3 Disciplines Racing

Distances

1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run
500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run,

Date/location

Sunday May 20, 8:00am Carlyle Lake, Carlyle, IL Race venue is located directly across the street from the Army Corps of Engineers, and just down from the boat launch and host hotel.
fee.   Click here for park directions

Venue/Area Information

Click here for area amenities

MultiSport 101

We have been told by many athletes from across the country that our 101 is the best anywhere. Our goal with the 101 from day one has been to go through the entire event start to finish for the newbies, the beginners, the less experienced athletes. To try and calm down those butterflies as much as possible. Along with the information on the race the Race Director will give you dozens of racing and training tips along the way and answer any question you may have as well. Classes range from an hour to 2 hours depending on size and how many questions there are. If you are new to Multi-Sport it is Highly Recommended you attned this class.

Amenities:

Unless otherwise noted 2012 events will include a custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, custom latex swim cap, sponsor supplied samples, professional chip timing with results available online, awards to top three in each age group, a great sponsor supplied raffle and awards ceremony following the last finishers and the best post race snack table out there.

 In order to be guaranteed a custom event shirt you absolutely MUST be pre-registered 14 days in advance.  Please understand if you don’t know you are doing the event a week or two out how are we to know?  If a shirt is important to you please pre-register. Due to increasing costs with shipping and shirts orders are kept tight.

Finish/Awards

Please CLICK HERE for awards mail form.

Keep in mind USAT sanctioned events have the USAT age up rule.  Your age on race day is the same as how old you will be on December 31st of that year.

Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women Overall in each event, excluded from their agegroup
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women within each of the following agegroups 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Top 3 Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Clydesdale =  Male 200lbs or more)
Top 3 Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Athena = Females 150lbs or more)
Masters are awarded to the 1st place Male and 1st Place Female who is 40+ within the Olympic/Long Course and Half distance Triathlons and excluded from agegroup

Awards will in NO circumstances be given out early, or individually before the awards ceremony.  If you must depart for the awards ceremony you may opt to pay the $10 shipping and processing fee and have the award mailed to you.  Please see the link above and under the forms page. You MUST send this form in within 2 weeks following the event with a check or money order for $10 per award in order to receive your award.  Please understand we have NO control over the US postal service.

Course Info

This course is basically un-changed over the years and this race enjoys athletes returning year after year because it truly is a great course and a perfect test before the season really gets kicked off.  The swim is along the dam so friends, family and spectators can watch everyone as the navigate the straight out and back buoys.  The bike course is a fast and flat out and back course.  Sprint athletes have a pancake flat course, Olympic distance athletes get one nice climb just to keep everyone honest out there.  It is a quick out of your seat heart pounder but only about 50m long.  The run course is one of our favorite, although it has very little shade, it is one mile across the dam, then a nice little hill to the sprint turnaround, and back.  Olympic distance athletes keeps going to their 5000m turnaround point out past the next dam.  You are basically always running along the lake, and then can hear the music when you hit the return dam and then just hit the turbo button to the finish line right in the park. 

Run | Bike | Transition Area

Swim: 500m or 1.5k

Olympic distance athletes start at 8:00am. In the water start will depend on water temp and water level, this will be announced in your race email the week of the event. The swim course here on Carlyle lake has been a simple out, over 50m and back U shaped course. Keep buoys on your right the entire way and you will exit the water under the swim structure up the swim chute to the transition area about 50m away. It is up hill on grass then carpet around the back of the transition area. Sprint athletes you will start about 30 minutes later and as with all our events your turn is marked with Yellow Triangle buoy. Lifeguards will be on Ocean rescue boards as well as our waverunners.  If you are in need of assistance please wave your hand so water rescue personell may assist.  If you are not a strong swimming you are not encouraged to start at the front of the wave.  Swim waves will be no larger than 100 athletes per wave to make your swim as enjoyable as possible.  You will be issued a swim cap and caps are absolutely mandatory.  If you are allergic to latex you must provide your own.   Water Temp as of:   Wetsuits have been used each year with the temps ranging between 75 on the high end and 66 on the low.  We have a good inventory of wetsuits and you can rent them at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Bike: 20k or 40k

Exiting the transition area you will follow the bike chute lined with cones out past the parking, past the host hotel making a Right turn passing the boat launch.  From that point you will head out on the course, it is flat and in good condition.  It is lined on both sides with farm land and very little houses.  You will be approaching the state park, right before the entry you will make a left turn NOT proceeding into the park.  From that point the Sprint turnaround is about 4 miles straight ahead just before the intersection.  Olympic distance athletes will continue a few more miles to a quick Right.  This is a narrow road and you will immediately see the hill up ahead.  Following a fast and cautious downhill you will have another left turn monitored by officials.  About a mile from this point you have another Right and then will follow the road till the turnaround point at the party store.  Every turn will be marked with both arrows on the pavement and chloroplast signs on the corners with officials. In addition the 3Disciplines truck will be leading, sweeping and cruising the course if you have mechanical problems just wave the truck down and they will bring you back in.  Remember this is an OPEN course.  That means you will be sharing the road with vehicles.   

Click here for combined course map.

 Remember this is an open course! You will be sharing the road with vehicular traffic. Use caution at all times. It will be your responsibility to print maps, and know the courses. It is the athlete's responsibility to know and understand the courses. Helmets are a must. No helmet - no race. MP3 players on the bike course are an automatic disqualification. Due to a few athletes actions in the past during an event we are making you aware not only in this event but ALL events whether hosted by us or any other event management company YOU MUST OBEY ALL OFFICIALS and EMERGENCY VEHICLES on the course AT ALL TIMES!! The bottom line here is your race is not more important than an EMERGENCY or OFFICIAL on the course.In the event of an emergency you MUST obey officials requests, and you MUST STOP and pull off the road for any and all EMERGENCY VEHICLES to get through.This is not only to ensure the emergency vehicles can proceed, it is for your safety as well. Any athlete that does not adhere to this rule will be disqualified and will not race in a 3D event for the rest of the year.

Run: 3.1 or 6.2 miles

Exiting the transition area opposite the bike in/out end you will follow the run chute out out down the drive following the cones back up to a Left turn taking you immediately onto the dam, one mile to the other side with the beautiful Carlyle lake on your left and the park on your Right. This is a simple out and back run course again flat like the bike with ONE hill, which happens to be the only place where the course is covered in trees.  So that is a great spot for the sprint turnaround. Olympic distance athletes will continue past this sprint turnaround to that turnaround at the 5000m point on the next dam.   There will be 3 aid stations, one at each mile which will be clearly marked along the course. You will follow small orange run cones along with chalk and arrows on the course.  Safety officials will be monitoring the course if you need assistance let them know. 

Click here for combined course map.

Relays

At registration you will receive ONE bib number and ONE chip/strap. The runner must wear the  bib number as that is who will be crossing the finish line. All relay members must be body marked with that number. The Chip/Strap will be securely fastened around the person competing in the first discipline. There will be a designated spot for All Relays at one of the entry/exit points in the transition area marked RELAYS. All staging and chip/strap exchanging is to be done at this point. Not on the course. The Chip/Strap must be securely fastened to each athletes ankle, do not grab it and go, do not put it on the wrist. Upon finishing it is the last athletes responsibility to return that chip/strap at the finish line. (one athlete may do more than one discipline)

Transition Area

Open at 6:00am. No Friends or Family members allowed in the transition area for any reason.The race director and race officials will close the transition area 30-45 minutes before race start to ensure all athletes are at starting lines for mandatory course meetings and announcements.  Once the transition area is closed you will not be permitted back in before the race starts.  Family members will not be premitted in for any reason at any time.  In the event of inclement weather it is recommended you have warm, dry clothing outside the transition area to put on following your finish due to other athletes still being on the bike course.  Thank you for your cooperation in following these rules.

 You must rack according to your race number based on sequence placed at end of row. Please remember racks will hold 7 bikes racking with seat tip on support bar. Please be courteous to fellow athletes to ensure there is space for 7. Any athletes removing gear from transition areas before the announcer or race director has officially opened the transition area will be DISQUALIFIED from the race! No questions asked, your race number will be taken down and you will be disqualified. The transition area is closed until all athletes are off the bike course. Sprint athletes this goes for you as well, you must wait until all the athletes are off the course and race officials open the transition area. All athletes deserve a clear transition. There will be an aid station at the run in/out chute with water and electrolyte replacement. Athletes wearing their own chips, PLEASE remove your chips before re-entering the transition area and exiting again. This can cause a timing error. Run in/out and Bike in/out chutes are clearly marked on the large structures at either end, it is your responsibility to go the right direction.

Race Tips

We have had a lot of opportunities to train on this course given the time of year the event is.  The swim seems to be relatively easy and straight forward.  Rough water has been rare year after year.  The bike course can get windy out there and it seems if it is going to be a hot day the wind gradually picks up as it heats up out there in the fields.  So definitely take advantage when it is at your back.  Olympic distance athletes don't relax on the hill, this is a great spot to make a move, and those that have ridden the course a lot will know once you make your Right turn it is an immediate gradual incline you can barely notice so take advantage here and feel the burn to the top.  You can make up a lot of ground doing that.  The run course totally depends on the day if it is hot and humid it can be a bake fest out there and you need to be prepared for that.  He who watches the weather before this race has a good race because you can have a pr day going into the run and end up having one of your worst races because as beautiful as it is running across that damn you have to remember the sun reflecting off of the water makes it that much more hot out there.  So if it is heating up on the bike start taking in more water while on the bike for the run.  Hope that helps folks, see you out there.   

Packet Pickup/Registration

Day of Registration will close promptly 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each event unless otherwise noted.

Will be located in most cases under the white tents, please follow the registration signs and look for the purple “Registration” flags.

 ITEMS YOU MUST BRING: USA Triathlon member card and drivers license (or any picture ID). You will not be permitted to race without a picture ID. NON USA Triathlon members will be required to proceed to the USA Triathlon registration table to fill out a one day member license and pay the USA Triathlon $12 fee. This entire fee is sent directly to USA Triathlon following the event along with the event results. If you are not familiar with the multi-sport governing body please see their website at: www.usatriathlon.org

Upon completing the initial registration process you will be issued a race bib number, it is YOUR responsibility to check your personal information for correct spellings, age changes, etc. please do so at this point. Wrong information can cause issues with your race timing and scoring. If you registered by the 14 day pre-registration cut-off date you will receive your T shirt, then proceed to the partner supplied sample area where you may pick one sample of each product.

  Note: Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign event waivers.

USAT

A $12 one day USAT license fee is required for all NON - USAT members. Relays are required to pay $12 per relay member.  Youth 17 and under is a $15 fee for the year.
Pre registered athletes your fee was collected online this fee goes directly to USA Triathlon NOT 3D.    
Remember the USAT age up rule, meaning you will race at the age you will be at the end of the year.

Timing/Scoring

We provide all the timing and scoring services for each and every event we host. This will be with ChampionChip or Chrono Track timing systems.

Proceed to the “Chip Pick Up” flag typically near the transition area entrance. You will be issued a neoprene strap with a plastic chip. This must be securely fastened to your ankle for the entire event. It is recommended you put this around your ankle immediately.

 You will NOT be issued a chip and strap without your race bib number. There are no exceptions so do not forget this when picking up your chip and strap.

Throughout the event there will be sets of timing mats or gators, typically under structures indicating finish, bike in, run out, swim finish etc. You must cross over these areas. Do not avoid them or attempt to jump over them. Finally every effort will be made to supply you with a swim, bike, run, transition 1, transition 2 and finish times. However it is explicitly expressed the electronic timing systems are not fool proof. They are electronics and computers outside in the elements and they are not perfect systems. We along with any other timer out there can only score what is captured in a system.

PRELIMINARY results will be posted on and in results kiosks typically located in and around the post event areas. Results are rarely 100% final at the time of the awards ceremony, due to post race corrections.

Your results will be posted on the event website under the “Results” tab located on the home page as well as event page. Every effort is made to post these by the following morning or within 24 hrs. of the event.

 You are responsible for that chip and strap once it is handed to you. If you lose this at any point, meaning you do not turn it in at the finish line you will be responsible for the $40 replacement cost. There are no exceptions to this.

Body Marking

All athletes and all relay members will be body marked with their race number.  After picking up your chip and strap the “Body Marking” flag is typically located near this area. Please proceed to the body marking area. Event support crew will be marking race numbers on your swim caps, biceps, tops of hands, and quadriceps. You will also have your event code marked on one calf. T= long course, S= sprint, D= duathlon, R = relay, H = half. On the opposite calf will be your "USAT" Age (please see USAT Age up Rule)

Accommodations

Host Hotel 100m from the transition area, across the street from the boat launch.  Athlete rates coming soon.
Remember the state park is less than 5 miles from the transition area as well and has plenty of camping available. 

Friends, Family and Spectators

All rules are designed for the safety of the athletes and our spectators, please follow all rules to ensure everyones safety.

• The transition is absolutely OFF LIMITS to all spectators. All fenced areas are fenced for a reason, it is not to see where you can get around or crawl over or under. These are athlete only areas and are fenced for their safety and yours. Fenced areas will be taken down before raffle and award ceremonies.
• Athlete post race snack tent areas are OFF LIMITS to all spectators.  These snacks are for ATHLETES ONLY. Unfortunately we do not have enough to feed everyone, if you are eating the athlete food there will not be enough for the athletes following their finish. 
•  “Hot Spots” which are the swim exit, bike in/out and finish chutes are high priority areas in terms of safety and caution. At our events these areas are always fenced and flagged and typically patrolled by crew. Please do not lean on, or over in order to get a picture.
•  Please make sure you have all pets on short leashes.
•  Please make sure you have all your kids close by your side, a small child running across a chute in front of athletes running full speed is not a good thing.
• Finally if you would like to help out the support crew on the course please feel free to ask them or please see the race director before the event. We are ALWAYS looking for additional assistance on the course and you will receive access to the post race snack tent with your athlete as well as receive a support crew shirt.

