2015 ATHLETE GUIDE
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015
perfect getaway
DINING • AMUSEMENTS • HOTEL
The Kemah Boardwalk is the perfect combination of
great food, a spectacular atmosphere and family fun.
Make the Kemah Boardwalk your favorite destination.
Waterfront Restaurants • Boutique Hotel • Amusement Rides
Stingray Reef & Exhibits • Boardwalk FantaSea Yacht Dinner Cruises
Live Entertainment • Speedboat Thrill Ride • Banquet Rooms
Unique Retail Stores • Midway Games
Arcade • Special Events • Marina
Calendar of Events Online
215 KIPP AVENUE
KEMAH, TX 77565
281-535-8100
KEMAHBOARDWALK.COM
Just minutes from Houston
on Galveston Bay.
Stay the weekend!
281.334.9880
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
4 Kemah Triathlon - Sunday, April 12, 2015 - www.KemahTrathloni.com
Challenge yourself
visit onurmark.net > charity
Onurmark believes in giving athletes of all levels a competitive
advantage, and we encourage you to strive for and reach your peak
level of performance. This season, in addition to providing you an
excellent racing experience, we are excited to support you in yet
another way by offering you a chance to partner with a charity and
www.KemahTriathlon.com - Sunday, April 12, 2015 - Kemah Triathlon
give yourself another Reason2Race.
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About The City of Kemah
Kemah is named for the Indian word meaning “wind in my face.” Located on Galveston
Bay, where a constant breeze and endless family entertainment abound; we are only 25
minutes south of Houston, 25 minutes north of Galveston in the Bay Area. Whether it’s
water sports, dining, shopping, or just wanting somewhere to spend the day, Kemah,
Texas is the place. The city of Kemah is a small community, and the friendliness and
open arms of the people who live and work here is unlike any other.
From The Race Director - Aaron Palaian
Hello Everyone and welcome to the 2015 Kemah Triathlon! This year we have just over
1,750 registered. If you did last year’s race this year will be very similar with very few
changes. We’ve implemented a couple course flow improvements as well as adjusted
the swim start times for both the sprint and Olympic courses to hopefully eliminate
some of the congestion at the swim exit we’ve expereinced in the past. Other than that
the race has the iconic boat start for the Olympic, signature flat but windy bike course
and the fun/scenic run around the boardwalk for both distances. As always this race
would not be possible without the volunteers and athletes. We appreciate you all and
thank you very much!
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Packet Pickups
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015
Fleet Feet Sports - 6590 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77057
3:00pm - Packet Pickup #1 Begins.
8:00pm - Packet Pickup #1 Ends.
Fleet Feet Sports - 6590 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77057
3:00pm - Packet Pickup #2 Begins.
8:00pm - Packet Pickup #2 Ends.
Packet Pickup #1 - All Events
Packet Pickup #2 - All Events
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2015
Fleet Feet Sports - 6590 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77057
1:00pm - Packet Pickup #3 Begins.
8:00pm - Packet Pickup #3 Ends.
Hampton Inn - 3000 NASA Road 1, Seabrook, TX 77586
10:00am - Packet Pickup #4 Begins.
7:00pm - Packet Pickup #4 Ends.
Packet Pickup #3 - All Events
Packet Pickup #4 - Adult Sprint & Olympic Only
Event Schedule
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2015
Youth Triathlon, 5k Fun Run
Onsite - Next to Transition - Big White Tent - 6th Street Lot
All youth tri and 5k run participants that did not pickup their packet prior to race morning may do so onsite, in the BIG
white tent, next to transition on Saturday (race morning).
5:30am - Parking & Packet Pickup Begins. (Kids Tri & 5k Fun Run)
7:00am - Kids Triathlon Begins.
8:30am - 5k Fun Run Begins.
8:30am”ish” - Kids Tri Award Ceremony Begins.
9:30am”ish” - 5k Fun Run Awards Ceremony Begins.
