Tuncurry Break wall.
Athletes will then make their way back over the Forster-Tuncurry Bridge to Forster Main
Beach. From here they continue south along North St and onto the scenic walking tracks
to the 2nd turnaround point on the path heading to Bennetts Head Reserve. On return
back to Forster Main Beach for the completion of the first lap, many an athlete will be
tempted to veer right and run the 70m up the finish shute but, with one and a half laps to
go, the elation of that moment will have to wait until the completion of one and a half
more laps.
Note that on their third return from Tuncurry to Forster Main Beach, instead of continuing
south to Bicentennial Park, competitors will swing left into the finish shute and across the
finish line for the completion of the Challenge Forster Triathlon.
NB there will be three (3) aid stations located at approximately 2kms apart.
Check out the map here:
http://www.challengeforster.com.au/images/maps/Forster_Challenge1_2014.pdf
Important Teams Information
Only one member of your team needs to collect the race pack at registration on the
Saturday.
Your timing chip is the team baton. Team members can assist in removing the timing chip
from one team member to another. For example when the swimmer reaches the rider of
their team in transition the runner from the team can be there and remove the chip from
the swimmer and place it around the left ankle of the rider. When the rider returns the
swimmer can assist by removing the timing chip from the rider and place it on the left
ankle of the runner.
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
Cut Off Times
Each leg of the triathlon has a cut off time for the safety of the athletes and the
limitations placed on the event organisers by the authorities.
These times are:Swim:
Bike:
Run:
1 hour
5 hours after swim start
8 hours after swim start
• Overall – ALL athletes must complete the entire course within 8 hours or their timing
chip will be removed and they may be deemed DNF (Did Not Finish).
ALL Competitors- MUST
wear a RACE BIB
•  On the back of your clothing during the bike leg
•  On the front of your clothing during the run leg
Race belts are available to
purchase at Registration or at
one of our Expo stands on
the day.
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
PARKING/ ROAD CLOSURES
For the safety of competitors, spectators and the general public, some road and lane
closures/restrictions are required and these may cause some delays and/or restriction of
travel and parking.
SATURDAY 7th November
The first race will start at 7:00am and will be conducted around the Forster Keys area
utilising a small section of The Lakes Way. From 9:30 – 11:00am.
The second race will use King George Pde and Cape Hawke Dr. From 11:00am.
The Miniman races (x2) will take place in Forster Keys. A Contra-flow will be implemented
and managed by Authorised Traffic Controllers to ensure continued access during the day
for Forster Keys Residents.
SUNDAY 8th November
The main event is ‘Challenge Forster’ which will start at 6:00am with a 1.9km swim at
Forster Keys, followed by a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run.
The bike ride will consist of two laps along The Lakes Way firstly heading from the Forster
Keys roundabout south to Tarbuck Bay with the second lap between Forster Keys and
Boomerang Dr, Blueys Beach.
The section of The Lakes Way from Boomerang Dr to Tarbuck Bay will be CLOSED from
6.00am – 9:10am (approx).
The section of The Lakes Way from Forster Keys to Boomerang Drive will be CLOSED
from 6.00am – 11.30am.
On completion of the second lap, cyclists will head to Forster Main Beach for completion of
the bike leg. There will be lane closures along Macintosh and Heads Streets and travel
across Macintosh St will only be permitted at Lake St and the Mark St/Kularoo Dr
intersections which will be controlled by Police and traffic controllers.
Please note that during the run part of the Challenge Forster triathlon, there will be no
pedestrian access across the Forster/Tuncurry Bridge from 9:00 – 2:00pm (approx), a
shuttle bus will be provided, by Elite Energy, to transport pedestrians across the bridge.
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au
Challenge Forster 2015
THANK YOU AND WE
HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR
RACE!
COMPETITOR HANDBOOK
www.eliteenergy.com.au