Support Volunteers

If you would like to be a part of the event and receive a support crew shirt and access to the post race snack tent we will never turn down help. The more help on the course just means it is that much better for the athletes. We can ALWAYS use your assistance, you can never have too many volunteers. 

If interested in volunteering and it is the Thursday prior to the event or before, please fill out the form _____ prior to the event.  If it is the day before the event or race day, please find one of the 3 D CREW or head to the VOLUNTEER Flag at the venue. 

Event Template = Distances

1000m swim, 25mi. bike, 10k run
500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
2mi. run, 20k bike, 5k run

Date/location

Sunday, August 12, 8:00am Petoskey, Michigan, Start is located behind the police, city and fire station at 101 W. Lake St. The transition area is located downtown Petoskey on Bay st. overlooking the bay, finish is located across the street from the police, fire and city building on Lake st. Click here for directions

Venue/Area Information

Another incredible top tourist destination.   There is plenty to see and do during the weekend for the entire family, check it out here: Click here for area amenities

MultiSport 101

 Not for This event.

We have been told by many athletes from across the country that our 101 is the best anywhere. Our goal with the 101 from day one has been to go through the entire event start to finish for the newbies, the beginners, the less experienced athletes. To try and calm down those butterflies as much as possible. Along with the information on the race the Race Director will give you dozens of racing and training tips along the way and answer any question you may have as well. Classes range from an hour to 2 hours depending on size and how many questions there are. If you are new to Multi-Sport it is Highly Recommended you attned this class.

Amenities:

Unless otherwise noted 2012 events will include a custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, custom latex swim cap, sponsor supplied samples, professional chip timing with results available online, awards to top three in each age group, a great sponsor supplied raffle and awards ceremony following the last finishers and the best post race snack table out there.

 In order to be guaranteed a custom event shirt you absolutely MUST be pre-registered 14 days in advance.  Please understand if you don’t know you are doing the event a week or two out how are we to know?  If a shirt is important to you please pre-register. Due to increasing costs with shipping and shirts orders are kept tight.

Finish/Awards

Please CLICK HERE for awards mail form.

Keep in mind USAT sanctioned events have the USAT age up rule.  Your age on race day is the same as how old you will be on December 31st of that year.

Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women Overall in each event, excluded from their agegroup
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women within each of the following agegroups 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Top 3 Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Clydesdale =  Male 200lbs or more)
Top 3 Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Athena = Females 150lbs or more)
Masters are awarded to the 1st place Male and 1st Place Female who is 40+ within the Olympic/Long Course and Half distance Triathlons and excluded from agegroup

Awards will in NO circumstances be given out early, or individually before the awards ceremony.  If you must depart for the awards ceremony you may opt to pay the $10 shipping and processing fee and have the award mailed to you.  Please see the link above and under the forms page. You MUST send this form in within 2 weeks following the event with a check or money order for $10 per award in order to receive your award.  Please understand we have NO control over the US postal service.

Course Info

The race is actually in 3 spots. Packet Pickup/Registration and Finish line is located in front of the police, fire and city building on W. Lake st. The start of the event is behind the buildings at the beach in the marina next to the break wall. The transition area is located downtown Petoskey, about 400m away on Bay st. We have put the entire swim course inside he marina with the protected waters from the breakwall. This means we swim every year regardless of how rough the water is in the bay. Some that have participated in the past have seen the 4 plus foot high waves on the other side of the breakwall while we swam on flat calm water. The bike is one of our favorites, it is hilly to rolling but what goes up must come down and that is fun. Tuck and go baby. If a lot of hills is not to your liking the sprint race is perfect. You can see from the past years bike times the course is not difficult. It is beautiful scenery though and the run course ranks up there as well as one of our favorites. Running along the bay then along the Bear river is exhillerating before a very fast downhill finish that starts about a mile back on the Bear river service road.

Swim | Bike | Transition Area   Run

Swim: 1000m & 500m

Both swims will be entirely protected from what could be rough water in the bay.The long course is two loops of the short, you do not have to exit the water for lap 2, simply swim around the front buoy and continue for lap 2. You will start in the water just off the marina beach. The water at the start is where the Bear river empties into the bay so this runs about 5-8 degrees cooler than the water a little further out in the marina. You will exit the beach and follow the chute and cones about 400m to the transition area on Bay st. You may have shoes available for your jaunt up there.Water temps range from upper 60's to mid 70s.Wave starts will be posted at Packet Pickup/registration.

Bike: 20k & 25mi

Please see maps, there are many turns on the courses, all are marked as all our courses are with a series of 3 arrows approaching each intersection. Make sure you are in your climbing gear before leaving your bike in the transition as you have a 1 mile climb immediately after the timing matts. On your return trip you MUST be on the brakes coming down Bay st. You could easily reach speeds of 40 mph. down this stretch. You must use caution coming back into town on this downhill.

 Remember this is an open course! You will be sharing the road with vehicular traffic. Use caution at all times. It will be your responsibility to print maps, and know the courses. It is the athlete's responsibility to know and understand the courses. Helmets are a must. No helmet - no race. MP3 players on the bike course are an automatic disqualification. Due to a few athletes actions in the past during an event we are making you aware not only in this event but ALL events whether hosted by us or any other event management company YOU MUST OBEY ALL OFFICIALS and EMERGENCY VEHICLES on the course AT ALL TIMES!! The bottom line here is your race is not more important than an EMERGENCY or OFFICIAL on the course.In the event of an emergency you MUST obey officials requests, and you MUST STOP and pull off the road for any and all EMERGENCY VEHICLES to get through.This is not only to ensure the emergency vehicles can proceed, it is for your safety as well. Any athlete that does not adhere to this rule will be disqualified and will not race in a 3D event for the rest of the year.

Run: 5k & 10k

Exiting the transition area on Bay st. you will follow the ramps down to the marina, heading back the exact same way you ran from the swim.  When you hit the swim chute you will continue south on the path to the bay view path.  This will take you along little traverse bay to your Sprint or Olympic turnaround points.  From there you will head back to a Right on Wachtel to a Left on lake crossing at the fire station and running up Quintance to the path along Bear River valley and then flying back down to the finish line in the park.

Sample Map

Relays

At registration you will receive ONE bib number and ONE chip/strap. The runner must wear the  bib number as that is who will be crossing the finish line. All relay members must be body marked with that number. The Chip/Strap will be securely fastened around the person competing in the first discipline. There will be a designated spot for All Relays at one of the entry/exit points in the transition area marked RELAYS. All staging and chip/strap exchanging is to be done at this point. Not on the course. The Chip/Strap must be securely fastened to each athletes ankle, do not grab it and go, do not put it on the wrist. Upon finishing it is the last athletes responsibility to return that chip/strap at the finish line. (one athlete may do more than one discipline)

Transition Area

Open at 6:00am closes at 7:15am. European style racking which is side by side, one long continuous rack. Again, this is 400m away from the finish and beach. It is located downtown on Bay st. There will not be designated spots at this event, first come placing. ONLY athletes with numbers will be allowed in the transition area at all times. The transition area is located up above highway 31 on Bay st. YOU MUST get set up and back to the swim start in time.This will not be set up till Saturday evening. It is a small flat area on the street. You will need to get your gear asap following your finish. Event volunteers will not leave the transition area until all gear is retreived, so Please make it a point to head up to the transition area immediately after your finish to get your gear!
No Friends or Family members allowed in the transition area for any reason.The race director and race officials will close the transition area 30-45 minutes before race start to ensure all athletes are at starting lines for mandatory course meetings and announcements.  Once the transition area is closed you will not be permitted back in before the race starts.  Family members will not be premitted in for any reason.  In the event of inclement weather it is recommended you have warm, dry clothing outside the transition area to put on following your finish due to other athletes still being on the bike course.  Thank you for your cooperation in following these rules.

 You must rack according to your race number based on sequence placed at end of row. Please remember racks will hold 7 bikes racking with seat tip on support bar. Please be courteous to fellow athletes to ensure there is space for 7. Any athletes removing gear from transition areas before the announcer or race director has officially opened the transition area will be DISQUALIFIED from the race! No questions asked, your race number will be taken down and you will be disqualified. The transition area is closed until all athletes are off the bike course. Sprint athletes this goes for you as well, you must wait until all the athletes are off the course and race officials open the transition area. All athletes deserve a clear transition. There will be an aid station at the run in/out chute with water and electrolyte replacement. Athletes wearing their own chips, PLEASE remove your chips before re-entering the transition area and exiting again. This can cause a timing error. Run in/out and Bike in/out chutes are clearly marked on the large structures at either end, it is your responsibility to go the right direction.

Race Tips

Be prepared for a little chilly swim start. The reason is the Bear River dumps into the marina right at the starting point. So the water actually warms considerably as you swim around the course. Hustle over to the transition area and make sure your bike is in your climbing gear first. You climb a mile straight up to the top of Petoskey immediately, then you have about 3 miles of really fast riding before getting out of the city neighborhoods. the best tip is don't relax on the downhills. I see to many athletes using these as coaster descents. Do what you need to get the lactic acid out of them and then click down and go. By the time you start another climb your heart rate should be good and lactic acid out so you can climb again. Remember to stay loose when climbing, when you are tense climbing you use more energy. I like to tell people that bike should feel like a noodle underneath you. It should move with you in unison. Then on the run take advantage of that 2.5 miles along the bay, plenty of people and flat running should get you going. When you get to the bridge on the way back where the aid station is on the Bear river service drive put the hammer down all the way to the finish line, don't let up, it is downhill the entire way.

Packet Pickup/Registration

Day of Registration: 6-7:15am Sunday - NO DAY BEFORE REGISTRATION! ONLY DAY OF

Across the street from the fire station on W. Lake st. The transition area is 400m from the finish/registration/beach area. Do not arrive late as you must give yourself time to get to the transition area and set up before heading back to the beach.

Day of Registration will close promptly 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each event unless otherwise noted.

Will be located in most cases under the white tents, please follow the registration signs and look for the purple “Registration” flags.

 ITEMS YOU MUST BRING: USA Triathlon member card and drivers license (or any picture ID). You will not be permitted to race without a picture ID. NON USA Triathlon members will be required to proceed to the USA Triathlon registration table to fill out a one day member license and pay the USA Triathlon $12 fee. This entire fee is sent directly to USA Triathlon following the event along with the event results. If you are not familiar with the multi-sport governing body please see their website at: www.usatriathlon.org

Upon completing the initial registration process you will be issued a race bib number, it is YOUR responsibility to check your personal information for correct spellings, age changes, etc. please do so at this point. Wrong information can cause issues with your race timing and scoring. If you registered by the 14 day pre-registration cut-off date you will receive your T shirt, then proceed to the partner supplied sample area where you may pick one sample of each product.

  Note: Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign event waivers.

USAT

A $12 one day USAT license fee is required for all NON - USAT members. Relays are required to pay $12 per relay member.  Youth 17 and under is a $15 fee for the year.
Pre registered athletes your fee was collected online this fee goes directly to USA Triathlon NOT 3D.    
Remember the USAT age up rule, meaning you will race at the age you will be at the end of the year.

Timing/Scoring

We provide all the timing and scoring services for each and every event we host. This will be with ChampionChip or Chrono Track timing systems.

Proceed to the “Chip Pick Up” flag typically near the transition area entrance. You will be issued a neoprene strap with a plastic chip. This must be securely fastened to your ankle for the entire event. It is recommended you put this around your ankle immediately.

 You will NOT be issued a chip and strap without your race bib number. There are no exceptions so do not forget this when picking up your chip and strap.

Throughout the event there will be sets of timing mats or gators, typically under structures indicating finish, bike in, run out, swim finish etc. You must cross over these areas. Do not avoid them or attempt to jump over them. Finally every effort will be made to supply you with a swim, bike, run, transition 1, transition 2 and finish times. However it is explicitly expressed the electronic timing systems are not fool proof. They are electronics and computers outside in the elements and they are not perfect systems. We along with any other timer out there can only score what is captured in a system.

PRELIMINARY results will be posted on and in results kiosks typically located in and around the post event areas. Results are rarely 100% final at the time of the awards ceremony, due to post race corrections.

Your results will be posted on the event website under the “Results” tab located on the home page as well as event page. Every effort is made to post these by the following morning or within 24 hrs. of the event.

 You are responsible for that chip and strap once it is handed to you. If you lose this at any point, meaning you do not turn it in at the finish line you will be responsible for the $40 replacement cost. There are no exceptions to this.

Body Marking

All athletes and all relay members will be body marked with their race number.  After picking up your chip and strap the “Body Marking” flag is typically located near this area. Please proceed to the body marking area. Event support crew will be marking race numbers on your swim caps, biceps, tops of hands, and quadriceps. You will also have your event code marked on one calf. T= long course, S= sprint, D= duathlon, R = relay, H = half. On the opposite calf will be your "USAT" Age (please see USAT Age up Rule)

Accommodations

Friends, Family and Spectators

All rules are designed for the safety of the athletes and our spectators, please follow all rules to ensure everyones safety.

• The transition is absolutely OFF LIMITS to all spectators. All fenced areas are fenced for a reason, it is not to see where you can get around or crawl over or under. These are athlete only areas and are fenced for their safety and yours. Fenced areas will be taken down before raffle and award ceremonies.
• Athlete post race snack tent areas are OFF LIMITS to all spectators.  These snacks are for ATHLETES ONLY. Unfortunately we do not have enough to feed everyone, if you are eating the athlete food there will not be enough for the athletes following their finish. 
•  “Hot Spots” which are the swim exit, bike in/out and finish chutes are high priority areas in terms of safety and caution. At our events these areas are always fenced and flagged and typically patrolled by crew. Please do not lean on, or over in order to get a picture.
•  Please make sure you have all pets on short leashes.
•  Please make sure you have all your kids close by your side, a small child running across a chute in front of athletes running full speed is not a good thing.
• Finally if you would like to help out the support crew on the course please feel free to ask them or please see the race director before the event. We are ALWAYS looking for additional assistance on the course and you will receive access to the post race snack tent with your athlete as well as receive a support crew shirt.