EARLY BIKE CHECKIN - 11:00am-7:00pm - Option onsite bike checkin for Sunday. Security overnight. Must have your
sticker on your bike prior to dropping it off.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015
Sprint & Olympic Triathlons - No Race Morning Packet Pickup.
Transition at 6th Street Lot - Next to Big White Tent
4:00am - Parking & Transition Open
5:00am - Boad Loading Begins. (Olympic distance athletes only)
5:30am - Transition Closes. (Olympic distance athletes only)
6:00am - Boat Departs. (Olympic distance athletes only)
6:45am - Transition Closes. (Sprint distance athletes)
7:00am - Both the Sprint & Olympic Distance Triathlons
9:30am”ish” - Sprint Distance Awards Ceremony Begins
11:00am”ish” - Olympic Distance Awards Ceremony Begins
11:00am - Finish Line Closes. Thanks for coming, see you at Cypress Tri! Sunday, April 26, 2015
8 Kemah Triathlon - Sunday, April 12, 2015 - www.KemahTrathloni.com
Parking
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Race Number Placement
RUN BIB NUMBERS
SPRINT BIB
TRITATS ARM TATTOOS
BIKE FRAME STICKER
1 sticker, left side
(as if you were riding). Do this
inside in non humid environment.
2 vertical tatoos applied from
the shoulder down. Apply to
side of arm or slightly towards
the front for easy viewing.
Front
1
0
0
5K BIB
OLYMPIC BIB
Display on your front while running. Not required on bike. Scan back for results.
YOUTH BIB
BIKE HELMET STICKER
1 sticker, front and center.
Back
1
0
0
RACE # BIB
We recommend
an elsatic race
belt but you can
use safety pins
on an additional
shirt if you
desire.
OR
USAT AGE
CALF
MARKING
TIMING CHIP
Secure around left
ankle under wetsuit.
Available in volunteer
tent morning of race if
needed.
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Your age as of
12/31/15.
Mark this at
home yourself
with a Sharpie
or we can do it
race morning.
35
Timing Chips - Disposable Chip - Non Disposable Strap
LEFT ANKLE
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Sprint Swim Start
The adult sprint triathlon swim start will occur at the waters edge (7th Street). They will wait near until their wave is
next in the staging area (wooden deck). From their each wave will be walked down the ramp and make their way to
the swim start (near the end of the dock between the dock and first orange buoy). There will be 4 minutes between
each wave. There will be at least 2-3 waves in the water just behind the starting wave to maximize time and make
sure there’s no lag between waves, beyond the 4 minutes.
Our goal this year is to stage more waves in the water (standing) so that we can have all sprint waves
started or staged in the water prior to anyone using the exit/en
trance ramp. By doing this it should free up both sides of the ramp and allow people to exit faster without
any line building up.
Please know your start time and pay attention to your surroundings. Swimmers will swim a clockwise course around
3 buoys and exit on the same ramp they entered on. Both the sprint and Olympic distance athletes exit the swim at
the same spot.
Official Waves, Cap Colors and Starts
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Boat Loading Procedures & Olympic Distance Swim Start
BLUE WRISTBANDS ARE FOR THOSE BOARDING
THE COLONEL. ORANGE WRISTBANDS ARE FOR
THOSE BOARIND THE FANTASEA. Yur wristband
should be in your packet pickup bag. The adult olympic
triathlon swim start will occur from either the Colonel or
the Fantasea, nearly 1-mile offshore. Olympic distance
athletes may choose which boat they would like to ride
to the swim start. Once one boat is full all athletes must
board the remaining boat. The Colonel (paddlewheel
boat) is larger and holds 700 people on 3 total levels.
The Fantasea is smaller (dinner cruise boat) and holds
140 people on 2 total levels. Boarding on both boats
starts at 5am and ends at 6am sharp! Do not be
late. Plan 20 minutes to walk to the boarding area and
board your boat. If you miss your boat your timing chip
will be taken and you will not recieve a finishing time or
be eligible for awards but may still do the bike and run
and get a medal and food/drink.
