Rules and Regulations

The Washington DC Triathlon is a USAT sanctioned event and therefore follows USAT rules.
Please click here for more information on USAT rules and regulations.

SWIM

  1. The first swim wave starts at 6:00 AM. Swim waves and times will be released approximately one week before the race.
  2. Memorize your swim wave and starting time. You are responsible for making sure you start on time in the proper wave.
  3. The swim “on-deck” area is adjacent to the swim start. Be there on time and ready to get into the on-deck area when your wave is called.
  4. BE PREPARED TO ENTER THE WATER IMMEDIATELY WHEN YOUR WAVE IS CALLED. Have your goggles on, swim cap on and timing chip on.
  5. We will be starting the swim using a time trial start. Athletes will line up in the swim corral with 8 athletes starting approximately every 10 seconds.
  6. When your group of 8 enteres the water you DO NOT wait for the horn but simply start swimming! Your time begins the moment you cross the timing mat which is located at the edge of the swim dock.
  7. Do not hesitate when you enter the water. The water will be approximately 8 feet deep where you enter. Remember when you get into the water to begin swimming immediately and keep all buoys on your left.
  8. Every 100m will be marked by a buoy.
  9. Exit the swim using the ramp.
  10. Run to your left and into the transition area.
  11. Misting tents will be set up on swim exit for your convenience.
  12. If you need any assistance during the swim, wave your arms and call attention to yourself. A kayaker will come to your assistance. You may hang onto the kayak or any other safety vessel without penalty. The safety vessel may not assist in your forward motion.
  13. If you require emergency assistance to pull you out of the water at any time prior to the swim exit you will receive a DNF for the race. Upon examination by EMS personnel we may allow you to continue on the bike and run but you will not receive an official finishing time.

BIKE

  1. Bikes must be racked on Saturday, June 16th prior to the race from 1:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Once racked, bikes will remain in the transition area and may not be removed until the race. Bikes MUST have bike numbers attached to each bike and all athletes must have their race bracelets on to enter the transition area.
  2. Helmets must be on AND fastened before triathletes mount their bikes.
  3. Do not mount your bike until you are out of the transition area and past the mount/dismount line.
  4. ABSOLUTELY NO RIDING IN THE TRANSITION AREA.
  5. STAY RIGHT ON THE BIKE COURSE UNLESS YOU ARE PASSING. DO NOT RIDE ABREAST FROM ANOTHER COMPETITOR FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER UNLESS YOU ARE PASSING.
  6. Do not litter.
  7. If you have a flat move your bike off the course.
  8. Emergency conditions may occur during the race. Please pay attention to your surroundings for indication of the need to clear the course or take other instructed action.
  9. There will be no bottle exchange on the bike course so make sure your bottles are filled and on your bike.

RUN

  1. No headphones, cell phones, or devices of any kind that play music.
  2. There are 4 aid stations on the Sprint run and 5 aid stations on the International run spaced approximately one mile apart serving water and electrolyte fluids and products.
  3. Use respect when coming through the finish line chute and be aware of your surroundings.
  4. Course closes promptly at 12:00 PM. Runners not yet across the finish line will be picked up in a sag vehicle or required to move off the course and onto the sidewalk.
  5. Emergency conditions may occur during race. Please pay attention to your surroundings for indication of the need to clear the course or take other instructed action.
  6. Respect the environment. Do not litter. Trash cans are available at every aid station.

FINISH LINE PROCEDURES

  1. The finish line area will be filled with spectators, family and friends and the energy level will be high. Please enjoy the moment and do not elbow your way, or shoulder your way, past others in this area.
  2. Finish strong and run completely through the finish line arch.
  3. Your picture is being taken for you. Look happy, raise your arms and get into it. Remember don’t look at your watch! We will be keeping time for you.
  4. Keep moving through the finish line chute. It’s important that you walk a bit before stopping. Medical personnel will be watching you and volunteers will be assisting you. If you feel sick, faint or need any assistance immediately call out for help.
  5. Remove and return your race-chip if you borrowed one. The timing company will charge you a $35 dollar replacement fee if you take it home with you.
  6. Grab some water to help cool you off.
  7. Exit the finish line area and walk towards the back of the Finish Festival to retrieve your same-day race results, get some food and grab a post-race massage. Relax, hang out with your family and friends and change your clothes in the athlete change tent.
  8. High five yourself on the way home for a job well done.
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