Support Volunteers

If you would like to be a part of the event and receive a support crew shirt and access to the post race snack tent we will never turn down help. The more help on the course just means it is that much better for the athletes. We can ALWAYS use your assistance, you can never have too many volunteers. 

If interested in volunteering and it is the Thursday prior to the event or before, please fill out the form _____ prior to the event.  If it is the day before the event or race day, please find one of the 3 D CREW or head to the VOLUNTEER Flag at the venue. 

Distances

750 swim, 20k bike, 5k run Draft Legal x 2

Date/location

Saturday June 16, 8:00am, Belle Isle, Detroit, Mi. Proceed to the Casino which will be right next to the great fountain. Click here for map
Draft Legal Racing, top 100 men, women race head to head.  Top 25 move on to the championship 90 minutes after the first finisher. 

Venue/Area Information

This is the cities greatest asset located a mile north of down town on the river with Windsor on one side and Detroits cityscape on the other. Bring the kids Saturday for Superkidstry, catch a baseball game, get some great food, grab a great room at the host hotel for the adult race on Sunday. Click here for area amenities.

MultiSport 101

Not for this race

We have been told by many athletes from across the country that our 101 is the best anywhere. Our goal with the 101 from day one has been to go through the entire event start to finish for the newbies, the beginners, the less experienced athletes. To try and calm down those butterflies as much as possible. Along with the information on the race the Race Director will give you dozens of racing and training tips along the way and answer any question you may have as well. Classes range from an hour to 2 hours depending on size and how many questions there are. If you are new to Multi-Sport it is Highly Recommended you attned this class.

Amenities:

Unless otherwise noted 2012 events will include a custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, custom latex swim cap, sponsor supplied samples, professional chip timing with results available online, awards to top three in each age group, a great sponsor supplied raffle and awards ceremony following the last finishers and the best post race snack table out there.

 In order to be guaranteed a custom event shirt you absolutely MUST be pre-registered 14 days in advance.  Please understand if you don’t know you are doing the event a week or two out how are we to know?  If a shirt is important to you please pre-register. Due to increasing costs with shipping and shirts orders are kept tight.

Finish/Awards

Prize Purse TBA

Please CLICK HERE for awards mail form.

Keep in mind USAT sanctioned events have the USAT age up rule.  Your age on race day is the same as how old you will be on December 31st of that year.

Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women Overall in each event, excluded from their agegroup
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women within each of the following agegroups 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Top 3 Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Clydesdale =  Male 200lbs or more)
Top 3 Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Athena = Females 150lbs or more)
Masters are awarded to the 1st place Male and 1st Place Female who is 40+ within the Olympic/Long Course and Half distance Triathlons and excluded from agegroup

Awards will in NO circumstances be given out early, or individually before the awards ceremony.  If you must depart for the awards ceremony you may opt to pay the $10 shipping and processing fee and have the award mailed to you.  Please see the link above and under the forms page. You MUST send this form in within 2 weeks following the event with a check or money order for $10 per award in order to receive your award.  Please understand we have NO control over the US postal service.

Course Info

The swim is at the beach on Belle Isle. You will be running and riding on multi loop course using much of the Detroit Grand Prix and marathon courses.

Swim: 750

This will be an on the beach start as Belle Isle has a great beach. You will be swimming in clear, waters between the Island and Detroit heading towards the Belle Isle bridge. Water temps have traditionally beenin the upper 60's to low 70's this is a shallow section with alittle current. Course will be patrolled by Coast Guard, and several life guards and police marine division. A Triangle style course for both events  H2O temp as of.

Bike: 20k Draft Legal

This will be a 3 loop course. You will enter T-2 right in front of the Fountain making a Left into that area.

 Remember this is an open course! You will be sharing the road with vehicular traffic. Use caution at all times. It will be your responsibility to print maps, and know the courses. It is the athlete's responsibility to know and understand the courses. Helmets are a must. No helmet - no race. MP3 players on the bike course are an automatic disqualification. Due to a few athletes actions in the past during an event we are making you aware not only in this event but ALL events whether hosted by us or any other event management company YOU MUST OBEY ALL OFFICIALS and EMERGENCY VEHICLES on the course AT ALL TIMES!! The bottom line here is your race is not more important than an EMERGENCY or OFFICIAL on the course.In the event of an emergency you MUST obey officials requests, and you MUST STOP and pull off the road for any and all EMERGENCY VEHICLES to get through.This is not only to ensure the emergency vehicles can proceed, it is for your safety as well. Any athlete that does not adhere to this rule will be disqualified and will not race in a 3D event for the rest of the year.

Run: 5k

This will be a multi-loop run course as well, bringing the athletes back by the finish line several times to keep the electricity high. 

Transition Area

**READ THIS SEVERAL TIMES**

This event will have two transition areas because the beach isabout a mile from the finish line, parking area, and T-2.It is best to park at T-2/Finish line, setyour running gear and ride your bike to T-1. Please make sure all your equipment is labeled with your name.  We are absolutely NOT responsible for any lost items.  Do Not put valuables, keys, etc, in your gear bags for transport.

Open at 5:30am. No Friends or Family members allowed in the transition area for any reason. You must rack according to your race number. Please remember racks will hold 7 bikes, please be courteous to fellow athletes to ensure there is space for 7. Any and All athletes removing gear from transition areas before the announcer or race directorhas officially opened the transition area will be DISQUALIFIED from the race. No questions asked, your race number will be taken down and you will be disqualified. The transitionarea is closed until all athletes are off the bike course. Sprint athletes this goes for you as well, you must waituntil all the Olympic distance athletes are off the course to enter the transition area. CHIP PICKUP and Body Marking will be at T-1 near the beach.

Transition area #2 will be on the other side of the Grand Prix pits just in front of the great Fountain. Each athlete will have 2 additional bags in your race bag. They will be marked with your number on them and one T2, one swim.It is yourresponsibility to bagall your swim gearafter the swim. (Race Management will not be responsible for any un-bagged or un-claimed race gear please make sure your bags are marked). Following the last athlete exiting T-1 all gear bags will be taken to the finish gear bag claim area. You must have your race number to claim your gear bag.Sprint athletes, please give support crew time to sort and organize bags. Again Run gear only should be placed at T-2 Sunday morning. Your gear bag must be racked at your designated spot by either tying on the rack or placing below your spot on the rack. Transition areas will open at 5:30am. There will be designated spots according to race numbers and event.YOU MUST PLAN for this accordingly, we will not delay the start for late arriving athletes.

 You must rack according to your race number based on sequence placed at end of row. Please remember racks will hold 7 bikes racking with seat tip on support bar. Please be courteous to fellow athletes to ensure there is space for 7. Any athletes removing gear from transition areas before the announcer or race director has officially opened the transition area will be DISQUALIFIED from the race! No questions asked, your race number will be taken down and you will be disqualified. The transition area is closed until all athletes are off the bike course. Sprint athletes this goes for you as well, you must wait until all the athletes are off the course and race officials open the transition area. All athletes deserve a clear transition. There will be an aid station at the run in/out chute with water and electrolyte replacement. Athletes wearing their own chips, PLEASE remove your chips before re-entering the transition area and exiting again. This can cause a timing error. Run in/out and Bike in/out chutes are clearly marked on the large structures at either end, it is your responsibility to go the right direction.

Race Tips

Coming soon

Packet Pickup/Registration

Saturday morning Only:12:00pm to 3:00pm

 NO DAY OF REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT

The casino is the large building next to the fountain at the south end of the island.

Day of Registration will close promptly 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each event unless otherwise noted.

Will be located in most cases under the white tents, please follow the registration signs and look for the purple “Registration” flags.

 ITEMS YOU MUST BRING: USA Triathlon member card and drivers license (or any picture ID). You will not be permitted to race without a picture ID. NON USA Triathlon members will be required to proceed to the USA Triathlon registration table to fill out a one day member license and pay the USA Triathlon $12 fee. This entire fee is sent directly to USA Triathlon following the event along with the event results. If you are not familiar with the multi-sport governing body please see their website at: www.usatriathlon.org

Upon completing the initial registration process you will be issued a race bib number, it is YOUR responsibility to check your personal information for correct spellings, age changes, etc. please do so at this point. Wrong information can cause issues with your race timing and scoring. If you registered by the 14 day pre-registration cut-off date you will receive your T shirt, then proceed to the partner supplied sample area where you may pick one sample of each product.

  Note: Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign event waivers.

Timing/Scoring

We provide all the timing and scoring services for each and every event we host. This will be with ChampionChip or Chrono Track timing systems.

Proceed to the “Chip Pick Up” flag typically near the transition area entrance. You will be issued a neoprene strap with a plastic chip. This must be securely fastened to your ankle for the entire event. It is recommended you put this around your ankle immediately.

 You will NOT be issued a chip and strap without your race bib number. There are no exceptions so do not forget this when picking up your chip and strap.

Throughout the event there will be sets of timing mats or gators, typically under structures indicating finish, bike in, run out, swim finish etc. You must cross over these areas. Do not avoid them or attempt to jump over them. Finally every effort will be made to supply you with a swim, bike, run, transition 1, transition 2 and finish times. However it is explicitly expressed the electronic timing systems are not fool proof. They are electronics and computers outside in the elements and they are not perfect systems. We along with any other timer out there can only score what is captured in a system.

PRELIMINARY results will be posted on and in results kiosks typically located in and around the post event areas. Results are rarely 100% final at the time of the awards ceremony, due to post race corrections.

Your results will be posted on the event website under the “Results” tab located on the home page as well as event page. Every effort is made to post these by the following morning or within 24 hrs. of the event.

 You are responsible for that chip and strap once it is handed to you. If you lose this at any point, meaning you do not turn it in at the finish line you will be responsible for the $40 replacement cost. There are no exceptions to this.

Body Marking

All athletes and all relay members will be body marked with their race number.  After picking up your chip and strap the “Body Marking” flag is typically located near this area. Please proceed to the body marking area. Event support crew will be marking race numbers on your swim caps, biceps, tops of hands, and quadriceps. You will also have your event code marked on one calf. T= long course, S= sprint, D= duathlon, R = relay, H = half. On the opposite calf will be your "USAT" Age (please see USAT Age up Rule)

Accommodations

Friends, Family and Spectators

All rules are designed for the safety of the athletes and our spectators, please follow all rules to ensure everyones safety.

• The transition is absolutely OFF LIMITS to all spectators. All fenced areas are fenced for a reason, it is not to see where you can get around or crawl over or under. These are athlete only areas and are fenced for their safety and yours. Fenced areas will be taken down before raffle and award ceremonies.
• Athlete post race snack tent areas are OFF LIMITS to all spectators.  These snacks are for ATHLETES ONLY. Unfortunately we do not have enough to feed everyone, if you are eating the athlete food there will not be enough for the athletes following their finish. 
•  “Hot Spots” which are the swim exit, bike in/out and finish chutes are high priority areas in terms of safety and caution. At our events these areas are always fenced and flagged and typically patrolled by crew. Please do not lean on, or over in order to get a picture.
•  Please make sure you have all pets on short leashes.
•  Please make sure you have all your kids close by your side, a small child running across a chute in front of athletes running full speed is not a good thing.
• Finally if you would like to help out the support crew on the course please feel free to ask them or please see the race director before the event. We are ALWAYS looking for additional assistance on the course and you will receive access to the post race snack tent with your athlete as well as receive a support crew shirt.

Support Volunteers

If you would like to be a part of the event and receive a support crew shirt and access to the post race snack tent we will never turn down help. The more help on the course just means it is that much better for the athletes. We can ALWAYS use your assistance, you can never have too many volunteers. 

If interested in volunteering and it is the Thursday prior to the event or before, please fill out the form _____ prior to the event.  If it is the day before the event or race day, please find one of the 3 D CREW or head to the VOLUNTEER Flag at the venue. 

Distances

1000m swim, 23mi.  bike, 10k run

500m swim, 11mi. bike, 5k run

Date/location

Saturday July 21st, 8:00am @ Sister Lakes, Michigan.

Venue/Area Information

Please click here for information on the Area Amenities  as well as here for more area information.

MultiSport 101

  6:00 pm starting in Transition 2 at Lions park.

We have been told by many athletes from across the country that our 101 is the best anywhere. Our goal with the 101 from day one has been to go through the entire event start to finish for the newbies, the beginners, the less experienced athletes. To try and calm down those butterflies as much as possible. Along with the information on the race the Race Director will give you dozens of racing and training tips along the way and answer any question you may have as well. Classes range from an hour to 2 hours depending on size and how many questions there are. If you are new to Multi-Sport it is Highly Recommended you attned this class.

Amenities:

The Grill Masters from the Lions Club will be flippin the burgers, dogs, brats and other tasty treats for all the athletes registered for the race.  An awesome post race lunch will be waiting for you after you cross the finish line. 

Unless otherwise noted 2012 events will include a custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, custom latex swim cap, sponsor supplied samples, professional chip timing with results available online, awards to top three in each age group, a great sponsor supplied raffle and awards ceremony following the last finishers and the best post race snack table out there.

 In order to be guaranteed a custom event shirt you absolutely MUST be pre-registered 14 days in advance.  Please understand if you don’t know you are doing the event a week or two out how are we to know?  If a shirt is important to you please pre-register. Due to increasing costs with shipping and shirts orders are kept tight.