We recommend using the restrooms near transition
and hydrating/eating prior to boarding. We will not allow shoes or any other items that are not absolutely
necessary (wetsuits, swim cap, goggles) on the boat.
Anything brought to the docks and left will be donated.
There will be emergency bathrooms and coolers of water and gatorade on the boat but do not rely on them.
We recommend (unless it’s a cold morning) bringing
your wetsuit and putting it on on the way out to swim
start. It takes about 30 minutes to get out there and
drop anchor to start.
(3-4 at a time) going over timing mats then jumping in legs
spread open while holding on to goggles with one hand. All
athletes are advised to jump quickly to a spot they’ve picked
as they approach the edge. Do not hesitate. If you do you
will be asked to step to the very back of the line. Once you
jump start swimming as soon as you pop up.
Swimmers keep the buoys on their right.
It is typical that current will push you towards the buoys but
not 100%. It all depends on the wind. Those that go to the
end of the line and do not jump when their tunrn comes
back around will be given up to 5 minutes to decide before
they are taken back in to shore. Their timing chip will be
taken and they will be permitted to finish the race once they
walk from the Kemah Boardwalk back to transition. The
Olympic distance swimmers will swim from the boat to shore
in a straight line passing 10 yellow buoys spaced about 150
meters apart. Kayaks, lifeguards, boats and jetskis will be on
the course for rest and quick rescue if needed.
Due to the nature of currents and winds it is sometimes more difficult than it seems, to properly position, anchor and stead the boat. This is a accuracy and safety issue. Please be patient and aware
that the Olympic distance race may start up to 10
minutes late depending on these scenarios. Once
both boats are in position, near the start buoy the first
set of swimmers to go off will be the Olympic distance
invitational athletes. These are the only athletes that will
go off at once as one wave. These are also the only athletes that will be permitted to dive off the boat head first.
All other athletes will exit the boat in a time trial manner
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Saturday Youth Triathlon Course Map
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Saturday 5k Run Course Map
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COURSE MAP
Sunday Sprnt & Olympic Triathlon Course Map
16 Kemah Triathlon - Sunday, April 12, 2015 - www.KemahTrathloni.com
Overall Site Map - 604 Bradford Street, Kemah, TX 77564
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Prize Purse & Awards
SPRINT TRI - MALE / FEMALE AWARDS
Every finisher gets a finisher’s medal. Additionally top finishers get awards. Participants are placed in age groups automatically based on their age at the end of the year (12/31/14 per USAT rules).
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Overall Winner(s)
Overall Masters (40 & Over)
Overall Grand Masters (55 & Over)
Age Groups - 3 Deep - 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69,
70 & Over
Clydesdales (220lbs. or Over) - 3 Deep - Under 40, 40 & Over
Athenas (165lbs. or Over) - 3 Deep - Under 40, 40 & Over
Relay Teams - 3 Deep - All Male, All Female, Mixed. Each member gets an award.
OLYMPIC TRI - MALE / FEMALE AWARDS
Every finisher gets a finisher’s medal. Additionally top finishers get awards. Participants are placed in age groups automatically based on their age at the end of the year (12/31/14 per USAT rules).
•
•
•
•
•
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•
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Invitational (Pros & Amateurs) - 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place
Primes (Fatest Swim, Bike, Run) - Everyone’s Eligible
Overall Masters (40 & Over)
Overall Grand Masters (55 & Over)
Age Groups - 3 Deep - 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69,
70 & Over
Clydesdales (220lbs or Over) - 3 Deep - Under 40, 40 & Over
Athenas (165lbs. or Over) - 3 Deep - Under 40, 40 & Over
Relay Teams - 3 Deep - All Male, All Female, Mixed. Each member gets an award.
