Menlo Park Kids Triathlon

Wave Starts

The parent/guardian is responsible for getting their athlete(s) to the event with sufficient time to be ready for their swim wave. Waves are started and timed by pre-assigned numbers. Missing the start time will mean missing the event. The organizers will try to accommodate any unusual circumstances but there is no guarantee that it can be done.

PLEASE ARRIVE AT THE POOL AT LEAST 20 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR WAVE STARTS

Swimming

All athletes should be comfortable in the water. Each athlete should be capable of safely swimming the designated distance with no or minimal assistance.

Swim Aids

Swim aids such as kick-boards or approved flotation devices will be allowed. Pool “noodles” or other unapproved devices are not allowed. Water wings (aka Floaties) are ONLY allowed if they are the kind that are approved by the Coast Guard as a life-saving device – some are and some aren’t so check before you arrive and make sure your child’s ‘floaties’ are Coast Guard-approved.

Athletes using swim aids will not be eligible for podium awards (i.e., 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in age group). All athletes will get a participation medal. Athletes must provide their own swim aids. No performance enhancing devices such as fins will be allowed.

Cycling

Bike Helmets

Bike helmets must be worn AND STRAPPED from the moment the bike is removed from its rack until it is put back in the rack.

Helmets must comply with either CPSC, SNELL or ANSI standards as indicated by a label on the inside. Parents/guardians must assure that the helmet fit is proper for the athlete.

Bike Checks

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to take the athlete’s bike to a qualified shop for inspection and adjustment prior to the Kids Triathlon. The bike inspection at the event is only for basic functioning of brakes and steering, and is not a substitute for inspection by a qualified mechanic.

Attention should be paid to brakes, steering, wheels, inflation pressure, tire condition, chain, and pedals.

The openings at the ends of the handle bars must be securely plugged. “Bar Ends” (plastic caps) can be purchased at any bike shop. This is a safety item in the event of a fall. Bikes with unplugged handle bar ends will not be allowed. All bikes will be inspected.

The bike should be an appropriate size for the athlete.

Training Wheels and other Learner Bikes

Balance Bikes and Tricycles are allowed for children 6 and under. Training wheels are allowed for any age. All other bikes must have at least one brake.

(NO UNICYCLES, NO FIXIES, NO RECUMBENTS, NO E-BIKES, NO SCOOTERS)

Running

Parents/guardians should assure that the athlete has footwear that is suitable for running the designated distance. To avoid tripping, the athlete should be able to properly tie their shoes, preferable using double knots, or by using lock laces.

Transition Areas

The rules depend on the age of the child. Volunteers will be present to assist all athletes and to restrict access based on the guidelines listed below. Permission to enter to assist an athlete must be granted by the entrance monitor. This restriction is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all of the athletes.

Ages 6 & Under

One adult may be with children this age for the entire race. This includes being in the transition area during a transition. The adult will have a wrist  band to show that they can do this.

Ages 7-10

One adult may accompany the child into transition to help set up their area. They are not allowed in again except when the child is done racing and it is time to tear down their spot and go home. They adult will have a special wrist band to show they are allowed to do this

Ages 11 & Up

No parents or guardians are permitted in the Transition Area for these ages.

Athlete Health & Safety

Athlete Health

Parents/guardians should assure that the athlete is in a physical condition that will permit him/her to participate in the event without jeopardizing his/her health or that of other participants. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IF YOUR CHILD HAS ANY SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS even if you are sure it isn’t Covid.

Sun Protection

Due to multiple wave times, most athletes will have to wait before starting their race. Similarly, after the finish, athletes may choose to wait for the results to be posted. Parents/guardians should provide appropriate sun protection in the form of sunscreen and clothing. The event will attempt to provide some shelter but participants should not count on it, as resources are limited.

Hydration

The weather can be hot and it is vital that your child consume water to prevent dehydration. There will be water available before, on the course, and following the event. It is suggested that you place a full water bottle in your child’s transition area and remind him/her to drink during transition. They also should be reminded to drink at the various aid stations and following the event. Any child showing signs of dehydration should be brought to the Medical Tent.

First Aid

The event will have a medical staff available in the event of an emergency. Parents/guardians should familiarize themselves with the location of the First Aid tent (see course map). It is located in the area outside the pool exit and next to the Transition Area entrance. Lifeguards will be in the pool area and and additional medical personnel will be on the bike course. Event volunteers will be familiar with the location of the First Aid facility.

Penalties & Disqualification

Time Penalties

The following infractions will result in time penalties.

Not completing the required distance:
Swim: 5 minutes per lap
Bike: 15 minute per lap
Run: 5 minutes per lap

Throwing down the bike in some random location in transition:
Failure to return the bike to its original spot in transition will result in a time penalty of 2 minutes

Disqualifications

Unsportsmanlike conduct is grounds for disqualification. This includes, but is not limited to, interfering with other athletes, receiving outside assistance, and yelling at volunteers.

Volunteers will be monitoring the course and Transition Area for infractions. Disqualified athletes will receive a participation medal but will be ineligible for podium awards (i.e., 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in age group) and will not have their times posted.

Miscellaneous

Eyewear

Children that require prescription glasses should have a headband to hold the glasses in place during the event. If the glasses must be removed for the swim there will be a volunteer available to hold the glasses. Athletes who can see well enough to get around the pool and back to transition should consider leaving their eyewear in transition.

Age Limits

The upper age limit is 17 years old as of December 31st of the current year. The lower age limit is 4. However, parents/guardians should assess the child’s abilities to complete the prescribed course. The Kids Triathlon is conducted to be a positive experience and no child should be entered that is not going to benefit from the experience. Being asked to perform beyond one’s abilities may not be a positive experience.

Physically Challenged Athletes

The parent/guardian of a physically challenged athlete should contact the event organizers to make arrangement for any special needs. (Please do this two months before the race so we have enough time.)

Relays

There are no relay teams. Only one athlete is permitted per race number.

Weather Considerations

The race will be conducted rain or shine. Really.

Personal Music Devices

Earphones/Earbuds or any Music Device are not allowed to be worn during the race. Cochlear implants are allowed.

Non-finishers

Athletes not finishing the event will still receive a participant’s medal. Non-finishers will have no posted times.

USAT Rules

More USAT rules are HERE. Not all of them apply to Youth events. If a rule is different there, the rules here supersede the ones on the USAT website.