Finish/Awards

Please CLICK HERE for awards mail form.

Keep in mind USAT sanctioned events have the USAT age up rule.  Your age on race day is the same as how old you will be on December 31st of that year.

Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women Overall in each event, excluded from their agegroup
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women within each of the following agegroups 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Top 3 Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Clydesdale =  Male 200lbs or more)
Top 3 Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Athena = Females 150lbs or more)
Masters are awarded to the 1st place Male and 1st Place Female who is 40+ within the Olympic/Long Course and Half distance Triathlons and excluded from agegroup

Awards will in NO circumstances be given out early, or individually before the awards ceremony.  If you must depart for the awards ceremony you may opt to pay the $10 shipping and processing fee and have the award mailed to you.  Please see the link above and under the forms page. You MUST send this form in within 2 weeks following the event with a check or money order for $10 per award in order to receive your award.  Please understand we have NO control over the US postal service.

Course Info

New this year, ONE transition area.  It is about 800m from the finish line but the safety of athletes, friends, family and local residents will increase significantly by eliminating the other transition area.  Location will be across the road from the swim start at the corner of Sister Lakes Rd./county road 690 and 95th ave. The finish line, registration, post race festivities will be located at the Lions park located half a mile down 95th ave.  This is where the finish line, packet pickup/registration, and post race festivities as well as venue parking will be located.  Please do not park at Transition there is very little room.  So after parking at the Lions club, registering, etc. you can ride down to the Transition, follow the signs left out of Lions park straight down to T-Area.  You MUST get body marked and pick up your Timing Chip and Strap at transition after you have completed the registration/packet pickup process at Lions Park.  Body Marking/Chip Pickup will be located at the Run In/Out area.  Bike In/Out will be closed. 

The Bike course is a smooth but rolling course most of the way.  There are a few flat sections, but the course will keep you on your toes and will take you around several other lakes.  The Run course will take you around Big Crooked lake through the residential areas around the lake which will attract the locals to cheer you on as you fly by. 

Swim: 1000m/500m

Your swim will start in Round Lake, one of 7 lakes in the immediate area.  A small beach area next to the Driftwood restaurant.  The lake is clear and course is a triangle format with large yellow buoys indicating the sprint course and orange marking the long course.  Depending on weed growth and weather conditions the long course could very well be two loops of the short course, however you will not need to exit the water for lap two.  Water temp as of:

Lifeguards will be positioned along the course on paddle boards as well as waverunners for your safety.  If you need assistance during the swim raise your hand and a guard will get to you.  You will be provided a swim cap, this is mandatory, if you are allergic to latex you may wear your own cap but a cap must be worn.  Swim waves will be posted at packet pickup tents and at the transition area.  The transition area s located across the road from the lake. 

Bike: 23mi./13mi.

Exiting the transition area across from the swim exit on Lake View to a Right on 95th ave. taking you past the Lions Park to a Right at M152, Right at Garrett Rd, Left at Swisher, Right at Town Hall, Right at Middle Crossing, Sprint athletes will continue STRAIGHT DOWN MIDDLE CROSSING - Olympic athletes Left on Burke down to School street, right merge.  School street to Indian Lake.  Sprint athletes will make their RIGHT at Middle Crossing and Indian Lake and head back to T-Area  Olympic distance athletes will make a LEFT on Indian Lake and head south to a Right on Old M62, to a Right on M62.  Staying on the coned shoulder of M62, down half a mile to a RIGHT on Brush Lake road.  Up to a Right on School st to a LEFT turn at Indian Lake and then heading back to T-area.  A quick Left/Right on Dixon and on Sister Lakes Road (690.  Click here for course map 

 Remember this is an open course! You will be sharing the road with vehicular traffic. Use caution at all times. It will be your responsibility to print maps, and know the courses. It is the athlete's responsibility to know and understand the courses. Helmets are a must. No helmet - no race. MP3 players on the bike course are an automatic disqualification. Due to a few athletes actions in the past during an event we are making you aware not only in this event but ALL events whether hosted by us or any other event management company YOU MUST OBEY ALL OFFICIALS and EMERGENCY VEHICLES on the course AT ALL TIMES!! The bottom line here is your race is not more important than an EMERGENCY or OFFICIAL on the course.In the event of an emergency you MUST obey officials requests, and you MUST STOP and pull off the road for any and all EMERGENCY VEHICLES to get through.This is not only to ensure the emergency vehicles can proceed, it is for your safety as well. Any athlete that does not adhere to this rule will be disqualified and will not race in a 3D event for the rest of the year.

Run: 10k/5k

Exiting the transition area you will follow a flagged chute out to 95th ave, you will cross the road and head West around Big Crooked lake (Opposite direction of last year).  You will make a Left on M-152 to a Left on Lakeshore Dr. Lake Shore, Left at Victory Shore up and around the Cul-de-sac and back to a Left at Sister Lakes Rd.,  Left at 95th, Right at the Lions Park.  Aid stations will be placed each mile, this is a 5k loop so long course athletes will simply keep running past the turn in to Lions park for lap 2.  Each mile will be marked as well as the course with cones and chalk and signs at each corner. Click here for run course 

Transition Area

Open at 6:00am closes at 7:45am. Again you MUST park at Lions Club park!!!   Then head down to T-area with your bike and swim gear.  This is located 800m west on 95th ave. Rack rows will be numbered, sprint on one side, long course on the other.  This area will be secured and partrolled until 12:00.  You MUST retreive your gear following your finish, do not wait till after the event!  We must get this area torn down as soon as possible.   

 You must rack according to your race number based on sequence placed at end of row. Please remember racks will hold 7 bikes racking with seat tip on support bar. Please be courteous to fellow athletes to ensure there is space for 7. Any athletes removing gear from transition areas before the announcer or race director has officially opened the transition area will be DISQUALIFIED from the race! No questions asked, your race number will be taken down and you will be disqualified. The transition area is closed until all athletes are off the bike course. Sprint athletes this goes for you as well, you must wait until all the athletes are off the course and race officials open the transition area. All athletes deserve a clear transition. There will be an aid station at the run in/out chute with water and electrolyte replacement. Athletes wearing their own chips, PLEASE remove your chips before re-entering the transition area and exiting again. This can cause a timing error. Run in/out and Bike in/out chutes are clearly marked on the large structures at either end, it is your responsibility to go the right direction.

Relays

At registration you will receive ONE bib number and ONE chip/strap. The runner must wear the  bib number as that is who will be crossing the finish line. All relay members must be body marked with that number. The Chip/Strap will be securely fastened around the person competing in the first discipline. There will be a designated spot for All Relays at one of the entry/exit points in the transition area marked RELAYS. All staging and chip/strap exchanging is to be done at this point. Not on the course. The Chip/Strap must be securely fastened to each athletes ankle, do not grab it and go, do not put it on the wrist. Upon finishing it is the last athletes responsibility to return that chip/strap at the finish line. (one athlete may do more than one discipline)

Race Tips

My big race tip for this race is get on site a little earlier than normal.  I am not a big advocate of arriving early and hanging out all morning, cold or not 20 extra minutes in bed is 20 extra minutes.  But because T-area is a little further away than normal you can take your time getting down there,  you never know what issue may arise and as I am not a big advocate on arriving at 6am I also can't stand rushing before a race.  So get there in plenty of time to get registered, and allow for plenty of time to get body marked and pick up your chip and strap.  As you all know there can typically be long lines at these spots so you dont want to wait till the last minute to arrive and find long lines then you are rushing over to T-area.  Especially if there is potential for inclement weather. 

Packet Pickup/Registration

Day Before: 4:00 - 7:00 at Lions Park - Highly recommended if you wish to avoid long lines. Look for purple REGISTRATION Flags
Day of Registration: 6:00 - 7:00 ONLY at LIons Park, where all the parking will be as well. 

Day of Registration will close promptly 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each event unless otherwise noted.

Will be located in most cases under the white tents, please follow the registration signs and look for the purple “Registration” flags.

 ITEMS YOU MUST BRING: USA Triathlon member card and drivers license (or any picture ID). You will not be permitted to race without a picture ID. NON USA Triathlon members will be required to proceed to the USA Triathlon registration table to fill out a one day member license and pay the USA Triathlon $12 fee. This entire fee is sent directly to USA Triathlon following the event along with the event results. If you are not familiar with the multi-sport governing body please see their website at: www.usatriathlon.org

Upon completing the initial registration process you will be issued a race bib number, it is YOUR responsibility to check your personal information for correct spellings, age changes, etc. please do so at this point. Wrong information can cause issues with your race timing and scoring. If you registered by the 14 day pre-registration cut-off date you will receive your T shirt, then proceed to the partner supplied sample area where you may pick one sample of each product.

  Note: Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign event waivers.

USAT

A $12 one day USAT license fee is required for all NON - USAT members. Relays are required to pay $12 per relay member.  Youth 17 and under is a $15 fee for the year.
Pre registered athletes your fee was collected online this fee goes directly to USA Triathlon NOT 3D.    
Remember the USAT age up rule, meaning you will race at the age you will be at the end of the year.

Timing/Scoring

We provide all the timing and scoring services for each and every event we host. This will be with ChampionChip or Chrono Track timing systems.

Proceed to the “Chip Pick Up” flag typically near the transition area entrance. You will be issued a neoprene strap with a plastic chip. This must be securely fastened to your ankle for the entire event. It is recommended you put this around your ankle immediately.

 You will NOT be issued a chip and strap without your race bib number. There are no exceptions so do not forget this when picking up your chip and strap.

Throughout the event there will be sets of timing mats or gators, typically under structures indicating finish, bike in, run out, swim finish etc. You must cross over these areas. Do not avoid them or attempt to jump over them. Finally every effort will be made to supply you with a swim, bike, run, transition 1, transition 2 and finish times. However it is explicitly expressed the electronic timing systems are not fool proof. They are electronics and computers outside in the elements and they are not perfect systems. We along with any other timer out there can only score what is captured in a system.

PRELIMINARY results will be posted on and in results kiosks typically located in and around the post event areas. Results are rarely 100% final at the time of the awards ceremony, due to post race corrections.

Your results will be posted on the event website under the “Results” tab located on the home page as well as event page. Every effort is made to post these by the following morning or within 24 hrs. of the event.

 You are responsible for that chip and strap once it is handed to you. If you lose this at any point, meaning you do not turn it in at the finish line you will be responsible for the $40 replacement cost. There are no exceptions to this.

Body Marking

All athletes and all relay members will be body marked with their race number.  After picking up your chip and strap the “Body Marking” flag is typically located near this area. Please proceed to the body marking area. Event support crew will be marking race numbers on your swim caps, biceps, tops of hands, and quadriceps. You will also have your event code marked on one calf. T= long course, S= sprint, D= duathlon, R = relay, H = half. On the opposite calf will be your "USAT" Age (please see USAT Age up Rule)

Accomodations

Baymont Inn will be offering athletes participating at special $65 rate, please call and mention Sister Lakes Triathlon to get the deal.  29291 Amerihost Dr.  Dowagiac, MI 49047  (269) 782-4270   

Friends, Family and Spectators

The good folks from the Lions Club will be the grill masters at this event, offering a great lunch for all, $6 will get you a beverage along with a burger or hotdog or Brat, some fruit and other goodies.  Support the local Lions Club and enjoy a delicous lunch with your triathlete that did a great job at the race.

All rules are designed for the safety of the athletes and our spectators, please follow all rules to ensure everyones safety.

• The transition is absolutely OFF LIMITS to all spectators. All fenced areas are fenced for a reason, it is not to see where you can get around or crawl over or under. These are athlete only areas and are fenced for their safety and yours. Fenced areas will be taken down before raffle and award ceremonies.
• Athlete post race snack tent areas are OFF LIMITS to all spectators.  These snacks are for ATHLETES ONLY. Unfortunately we do not have enough to feed everyone, if you are eating the athlete food there will not be enough for the athletes following their finish. 
•  “Hot Spots” which are the swim exit, bike in/out and finish chutes are high priority areas in terms of safety and caution. At our events these areas are always fenced and flagged and typically patrolled by crew. Please do not lean on, or over in order to get a picture.
•  Please make sure you have all pets on short leashes.
•  Please make sure you have all your kids close by your side, a small child running across a chute in front of athletes running full speed is not a good thing.
• Finally if you would like to help out the support crew on the course please feel free to ask them or please see the race director before the event. We are ALWAYS looking for additional assistance on the course and you will receive access to the post race snack tent with your athlete as well as receive a support crew shirt.

Support Volunteers

If you would like to be a part of the event and receive a support crew shirt and access to the post race snack tent we will never turn down help. The more help on the course just means it is that much better for the athletes. We can ALWAYS use your assistance, you can never have too many volunteers. 

If interested in volunteering and it is the Thursday prior to the event or before, please fill out the form _____ prior to the event.  If it is the day before the event or race day, please find one of the 3 D CREW or head to the VOLUNTEER Flag at the venue. 

 New Schedule Distances

Saturday 9am
Reverse Triathlon format:
2.2 mi.run, 20k bike, 300yd. swim - Starkermann jr.
4.4 mi run, 30k bike, 300yd. swim - Starkermann

Duathlon format:
2.2mi. run, 20k bike, 2.2mi. run

click here to register for individual events

Date/location

Saturday May, 12, Gaylord, Mi.
 
Sportsplex- 1250 Gornick ave. Gaylord, Mi. 989.731.3546

Venue/Area Information

We picked this area for many reasons, one being it is our home town. Also, it is the perfect area for such an event. There are plenty of accomodations, area amenities, and beautiful and challenging terrain with excellent facilities at each venue. As I said - perfect for such an event. Gaylord is located at Exit 282 off of I-75.Please click here for all the local information.