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Alcatraz Qualification
Olympic Triathlon Distance Only - 30 qualifications to The Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon will be awarded
at the 2014 Kemah Triathlon. One qualification will go to each winner of the following male and female age groups:
Under 20, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Over. Additionally we will
award one qualification to each of the male and female Masters and Grand Masters champions. Of the two remaining
qualifications one will be awarded to the athlete that raises the most money for charity through the Onurmark Giving
Challenege and the last remaining qualification will go to whomever the director deems worthy.
All qualifcation slots are for qualifciation only (with the exception of the Onurmark Giving Challenge winner who will
receive a paid slot). Everyone is responsible for their own entry fee, travel expenses and any other fees associated with
doing the event.
How to Claim Your Spot - After the race we will email all age group winners with insturctions on how to claim
their qualification spot (unpaid). These individuals will have 48 hours to respond. If they do not their spot will rolldown
and be offered to the next second place age group winner. The process will then repeat. If the spot continues to go
unclaimed it will be rolled down no further than 5 spots before it goes unused. All of this is done after the race.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the water temp?
A: 72 Degrees
Q. Are there wetsuit strippers?
A: Yes
Q. What if I don’t do the swim?
A: You can finish the rest of the race but we need your timing chip first.
Q. How long is the run to transition from the swim exit.
A: .1/10th of a mile (.1). It should be clear of debris but is not carpeted.
Q. Can I place shoes at swim exit?
A: Yes but inside the metal gating. Do not use your run shoes for the race, these should be junk shoes. We cannot
garantee they’ll be there when you get out of the swim. 1/10th of a mile barefoot is not long, shoes aren’t necessary
unless you have tender feet.
Q. Is there gear check?
A: No.
Q. When can I get back into transition?
A: After the last runner goes out onto the run course. We will announce.
Q. Who is allowed in transition?
A: Only athletes registered for the race, volunteers and staff.
Q. Will their be mechanics and SAG?
A: Mechnics will be just inside of transition in the moring. There will be 2 SAG vehicles on course.
Q. Where is parking?
A: See the race map on the pages above. Atheltes ONLY in the boardwalk area. ALL OTHER PEOPLE mst park off
Texas over by the Kemah Bridge.
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We follow all USA Triathlon Rules & Restrictions
1. Helmets: Only helmets approved by the US Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) may be used in USAT sanctioned events. Helmets
must be worn at all times while on your bike. This means before, during,
and after the event. Penalty: Disqualification
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.
Penalty: Disqualification on the course; Variable time penalty in transition.
3. Outside Assistance: No assistance other than that offered by race and
medical officials may be used. Triathlons and duathlons are individual tests
of fitness. Penalty: Variable time penalty
4. Transition Area: All equipment must be placed in the properly designated and individually assigned bike corral. The wheel
of the bicycle must be down on the side of the assigned space. 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. All bar ends must be solidly plugged. No participant shall bring ANY glass containers into the transition area. Penalty: Variable time penalty
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 travel unless passing. Blocking-riding on the left side of the lane without passing anyone and interfering with other cyclists attempting to pass. Overtaken-once passed, you must immediately exit the draft zone from the rear, before attempting to pass again.
Penalty: Variable time penalty
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. Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws at all times. Penalty: Referee’s discretion
7. Unsportsmanlike-Like Conduct: Foul, harsh, argumentative or abusive language or other unsportsmanlike conduct directed
at race officials, USA Triathlon officials, volunteers, spectators or fellow athletes is forbidden. Penalty: Disqualification
8. Headphones: Headphones, headsets, walkmans, ipods, mp3 players, or personal audio devices, etc. are not to be carried
or worn at any time during the race. Penalty: Variable time penalty
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. Penalty: Variable time penalty for missing or altered
number, Disqualification and one year suspension from membership in USAT for transferring a number without race director permission.
10. Wetsuits: Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA
Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78
degrees but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion, provided,
however that participants who wears a wetsuit within such temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards.
Above 84 degrees, wetsuits are prohibited.
11. 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. Penalty: Variable time penalty
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