MultiSport 101

 Not for This event.

We have been told by many athletes from across the country that our 101 is the best anywhere. Our goal with the 101 from day one has been to go through the entire event start to finish for the newbies, the beginners, the less experienced athletes. To try and calm down those butterflies as much as possible. Along with the information on the race the Race Director will give you dozens of racing and training tips along the way and answer any question you may have as well. Classes range from an hour to 2 hours depending on size and how many questions there are. If you are new to Multi-Sport it is Highly Recommended you attned this class.

Amenities:

Unless otherwise noted 2012 events will include a custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, custom latex swim cap, sponsor supplied samples, professional chip timing with results available online, awards to top three in each age group, a great sponsor supplied raffle and awards ceremony following the last finishers and the best post race snack table out there.

 In order to be guaranteed a custom event shirt you absolutely MUST be pre-registered 14 days in advance.  Please understand if you don’t know you are doing the event a week or two out how are we to know?  If a shirt is important to you please pre-register. Due to increasing costs with shipping and shirts orders are kept tight.

Finish/Awards

Please CLICK HERE for awards mail form.

Keep in mind USAT sanctioned events have the USAT age up rule.  Your age on race day is the same as how old you will be on December 31st of that year.

Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women Overall in each event, excluded from their agegroup
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women within each of the following agegroups 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Top 3 Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Clydesdale =  Male 200lbs or more)
Top 3 Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Athena = Females 150lbs or more)
Masters are awarded to the 1st place Male and 1st Place Female who is 40+ within the Olympic/Long Course and Half distance Triathlons and excluded from agegroup

Awards will in NO circumstances be given out early, or individually before the awards ceremony.  If you must depart for the awards ceremony you may opt to pay the $10 shipping and processing fee and have the award mailed to you.  Please see the link above and under the forms page. You MUST send this form in within 2 weeks following the event with a check or money order for $10 per award in order to receive your award.  Please understand we have NO control over the US postal service.

Course Info

The triathlon & duathlon run courses Saturday morning will be a fast, flat loop across the steet from the Sportsplex utilizing half road and half snowmobile trail. The out and back bike portions will flat for the jr. and a few rolling hills the final 3 miles for the Starkermann athletes. The swim of course is indoors at the Sportsplex pool.

Saturday: 5/12 9am

Packet Pickup 7:30am to 8:30am
9:00am start time
Reverse Format Triathlon:
Starting and finishing at the Otsego County Sportsplex. Beginning with a flat, fast 2.2 or 4.4mi. run. Starting with a part cross country run on the snowmobile trail. These are not trails but more like a cross country course, flat along the train tracks. Followed by an absolutely awesome bike course because there are like 20 houses on the entire course. Pine Tree lined the entire way, very little traffic, flat, fast, smooth roads. Jr. athletes will have a flat course, Starkermann athletes will have some hills the final three miles before returning. then a 20k or 30k bike and finishing up with an indoor 400yd. serpentine style swim inside the Otsego sportsplex pool. 

Duathletes will simply head back out and complete one loop of the run course again, upon completing you will head back towards transition finishing just before the pool entry doors in front of the announcing tent at the purple FINISH flag. 

Starkermann Jr. 2.2mi. run, 20k bike, 300yd. indoor swim
Starkermann 4.4mi. run, 30k bike, 300yd. indoor swim (2 loops on run course)
Starkermann Duathlon 2.2mi. run, 20k bike, 2.2mi. run

Click here for Run course map - Click here for Bike course map - Click here for Site Map/Swim 

Bike

 Remember this is an open course! You will be sharing the road with vehicular traffic. Use caution at all times. It will be your responsibility to print maps, and know the courses. It is the athlete's responsibility to know and understand the courses. Helmets are a must. No helmet - no race. MP3 players on the bike course are an automatic disqualification. Due to a few athletes actions in the past during an event we are making you aware not only in this event but ALL events whether hosted by us or any other event management company YOU MUST OBEY ALL OFFICIALS and EMERGENCY VEHICLES on the course AT ALL TIMES!! The bottom line here is your race is not more important than an EMERGENCY or OFFICIAL on the course.In the event of an emergency you MUST obey officials requests, and you MUST STOP and pull off the road for any and all EMERGENCY VEHICLES to get through.This is not only to ensure the emergency vehicles can proceed, it is for your safety as well. Any athlete that does not adhere to this rule will be disqualified and will not race in a 3D event for the rest of the year.

Relays

At registration you will receive ONE bib number and ONE chip/strap. The runner must wear the  bib number as that is who will be crossing the finish line. All relay members must be body marked with that number. The Chip/Strap will be securely fastened around the person competing in the first discipline. There will be a designated spot for All Relays at one of the entry/exit points in the transition area marked RELAYS. All staging and chip/strap exchanging is to be done at this point. Not on the course. The Chip/Strap must be securely fastened to each athletes ankle, do not grab it and go, do not put it on the wrist. Upon finishing it is the last athletes responsibility to return that chip/strap at the finish line. (one athlete may do more than one discipline)

Transition Area

 You must rack according to your race number based on sequence placed at end of row. Please remember racks will hold 7 bikes racking with seat tip on support bar. Please be courteous to fellow athletes to ensure there is space for 7. Any athletes removing gear from transition areas before the announcer or race director has officially opened the transition area will be DISQUALIFIED from the race! No questions asked, your race number will be taken down and you will be disqualified. The transition area is closed until all athletes are off the bike course. Sprint athletes this goes for you as well, you must wait until all the athletes are off the course and race officials open the transition area. All athletes deserve a clear transition. There will be an aid station at the run in/out chute with water and electrolyte replacement. Athletes wearing their own chips, PLEASE remove your chips before re-entering the transition area and exiting again. This can cause a timing error. Run in/out and Bike in/out chutes are clearly marked on the large structures at either end, it is your responsibility to go the right direction.

Race Tips

Well what can I other than be prepared for ANY type of weather. Your race bag check list MUST include everything from jacket and tights to shorts and sleeveless top. It is Northern Michigan in May folks. Most of you competing from Michigan have heard the weather history for this race or have had the pleasure of experiencing it first hand. In the Starkermanns history it has been 70 and sun to 30 and rain/snow on Sunday. So even though the weather forecast may say good things about the weekend my first tip is pack it all and prepare for it all. Best case is you don't have to use any bad weather gear.  So that is the biggest tip to be prepared for any and all types of weather.  The final tip for the reverse triathlon is cramping in the swim in your legs.  If you go to hard on the bike and run you may experience some type of leg cramp in the water.  My biggest tip is to limit the amount of kicking you do during the 400yd. swim.  It is a totally different motion and it is in 80 degree water.  Not that many would do this but a quick few leg stretches would help as well.  But keep the kicking to a minimal. 

Packet Pickup/Registration

Will begin at 7:30am Saturday morning at the Sportsplex under the registration tent next to the transition area and sportsplex.  Registration will close at 8:30am. 

Day of Registration will close promptly 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each event unless otherwise noted.

Will be located in most cases under the white tents, please follow the registration signs and look for the purple “Registration” flags.

 ITEMS YOU MUST BRING: USA Triathlon member card and drivers license (or any picture ID). You will not be permitted to race without a picture ID. NON USA Triathlon members will be required to proceed to the USA Triathlon registration table to fill out a one day member license and pay the USA Triathlon $12 fee. This entire fee is sent directly to USA Triathlon following the event along with the event results. If you are not familiar with the multi-sport governing body please see their website at: www.usatriathlon.org

Upon completing the initial registration process you will be issued a race bib number, it is YOUR responsibility to check your personal information for correct spellings, age changes, etc. please do so at this point. Wrong information can cause issues with your race timing and scoring. If you registered by the 14 day pre-registration cut-off date you will receive your T shirt, then proceed to the partner supplied sample area where you may pick one sample of each product.

  Note: Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign event waivers.

USAT

A $12 one day USAT license fee is required for all NON - USAT members. Relays are required to pay $12 per relay member.  Youth 17 and under is a $15 fee for the year.
Pre registered athletes your fee was collected online this fee goes directly to USA Triathlon NOT 3D.    
Remember the USAT age up rule, meaning you will race at the age you will be at the end of the year.

Timing/Scoring

We provide all the timing and scoring services for each and every event we host. This will be with ChampionChip or Chrono Track timing systems.

Proceed to the “Chip Pick Up” flag typically near the transition area entrance. You will be issued a neoprene strap with a plastic chip. This must be securely fastened to your ankle for the entire event. It is recommended you put this around your ankle immediately.

 You will NOT be issued a chip and strap without your race bib number. There are no exceptions so do not forget this when picking up your chip and strap.

Throughout the event there will be sets of timing mats or gators, typically under structures indicating finish, bike in, run out, swim finish etc. You must cross over these areas. Do not avoid them or attempt to jump over them. Finally every effort will be made to supply you with a swim, bike, run, transition 1, transition 2 and finish times. However it is explicitly expressed the electronic timing systems are not fool proof. They are electronics and computers outside in the elements and they are not perfect systems. We along with any other timer out there can only score what is captured in a system.

PRELIMINARY results will be posted on and in results kiosks typically located in and around the post event areas. Results are rarely 100% final at the time of the awards ceremony, due to post race corrections.

Your results will be posted on the event website under the “Results” tab located on the home page as well as event page. Every effort is made to post these by the following morning or within 24 hrs. of the event.

 You are responsible for that chip and strap once it is handed to you. If you lose this at any point, meaning you do not turn it in at the finish line you will be responsible for the $40 replacement cost. There are no exceptions to this.

Body Marking

All athletes and all relay members will be body marked with their race number.  After picking up your chip and strap the “Body Marking” flag is typically located near this area. Please proceed to the body marking area. Event support crew will be marking race numbers on your swim caps, biceps, tops of hands, and quadriceps. You will also have your event code marked on one calf. T= long course, S= sprint, D= duathlon, R = relay, H = half. On the opposite calf will be your "USAT" Age (please see USAT Age up Rule)

Accomodations

Please go to the area links above for all the many lodging opportunities in gaylord, there are dozens of hotels, motels and resorts at very resonable rates this time of year.  All will be less than 10k from the Sportsplex and several are within 2 miles.

Friends, Family and Spectators

All rules are designed for the safety of the athletes and our spectators, please follow all rules to ensure everyones safety.

• The transition is absolutely OFF LIMITS to all spectators. All fenced areas are fenced for a reason, it is not to see where you can get around or crawl over or under. These are athlete only areas and are fenced for their safety and yours. Fenced areas will be taken down before raffle and award ceremonies.
• Athlete post race snack tent areas are OFF LIMITS to all spectators.  These snacks are for ATHLETES ONLY. Unfortunately we do not have enough to feed everyone, if you are eating the athlete food there will not be enough for the athletes following their finish. 
•  “Hot Spots” which are the swim exit, bike in/out and finish chutes are high priority areas in terms of safety and caution. At our events these areas are always fenced and flagged and typically patrolled by crew. Please do not lean on, or over in order to get a picture.
•  Please make sure you have all pets on short leashes.
•  Please make sure you have all your kids close by your side, a small child running across a chute in front of athletes running full speed is not a good thing.
• Finally if you would like to help out the support crew on the course please feel free to ask them or please see the race director before the event. We are ALWAYS looking for additional assistance on the course and you will receive access to the post race snack tent with your athlete as well as receive a support crew shirt.

Distances

1.2mi. swim, 56mi. bike, 13.1mi. run
1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run
500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
4mi. run, 56mi. bike, 13.1mi run

Date/location

Saturday September 10, 7:45am. Tawas Bay, E. Tawas, Michigan.about 30 minutes up US 23 at the I-75, US 23 split take US 23 North, exit 188 off of I 75
Click here for map

Venue/Area Information

The word has spread how great this venue and course we have designed is.  The states best half course, one of the best anywhere in the country.  Another one of those incredible triathlon venues we are so lucky to have in Michigan. A great little city on the sunrise side of the state. This typically means less lake flipping and calmer waters in the bay. We will watch the sun rise before the start of this event. Plenty of great family owned hotel and motels right on lake Huron for you and the family to stay. Click here for area information

MultiSport 101

 5:00pm in transition area Friday

We have been told by many athletes from across the country that our 101 is the best anywhere. Our goal with the 101 from day one has been to go through the entire event start to finish for the newbies, the beginners, the less experienced athletes. To try and calm down those butterflies as much as possible. Along with the information on the race the Race Director will give you dozens of racing and training tips along the way and answer any question you may have as well. Classes range from an hour to 2 hours depending on size and how many questions there are. If you are new to Multi-Sport it is Highly Recommended you attned this class.

Amenities:

Half Iron distance tri and du athletes in order to guarantee your finisher hoodie you must be registered by 8.18.

Unless otherwise noted 2012 events will include a custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, custom latex swim cap, sponsor supplied samples, professional chip timing with results available online, awards to top three in each age group, a great sponsor supplied raffle and awards ceremony following the last finishers and the best post race snack table out there.

 In order to be guaranteed a custom event shirt you absolutely MUST be pre-registered 14 days in advance.  Please understand if you don’t know you are doing the event a week or two out how are we to know?  If a shirt is important to you please pre-register. Due to increasing costs with shipping and shirts orders are kept tight.

Finish/Awards

Please CLICK HERE for awards mail form.

Keep in mind USAT sanctioned events have the USAT age up rule.  Your age on race day is the same as how old you will be on December 31st of that year.

Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women Overall in each event, excluded from their agegroup
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women within each of the following agegroups 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Top 3 Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Clydesdale =  Male 200lbs or more)
Top 3 Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Athena = Females 150lbs or more)
Masters are awarded to the 1st place Male and 1st Place Female who is 40+ within the Olympic/Long Course and Half distance Triathlons and excluded from agegroup

Awards will in NO circumstances be given out early, or individually before the awards ceremony.  If you must depart for the awards ceremony you may opt to pay the $10 shipping and processing fee and have the award mailed to you.  Please see the link above and under the forms page. You MUST send this form in within 2 weeks following the event with a check or money order for $10 per award in order to receive your award.  Please understand we have NO control over the US postal service.

Course Info

If you have not heard the race reviews from past years here are a few. "kenny the course lived up to all your hype, it was awesome as you said it was" "the best bike course in Michigan" "that section going down to the damn and back up is awesome" "this is going to be a big event in the future with this venue and once the word gets out about the course it will sell out, great job". "My husband and I have done over 70 halfs around the country combined, we travelled up from FLorida for this and we have to tell all our friends this is one of the top 3 half events in the country, well done and beautiful course, thanks"  These are just a few of the comments and emails we received after past events. Crystal clear lake swim that paralells the beach. The bike course has one word, awesome. I chose that word because it was used the most from athletes emails. In a day and age when half courses are over sold for what they can actually accomodate this is a welcome change featuring everything from lightning fast flat sections to fast winding descents, to a heart pounding climb. It just never slows down like a fast pool or track. The new run course will take you through the residential streets of East Tawas flat, fast and out to the airport and back.

Compliments of Tim Josephs:Please click here to read Tim's professional opinion on the incredible Tawas Course. Computrainer file also with link

Swim | Run | Bike | Transition Area

Swim: 1.2mi & 1.5k & 500m

This will be a crystal clear Tawas Bay (lake huron) swim with water temperatures historically between 65 and 72 degrees in September. We will plan to have the swim course set for you on Thursday morning Weather permitting. Every effort will be made to put as much of the swim course in5-6 feet ofwater paralelling the beach as possible. Half Ironman distance athletes willstart us off at 8:00am, followed by Olympic distance athletes at 8:30am and finally sprint athletes at 8:55am. Life guards, Sheriff marine division and search and rescue will be on the water for your safety. Very simply this will be an out and back course, seperation will be about 20 feet so there will be two sets of buoys.

Bike: 56mi & 20k & 40k

This is one of our FAVORITE courses we have, if not the best one. If you count 20 cars past the 2 mile mark on the course it will be very rare. This is smooth sailing the entire route, nothing rough out there. Pine tree lined course just about the entire way. Exiting the transition area you will take Main street to a Left on State across Newman to a RIGHT on Bridge to an immediate RIGHT on Monument, RIght on Monument and then you are flying through the national forest. Sprint and Olympic athletes will turnaround at the 10k and 20k marks labeled with large orange signs. Half athletes continue up to a RIGHT on River rd. your turnaround point will be at the 40k mark, about 3 miles past the Dam Store. Returning you will have a .7 mile climb that enabled you to ride for 5 miles so fast you thought you were a pro. After the climb you will enjoy a flat section before the RIGHT turn on Cooke Dam rd. This is a 3 mile descent down to the Ausable River, where you will turnaround just before the dam. Remember the exhilleration you felt the last three miles now will become a nice long gradual climb. (we had to keep you honest out there) Then you simply return down Monument road. You will spend the majority of your biking on Monument road both out and back. This will take you all the way to River road, passing the Kiwanis statue. Athletes this will truly be a nice treat for you from most of the other half courses around with the minimal traffic on this course. September in Tawas is not high tourist season. Bike Cut Off 12:45pm.

 Remember this is an open course! You will be sharing the road with vehicular traffic. Use caution at all times. It will be your responsibility to print maps, and know the courses. It is the athlete's responsibility to know and understand the courses. Helmets are a must. No helmet - no race. MP3 players on the bike course are an automatic disqualification. Due to a few athletes actions in the past during an event we are making you aware not only in this event but ALL events whether hosted by us or any other event management company YOU MUST OBEY ALL OFFICIALS and EMERGENCY VEHICLES on the course AT ALL TIMES!! The bottom line here is your race is not more important than an EMERGENCY or OFFICIAL on the course.In the event of an emergency you MUST obey officials requests, and you MUST STOP and pull off the road for any and all EMERGENCY VEHICLES to get through.This is not only to ensure the emergency vehicles can proceed, it is for your safety as well. Any athlete that does not adhere to this rule will be disqualified and will not race in a 3D event for the rest of the year.

Run: 13.1mi & 5k & 10k

Out and back run course that will take you out to the airport and back. It is flat, fast, mostly tree lined and very wide. Exiting the transition area you will head out Bay st. to Grant, up to Schill winding you back onto Airport to N. Tawas to Green. Turnaround points along this route will be marked with large A frame signs. On your return when hitting Schill you will head to a LEFT on Lincoln to Tawas Beach rd. Right to a Right at Bay to the finish line right in front of Marions Ice Cream shop and G's Pizza.(please support them as theyhave given up their store fronts for the event finish line) It will be YOUR responsibilty to print maps, and know the courses, they will not be available at the events. Aid stations will be stocked with Hammer Nutrition products, Coke, Ice, Water, Bananas, vaseline/aquaphor, if extremely hot ice cold towels. Run Cut Off 3:30pm

Duathlon Run 1 - heading out starting at the finish line, to mile 2 and simply return to the transition area.

Relays

At registration you will receive ONE bib number and ONE chip/strap. The runner must wear the  bib number as that is who will be crossing the finish line. All relay members must be body marked with that number. The Chip/Strap will be securely fastened around the person competing in the first discipline. There will be a designated spot for All Relays at one of the entry/exit points in the transition area marked RELAYS. All staging and chip/strap exchanging is to be done at this point. Not on the course. The Chip/Strap must be securely fastened to each athletes ankle, do not grab it and go, do not put it on the wrist. Upon finishing it is the last athletes responsibility to return that chip/strap at the finish line. (one athlete may do more than one discipline)

Transition Area

downtown across from the lake in the main city parking lot behind Marions Ice Cream and G's Pizza. Open at 6:00am closes at 7:30am. No Friends or Family members allowed in the transition area for any reason.The race director and race officials will close the transition area 30-45 minutes before race start to ensure all athletes are at starting lines for mandatory course meetings and announcements.  Once the transition area is closed you will not be permitted back in before the race starts.  Family members will not be premitted in for any reason.  In the event of inclement weather it is recommended you have warm, dry clothing outside the transition area to put on following your finish due to other athletes still being on the bike course.  Thank you for your cooperation in following these rules.

 You must rack according to your race number based on sequence placed at end of row. Please remember racks will hold 7 bikes racking with seat tip on support bar. Please be courteous to fellow athletes to ensure there is space for 7. Any athletes removing gear from transition areas before the announcer or race director has officially opened the transition area will be DISQUALIFIED from the race! No questions asked, your race number will be taken down and you will be disqualified. The transition area is closed until all athletes are off the bike course. Sprint athletes this goes for you as well, you must wait until all the athletes are off the course and race officials open the transition area. All athletes deserve a clear transition. There will be an aid station at the run in/out chute with water and electrolyte replacement. Athletes wearing their own chips, PLEASE remove your chips before re-entering the transition area and exiting again. This can cause a timing error. Run in/out and Bike in/out chutes are clearly marked on the large structures at either end, it is your responsibility to go the right direction.

Race Tips

I wish I had better racing tips for you for the swim, but honestly in the 40 plus half distance events I have done I don't think I have ever had a strategy other than getting out as fast as I can. Pretty lame aey? One thing, it is easy to get comfortable at this distance behind someone, Don't,  before you know it you could be off by 50m. Keep your stroke cadence the entire time. Bring the disc and aero helmet for this one on the bike, after you get out of the city drop the hammer. You ask why so early, because you can, pick a gear on the way out that you can maintain your cadence smoothly all the way to the aid station at mile 13 or so. Turn onto river road and keep it up. You can take a little break on the downhill when you see the campground along the Ausable river on your left. That will give you plenty of time to recover, turnaround and be able to grind out the climb. Again with the campground on your right now. When you get to the top hammer again to your right turn, it is a fast descent all the way to the damn. Use caution you can reach speeds over 40mph. and there is a lot of wild life down here. You can make up a lot of ground if you get into climbing mode,put your hands onthe top of your bars,move the hands close together, bend your elbows slightly, move your butt to the back of the seat, open your lungs, tighten your shoe strapsand repeat push, pull, push, pull, push all the way to the top. Do not look around, do not worry about anyone else, just repeat that all the way to the top. Once back on Monument road get aero and stay aero all the way home. I like to put the half course in sections of 5ks. Depending on how you feel, one on and one off, not totally off, but not as focused I guess you can say. If you feel good, two 10ks. If you feel great after the first 5k, all bets are off and run your fastest 10miler. You need to make a plan for all 4 scenerios in your head before the race or during the bike. The new run course should afford you plenty of cheering from residents in the downtown area as it will wind you on an out and back course, mostly tree lined but flat and fast.

Packet Pickup/Registration

Day Before: 4pm - 8pm Friday ONLY
NO Packet Pickup/Registration on Saturday!
Located at the city park on the corner of Newman and 23 between the city campground and Tawas bay beach resort under the tent. You must plan accordingly with travel to ensure you are on location Friday. Those coming from out of state that will not make that deadline must make arrangements with event management to pick up packets Saturday between 6 & 7AM ONLY!!  Do not arrive late. Registration will close.

Day of Registration will close promptly 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each event unless otherwise noted.

Will be located in most cases under the white tents, please follow the registration signs and look for the purple “Registration” flags.

 ITEMS YOU MUST BRING: USA Triathlon member card and drivers license (or any picture ID). You will not be permitted to race without a picture ID. NON USA Triathlon members will be required to proceed to the USA Triathlon registration table to fill out a one day member license and pay the USA Triathlon $12 fee. This entire fee is sent directly to USA Triathlon following the event along with the event results. If you are not familiar with the multi-sport governing body please see their website at: www.usatriathlon.org

Upon completing the initial registration process you will be issued a race bib number, it is YOUR responsibility to check your personal information for correct spellings, age changes, etc. please do so at this point. Wrong information can cause issues with your race timing and scoring. If you registered by the 14 day pre-registration cut-off date you will receive your T shirt, then proceed to the partner supplied sample area where you may pick one sample of each product.

  Note: Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign event waivers.

USAT

A $12 one day USAT license fee is required for all NON - USAT members. Relays are required to pay $12 per relay member.  Youth 17 and under is a $15 fee for the year.
Pre registered athletes your fee was collected online this fee goes directly to USA Triathlon NOT 3D.    
Remember the USAT age up rule, meaning you will race at the age you will be at the end of the year.

Timing/Scoring

We provide all the timing and scoring services for each and every event we host. This will be with ChampionChip or Chrono Track timing systems.

Proceed to the “Chip Pick Up” flag typically near the transition area entrance. You will be issued a neoprene strap with a plastic chip. This must be securely fastened to your ankle for the entire event. It is recommended you put this around your ankle immediately.

 You will NOT be issued a chip and strap without your race bib number. There are no exceptions so do not forget this when picking up your chip and strap.

Throughout the event there will be sets of timing mats or gators, typically under structures indicating finish, bike in, run out, swim finish etc. You must cross over these areas. Do not avoid them or attempt to jump over them. Finally every effort will be made to supply you with a swim, bike, run, transition 1, transition 2 and finish times. However it is explicitly expressed the electronic timing systems are not fool proof. They are electronics and computers outside in the elements and they are not perfect systems. We along with any other timer out there can only score what is captured in a system.

PRELIMINARY results will be posted on and in results kiosks typically located in and around the post event areas. Results are rarely 100% final at the time of the awards ceremony, due to post race corrections.

Your results will be posted on the event website under the “Results” tab located on the home page as well as event page. Every effort is made to post these by the following morning or within 24 hrs. of the event.

 You are responsible for that chip and strap once it is handed to you. If you lose this at any point, meaning you do not turn it in at the finish line you will be responsible for the $40 replacement cost. There are no exceptions to this.

Body Marking

All athletes and all relay members will be body marked with their race number.  After picking up your chip and strap the “Body Marking” flag is typically located near this area. Please proceed to the body marking area. Event support crew will be marking race numbers on your swim caps, biceps, tops of hands, and quadriceps. You will also have your event code marked on one calf. T= long course, S= sprint, D= duathlon, R = relay, H = half. On the opposite calf will be your "USAT" Age (please see USAT Age up Rule)

Accommodations

Athletes we greatly encourage you to book ASAP, the many private motel/hotel/resorts on Lake Huron from Augres to Oscoda. Please click here for additional lodging opportunities

Camping - East Tawas City Park, basically a stones throw away fromthe transition area, right downtown or East Tawas State Park, 4 miles from the transition area and a beautiful park on Tawas Point.

Friends, Family and Spectators

All rules are designed for the safety of the athletes and our spectators, please follow all rules to ensure everyones safety.

• The transition is absolutely OFF LIMITS to all spectators. All fenced areas are fenced for a reason, it is not to see where you can get around or crawl over or under. These are athlete only areas and are fenced for their safety and yours. Fenced areas will be taken down before raffle and award ceremonies.
• Athlete post race snack tent areas are OFF LIMITS to all spectators.  These snacks are for ATHLETES ONLY. Unfortunately we do not have enough to feed everyone, if you are eating the athlete food there will not be enough for the athletes following their finish. 
•  “Hot Spots” which are the swim exit, bike in/out and finish chutes are high priority areas in terms of safety and caution. At our events these areas are always fenced and flagged and typically patrolled by crew. Please do not lean on, or over in order to get a picture.
•  Please make sure you have all pets on short leashes.
•  Please make sure you have all your kids close by your side, a small child running across a chute in front of athletes running full speed is not a good thing.
• Finally if you would like to help out the support crew on the course please feel free to ask them or please see the race director before the event. We are ALWAYS looking for additional assistance on the course and you will receive access to the post race snack tent with your athlete as well as receive a support crew shirt.

Support Crew

if interested in receiving a shirt and food please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or report to the finish line at 7:00am. 

If you would like to be a part of the event and receive a support crew shirt and access to the post race snack tent we will never turn down help. The more help on the course just means it is that much better for the athletes. We can ALWAYS use your assistance, you can never have too many volunteers. 

If interested in volunteering and it is the Thursday prior to the event or before, please fill out the form _____ prior to the event.  If it is the day before the event or race day, please find one of the 3 D CREW or head to the VOLUNTEER Flag at the venue. 

Distances

5k run, 20k bike, 5k run

Date/location

Saturday May 19  - 8:00am, Grosse Ile airport, Grosse Ile,Michigan.
Regardless if you are crossing the Free bridge or the pay bridge you will proceed to the ariport at the south end of the island. Following Meridian, the main road down the middle of the island you will dead end at the airport. Follow signs and support crew when you arrive at the airport.  Parking will be at the township parking lot.

Venue/Area Information

Grosse Ile is an island at the south end of the Detroit River and north end of Lake Erie. With Canada on one side and Trenton or Riverview on the other depending on what end of the island you are on. It has been the home to the Grosse Ile duathlon in some form since the early 90's. Originally hosted by Mr. Gene Edwards on the opposite side of the island it now finds its home at a great venue in the airport.

MultiSport 101

 Not for This event.

We have been told by many athletes from across the country that our 101 is the best anywhere. Our goal with the 101 from day one has been to go through the entire event start to finish for the newbies, the beginners, the less experienced athletes. To try and calm down those butterflies as much as possible. Along with the information on the race the Race Director will give you dozens of racing and training tips along the way and answer any question you may have as well. Classes range from an hour to 2 hours depending on size and how many questions there are. If you are new to Multi-Sport it is Highly Recommended you attned this class.

Amenities:

Unless otherwise noted 2012 events will include a custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, custom latex swim cap, sponsor supplied samples, professional chip timing with results available online, awards to top three in each age group, a great sponsor supplied raffle and awards ceremony following the last finishers and the best post race snack table out there.

 In order to be guaranteed a custom event shirt you absolutely MUST be pre-registered 14 days in advance.  Please understand if you don’t know you are doing the event a week or two out how are we to know?  If a shirt is important to you please pre-register. Due to increasing costs with shipping and shirts orders are kept tight.

Finish/Awards

Please CLICK HERE for awards mail form.

Keep in mind USAT sanctioned events have the USAT age up rule.  Your age on race day is the same as how old you will be on December 31st of that year.

Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women Overall in each event, excluded from their agegroup
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women within each of the following agegroups 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Top 3 Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Clydesdale =  Male 200lbs or more)
Top 3 Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Athena = Females 150lbs or more)
Masters are awarded to the 1st place Male and 1st Place Female who is 40+ within the Olympic/Long Course and Half distance Triathlons and excluded from agegroup

Awards will in NO circumstances be given out early, or individually before the awards ceremony.  If you must depart for the awards ceremony you may opt to pay the $10 shipping and processing fee and have the award mailed to you.  Please see the link above and under the forms page. You MUST send this form in within 2 weeks following the event with a check or money order for $10 per award in order to receive your award.  Please understand we have NO control over the US postal service.

Course Info

The run course is basically the same just an official 5k now. Super flat, fast and closed actually on the airport property, no worries from cars as it is all enclosed on the grounds. The bike course is what this event is all about circling the island on a semi rolling course with views of the river on both sides. A few short, small hills that will keep everyone honest out there but certainly nothing that requires you to get out of the saddle or anything like that.

Bike: 20k

You will simply make one complete circle of the island on the exterior roads. This is a fast but somewhat rolling course. Nothing that requires you getting out of the saddle but it is not flat. Police and support crew will be at intersections, please make sure they wave you through before proceeding. A support crew or police cannot stop a speeding car so you must use caution at all times,again this is an open course.

Click here for course map.

 Remember this is an open course! You will be sharing the road with vehicular traffic. Use caution at all times. It will be your responsibility to print maps, and know the courses. It is the athlete's responsibility to know and understand the courses. Helmets are a must. No helmet - no race. MP3 players on the bike course are an automatic disqualification. Due to a few athletes actions in the past during an event we are making you aware not only in this event but ALL events whether hosted by us or any other event management company YOU MUST OBEY ALL OFFICIALS and EMERGENCY VEHICLES on the course AT ALL TIMES!! The bottom line here is your race is not more important than an EMERGENCY or OFFICIAL on the course.In the event of an emergency you MUST obey officials requests, and you MUST STOP and pull off the road for any and all EMERGENCY VEHICLES to get through.This is not only to ensure the emergency vehicles can proceed, it is for your safety as well. Any athlete that does not adhere to this rule will be disqualified and will not race in a 3D event for the rest of the year.

Run 1 & 2: 5k

The run course is basically the same as past years, flat, fast mostly on the airport run ways and service roads. there are a few short sections on security roads around the airport but it is vehicle free. Aid station at mile 1 & 2 with electrolyte replacement and water.

Click here for course map.

Relays

At registration you will receive ONE bib number and ONE chip/strap. The runner must wear the  bib number as that is who will be crossing the finish line. All relay members must be body marked with that number. The Chip/Strap will be securely fastened around the person competing in the first discipline. There will be a designated spot for All Relays at one of the entry/exit points in the transition area marked RELAYS. All staging and chip/strap exchanging is to be done at this point. Not on the course. The Chip/Strap must be securely fastened to each athletes ankle, do not grab it and go, do not put it on the wrist. Upon finishing it is the last athletes responsibility to return that chip/strap at the finish line. (one athlete may do more than one discipline)

Transition Area

will be located in the parking lot of the city/airport admin buildings, opening at 6am and not before. It will close at 7:45am, wNo Friends or Family members allowed in the transition area for any reason.The race director and race officials will close the transition area 30-45 minutes before race start to ensure all athletes are at starting lines for mandatory course meetings and announcements.  Once the transition area is closed you will not be permitted back in before the race starts.  Family members will not be premitted in for any reason.  In the event of inclement weather it is recommended you have warm, dry clothing outside the transition area to put on following your finish due to other athletes still being on the bike course.  Thank you for your cooperation in following these rules.

Click here for map

 You must rack according to your race number based on sequence placed at end of row. Please remember racks will hold 7 bikes racking with seat tip on support bar. Please be courteous to fellow athletes to ensure there is space for 7. Any athletes removing gear from transition areas before the announcer or race director has officially opened the transition area will be DISQUALIFIED from the race! No questions asked, your race number will be taken down and you will be disqualified. The transition area is closed until all athletes are off the bike course. Sprint athletes this goes for you as well, you must wait until all the athletes are off the course and race officials open the transition area. All athletes deserve a clear transition. There will be an aid station at the run in/out chute with water and electrolyte replacement. Athletes wearing their own chips, PLEASE remove your chips before re-entering the transition area and exiting again. This can cause a timing error. Run in/out and Bike in/out chutes are clearly marked on the large structures at either end, it is your responsibility to go the right direction.

Race Tips

Well I will speak from racing the old course and training around the island for many years back in my racing days. The run course is going to flat and fast, so really the only tip here is if there is going to be wind, or weather try to get behind someone. There is not much if any cover on the run course as it is all on the grounds of the airport, some off road, not much but it is a cut security trail so nothing that will slow you down. But if someone is running slightly faster than you why do you want to fight the elements? Let them do it, someone has to right? So after you flew through your first 5k you jump on the bike and head out of the airport. You can absolutely fly around the island regardless if it is windy or not, it is just one of those courses that lends itself to stellar times on the bike. I can almost guarantee you that on one side you will have a tail wind and on the other a head wind. You must take full advantage of the tail wind and put the hammer down the entire time. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early and drive around the island really quick, just to get a feel for the rollers. They are nothing to get excited about but if you are good at keeping your rhythm and cadence while staying aero you will be able to fly over them without missing a beat. The key to the winds on Grosse Ile is staying tucked and tight because they kind of whistly down the corridor of the road. If you find yourself losing it get out of the saddle for 10-15 strokes and throw the bike side to side to get that feel back again. There also will be a stretch of smoother road on the east side so take advantage of that as well. It is May, weather can be an issue in Michigan in May as we all know, but it is May, plenty of racing ahead of you so don't be stupid if it is slick, but at the same token if it is not you can really go for it on this course. The final run you should feel it big time for the first 800m to a mile, but it is flat so lengthen the stride a bit and get the lactic acid out as quick as possible.

Packet Pickup/Registration

Day of Registration: 6:00 am - 7:30am

Day of Registration will close promptly 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each event unless otherwise noted.

Will be located in most cases under the white tents, please follow the registration signs and look for the purple “Registration” flags.

 ITEMS YOU MUST BRING: USA Triathlon member card and drivers license (or any picture ID). You will not be permitted to race without a picture ID. NON USA Triathlon members will be required to proceed to the USA Triathlon registration table to fill out a one day member license and pay the USA Triathlon $12 fee. This entire fee is sent directly to USA Triathlon following the event along with the event results. If you are not familiar with the multi-sport governing body please see their website at: www.usatriathlon.org

Upon completing the initial registration process you will be issued a race bib number, it is YOUR responsibility to check your personal information for correct spellings, age changes, etc. please do so at this point. Wrong information can cause issues with your race timing and scoring. If you registered by the 14 day pre-registration cut-off date you will receive your T shirt, then proceed to the partner supplied sample area where you may pick one sample of each product.

  Note: Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign event waivers.

USAT

A $12 one day USAT license fee is required for all NON - USAT members. Relays are required to pay $12 per relay member.  Youth 17 and under is a $15 fee for the year.
Pre registered athletes your fee was collected online this fee goes directly to USA Triathlon NOT 3D.    
Remember the USAT age up rule, meaning you will race at the age you will be at the end of the year.

Timing/Scoring

We provide all the timing and scoring services for each and every event we host. This will be with ChampionChip or Chrono Track timing systems.

Proceed to the “Chip Pick Up” flag typically near the transition area entrance. You will be issued a neoprene strap with a plastic chip. This must be securely fastened to your ankle for the entire event. It is recommended you put this around your ankle immediately.

 You will NOT be issued a chip and strap without your race bib number. There are no exceptions so do not forget this when picking up your chip and strap.

Throughout the event there will be sets of timing mats or gators, typically under structures indicating finish, bike in, run out, swim finish etc. You must cross over these areas. Do not avoid them or attempt to jump over them. Finally every effort will be made to supply you with a swim, bike, run, transition 1, transition 2 and finish times. However it is explicitly expressed the electronic timing systems are not fool proof. They are electronics and computers outside in the elements and they are not perfect systems. We along with any other timer out there can only score what is captured in a system.

PRELIMINARY results will be posted on and in results kiosks typically located in and around the post event areas. Results are rarely 100% final at the time of the awards ceremony, due to post race corrections.

Your results will be posted on the event website under the “Results” tab located on the home page as well as event page. Every effort is made to post these by the following morning or within 24 hrs. of the event.

 You are responsible for that chip and strap once it is handed to you. If you lose this at any point, meaning you do not turn it in at the finish line you will be responsible for the $40 replacement cost. There are no exceptions to this.

Body Marking

All athletes and all relay members will be body marked with their race number.  After picking up your chip and strap the “Body Marking” flag is typically located near this area. Please proceed to the body marking area. Event support crew will be marking race numbers on your swim caps, biceps, tops of hands, and quadriceps. You will also have your event code marked on one calf. T= long course, S= sprint, D= duathlon, R = relay, H = half. On the opposite calf will be your "USAT" Age (please see USAT Age up Rule)

Accomodations

Friends, Family and Spectators

All rules are designed for the safety of the athletes and our spectators, please follow all rules to ensure everyones safety.

• The transition is absolutely OFF LIMITS to all spectators. All fenced areas are fenced for a reason, it is not to see where you can get around or crawl over or under. These are athlete only areas and are fenced for their safety and yours. Fenced areas will be taken down before raffle and award ceremonies.
• Athlete post race snack tent areas are OFF LIMITS to all spectators.  These snacks are for ATHLETES ONLY. Unfortunately we do not have enough to feed everyone, if you are eating the athlete food there will not be enough for the athletes following their finish. 
•  “Hot Spots” which are the swim exit, bike in/out and finish chutes are high priority areas in terms of safety and caution. At our events these areas are always fenced and flagged and typically patrolled by crew. Please do not lean on, or over in order to get a picture.
•  Please make sure you have all pets on short leashes.
•  Please make sure you have all your kids close by your side, a small child running across a chute in front of athletes running full speed is not a good thing.
• Finally if you would like to help out the support crew on the course please feel free to ask them or please see the race director before the event. We are ALWAYS looking for additional assistance on the course and you will receive access to the post race snack tent with your athlete as well as receive a support crew shirt.

Support Volunteers

If you would like to be a part of the event and receive a support crew shirt and access to the post race snack tent we will never turn down help. The more help on the course just means it is that much better for the athletes. We can ALWAYS use your assistance, you can never have too many volunteers. 

If interested in volunteering and it is the Thursday prior to the event or before, please fill out the form _____ prior to the event.  If it is the day before the event or race day, please find one of the 3 D CREW or head to the VOLUNTEER Flag at the venue. 

Distances

1000m swim, 40k bike, 10k run
500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
2mi. run, 20k bike, 5k run

Date/location

Saturday, August 25, 8:00am Prairie View county park, Kalamazoo, Mi. Click here for directions

Venue/Area Information

The park itself is located in Vicksburg, less than 10k from downtown Kalamazoo. Plenty to see and do in and around the park and Kalamazoo. The event was formally the Prairie View triathlon. Through many emails the female athletes have been asking for a race of their own. We have looked at new venues, looked our existing venues and this is a great fit. A closed run course, a flat all right turn bike course, and a clear shallow lake swim in a small lake at a beautiful park. Ladies get your neighbors, fellow workers involved, see the Get Fit Michigan program.

MultiSport 101

We have been told by many athletes from across the country that our 101 is the best anywhere. Our goal with the 101 from day one has been to go through the entire event start to finish for the newbies, the beginners, the less experienced athletes. To try and calm down those butterflies as much as possible. Along with the information on the race the Race Director will give you dozens of racing and training tips along the way and answer any question you may have as well. Classes range from an hour to 2 hours depending on size and how many questions there are. If you are new to Multi-Sport it is Highly Recommended you attned this class.

Amenities:

Unless otherwise noted 2012 events will include a custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, custom latex swim cap, sponsor supplied samples, professional chip timing with results available online, awards to top three in each age group, a great sponsor supplied raffle and awards ceremony following the last finishers and the best post race snack table out there.

 In order to be guaranteed a custom event shirt you absolutely MUST be pre-registered 14 days in advance.  Please understand if you don’t know you are doing the event a week or two out how are we to know?  If a shirt is important to you please pre-register. Due to increasing costs with shipping and shirts orders are kept tight.

Finish/Awards

Please CLICK HERE for awards mail form.

Keep in mind USAT sanctioned events have the USAT age up rule.  Your age on race day is the same as how old you will be on December 31st of that year.

Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women Overall in each event, excluded from their agegroup
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women within each of the following agegroups 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Top 3 Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Clydesdale =  Male 200lbs or more)
Top 3 Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Athena = Females 150lbs or more)
Masters are awarded to the 1st place Male and 1st Place Female who is 40+ within the Olympic/Long Course and Half distance Triathlons and excluded from agegroup

Awards will in NO circumstances be given out early, or individually before the awards ceremony.  If you must depart for the awards ceremony you may opt to pay the $10 shipping and processing fee and have the award mailed to you.  Please see the link above and under the forms page. You MUST send this form in within 2 weeks following the event with a check or money order for $10 per award in order to receive your award.  Please understand we have NO control over the US postal service.

Course Info

The swim is in Hog eye lake, a small lake with very little going on and no houses on it. It is a clear, shallow lake. You will have the noodle support on the lake as well, so use as you need them. The bike is as flat as a pancake, all right turns around farm land. It is a 20k bike course. Those ladies doing the long course will do 2 laps, continue past the park for lap two,do not turn into the park until you have completed both laps. The run course is a cross country style course, entirely closed and entirely inside the park. The course is used by local high schools and community colleges for their cross country course. It is flat with two short, small hills and tree lined most of the way.

Bike | Transition Area

Swim: 1000m & 500m

A triangle course will be set, with short course indicated with double buoys. 5 foot orange buoys will mark the course and there will be plenty of noodles available to use as well. Long course will start with short course about 30 minutes later. Swim course will be patrolled with lifeguards, search and rescue as well as sheriff marine division. It will be a beach start. Wave starts will be posted at Packet Pickup/registration.

Bike: 20k & 40k

A great course andflat bike course with all right turns on all new pavement. Exiting the park Left, you will go Right on Portage, Right on VW, Right on 14th, Right on U ave. then a Right on Oakland to a turnaround about 1.5mi. down Oakland back the Right on U to the park. 2 LAPS Long Course --1 Lap short course. Long course athletes DO NOT re-enter the park for lap 2. Continue past the park for lap 2. Course will be patrolled by a continually passing support truck as well as local law enforcement and motorcycle club.

 Remember this is an open course! You will be sharing the road with vehicular traffic. Use caution at all times. It will be your responsibility to print maps, and know the courses. It is the athlete's responsibility to know and understand the courses. Helmets are a must. No helmet - no race. MP3 players on the bike course are an automatic disqualification. Due to a few athletes actions in the past during an event we are making you aware not only in this event but ALL events whether hosted by us or any other event management company YOU MUST OBEY ALL OFFICIALS and EMERGENCY VEHICLES on the course AT ALL TIMES!! The bottom line here is your race is not more important than an EMERGENCY or OFFICIAL on the course.In the event of an emergency you MUST obey officials requests, and you MUST STOP and pull off the road for any and all EMERGENCY VEHICLES to get through.This is not only to ensure the emergency vehicles can proceed, it is for your safety as well. Any athlete that does not adhere to this rule will be disqualified and will not race in a 3D event for the rest of the year.

Run: 5k & 10k

Exiting the transition area you will follow the chute back down to the beach to an immediate Right turn, then back up and head out into the park. About 2 miles of trail, the rest on park roads. It is a 2 loop course for the 10k. Family and friends will have a very short walk at the edge of the parking lot to cheer you on as you head back out for lap 2. Sprint, duathletes will head straight in to the finish line. Water and electrolyte replacement at 3 spots on the course.

Duathlete Run 1: 2mi. - You will start right next to the beach, heading straight up the short hill and out on the course, one loop before heading back down to the beach and up into the transition area meshing in with the swimmers exiting the water.

Relays

At registration you will receive ONE bib number and ONE chip/strap. The runner must wear the  bib number as that is who will be crossing the finish line. All relay members must be body marked with that number. The Chip/Strap will be securely fastened around the person competing in the first discipline. There will be a designated spot for All Relays at one of the entry/exit points in the transition area marked RELAYS. All staging and chip/strap exchanging is to be done at this point. Not on the course. The Chip/Strap must be securely fastened to each athletes ankle, do not grab it and go, do not put it on the wrist. Upon finishing it is the last athletes responsibility to return that chip/strap at the finish line. (one athlete may do more than one discipline)

Transition Area

Open at 6:00am closes at 7:30am. No Friends or Family members allowed in the transition area for any reason.The race director and race officials will close the transition area 30-45 minutes before race start to ensure all athletes are at starting lines for mandatory course meetings and announcements.  Once the transition area is closed you will not be permitted back in before the race starts.  Family members will not be premitted in for any reason.  In the event of inclement weather it is recommended you have warm, dry clothing outside the transition area to put on following your finish due to other athletes still being on the bike course.  Thank you for your cooperation in following these rules.

 You must rack according to your race number based on sequence placed at end of row. Please remember racks will hold 7 bikes racking with seat tip on support bar. Please be courteous to fellow athletes to ensure there is space for 7. Any athletes removing gear from transition areas before the announcer or race director has officially opened the transition area will be DISQUALIFIED from the race! No questions asked, your race number will be taken down and you will be disqualified. The transition area is closed until all athletes are off the bike course. Sprint athletes this goes for you as well, you must wait until all the athletes are off the course and race officials open the transition area. All athletes deserve a clear transition. There will be an aid station at the run in/out chute with water and electrolyte replacement. Athletes wearing their own chips, PLEASE remove your chips before re-entering the transition area and exiting again. This can cause a timing error. Run in/out and Bike in/out chutes are clearly marked on the large structures at either end, it is your responsibility to go the right direction.

Race Tips

Coming soon

Packet Pickup/Registration

Day Before: 4-6pm Friday
Day of Registration: 6-7:30am Saturday.

Day of Registration will close promptly 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each event unless otherwise noted.

Will be located in most cases under the white tents, please follow the registration signs and look for the purple “Registration” flags.

 ITEMS YOU MUST BRING: USA Triathlon member card and drivers license (or any picture ID). You will not be permitted to race without a picture ID. NON USA Triathlon members will be required to proceed to the USA Triathlon registration table to fill out a one day member license and pay the USA Triathlon $12 fee. This entire fee is sent directly to USA Triathlon following the event along with the event results. If you are not familiar with the multi-sport governing body please see their website at: www.usatriathlon.org

Upon completing the initial registration process you will be issued a race bib number, it is YOUR responsibility to check your personal information for correct spellings, age changes, etc. please do so at this point. Wrong information can cause issues with your race timing and scoring. If you registered by the 14 day pre-registration cut-off date you will receive your T shirt, then proceed to the partner supplied sample area where you may pick one sample of each product.

  Note: Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign event waivers.

USAT

A $12 one day USAT license fee is required for all NON - USAT members. Relays are required to pay $12 per relay member.  Youth 17 and under is a $15 fee for the year.
Pre registered athletes your fee was collected online this fee goes directly to USA Triathlon NOT 3D.    
Remember the USAT age up rule, meaning you will race at the age you will be at the end of the year.

Timing/Scoring

We provide all the timing and scoring services for each and every event we host. This will be with ChampionChip or Chrono Track timing systems.

Proceed to the “Chip Pick Up” flag typically near the transition area entrance. You will be issued a neoprene strap with a plastic chip. This must be securely fastened to your ankle for the entire event. It is recommended you put this around your ankle immediately.

 You will NOT be issued a chip and strap without your race bib number. There are no exceptions so do not forget this when picking up your chip and strap.

Throughout the event there will be sets of timing mats or gators, typically under structures indicating finish, bike in, run out, swim finish etc. You must cross over these areas. Do not avoid them or attempt to jump over them. Finally every effort will be made to supply you with a swim, bike, run, transition 1, transition 2 and finish times. However it is explicitly expressed the electronic timing systems are not fool proof. They are electronics and computers outside in the elements and they are not perfect systems. We along with any other timer out there can only score what is captured in a system.

PRELIMINARY results will be posted on and in results kiosks typically located in and around the post event areas. Results are rarely 100% final at the time of the awards ceremony, due to post race corrections.

Your results will be posted on the event website under the “Results” tab located on the home page as well as event page. Every effort is made to post these by the following morning or within 24 hrs. of the event.

 You are responsible for that chip and strap once it is handed to you. If you lose this at any point, meaning you do not turn it in at the finish line you will be responsible for the $40 replacement cost. There are no exceptions to this.

Body Marking

All athletes and all relay members will be body marked with their race number.  After picking up your chip and strap the “Body Marking” flag is typically located near this area. Please proceed to the body marking area. Event support crew will be marking race numbers on your swim caps, biceps, tops of hands, and quadriceps. You will also have your event code marked on one calf. T= long course, S= sprint, D= duathlon, R = relay, H = half. On the opposite calf will be your "USAT" Age (please see USAT Age up Rule)

Accommodations

Discounted rate of $95 under the block name: Girls Best Friend for nights August 25-27
Candlewood Suites
3443 Retail Place Drive
Kalamazoo,MI
Reservations: 1-800-496-7630

Friends, Family and Spectators

All rules are designed for the safety of the athletes and our spectators, please follow all rules to ensure everyones safety.

• The transition is absolutely OFF LIMITS to all spectators. All fenced areas are fenced for a reason, it is not to see where you can get around or crawl over or under. These are athlete only areas and are fenced for their safety and yours. Fenced areas will be taken down before raffle and award ceremonies.
• Athlete post race snack tent areas are OFF LIMITS to all spectators.  These snacks are for ATHLETES ONLY. Unfortunately we do not have enough to feed everyone, if you are eating the athlete food there will not be enough for the athletes following their finish. 
•  “Hot Spots” which are the swim exit, bike in/out and finish chutes are high priority areas in terms of safety and caution. At our events these areas are always fenced and flagged and typically patrolled by crew. Please do not lean on, or over in order to get a picture.
•  Please make sure you have all pets on short leashes.
•  Please make sure you have all your kids close by your side, a small child running across a chute in front of athletes running full speed is not a good thing.
• Finally if you would like to help out the support crew on the course please feel free to ask them or please see the race director before the event. We are ALWAYS looking for additional assistance on the course and you will receive access to the post race snack tent with your athlete as well as receive a support crew shirt.

Support Volunteers

If you would like to be a part of the event and receive a support crew shirt and access to the post race snack tent we will never turn down help. The more help on the course just means it is that much better for the athletes. We can ALWAYS use your assistance, you can never have too many volunteers. 

If interested in volunteering and it is the Thursday prior to the event or before, please fill out the form _____ prior to the event.  If it is the day before the event or race day, please find one of the 3 D CREW or head to the VOLUNTEER Flag at the venue. 

Distances

1000m swim, 40k bike, 10k run
500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run

Date/location

Sunday, August 19, 8:00am Ludington, Mi. this event is held right downtown literally where Ludington avenue dead ends at Lake Michigan.

Venue/Area Information

Those not familiar with Ludington this is Michigan's number 2 tourist destination year after year. The white sandy beaches, beautiful sand dunes and great area amenties are good reason to visit and race. The Badger departs right next to the transition area that takes you accross Lake Michigan to Wisconsin. For that reason we have athletes from the Wisconsin, Minnesota and Chicago area year after year. There is 6 hotels within 800m of the transition area as well as two campgrounds actually on the bike course and one serves as your run course. Ludington state park is one of the top 3 visited state parks in the state and is nestled between the sand dunes. Click here for area amenities.

MultiSport 101

 4:00 in the transition area.

We have been told by many athletes from across the country that our 101 is the best anywhere. Our goal with the 101 from day one has been to go through the entire event start to finish for the newbies, the beginners, the less experienced athletes. To try and calm down those butterflies as much as possible. Along with the information on the race the Race Director will give you dozens of racing and training tips along the way and answer any question you may have as well. Classes range from an hour to 2 hours depending on size and how many questions there are. If you are new to Multi-Sport it is Highly Recommended you attned this class.

Amenities:

Unless otherwise noted 2012 events will include a custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, custom latex swim cap, sponsor supplied samples, professional chip timing with results available online, awards to top three in each age group, a great sponsor supplied raffle and awards ceremony following the last finishers and the best post race snack table out there.

 In order to be guaranteed a custom event shirt you absolutely MUST be pre-registered 14 days in advance.  Please understand if you don’t know you are doing the event a week or two out how are we to know?  If a shirt is important to you please pre-register. Due to increasing costs with shipping and shirts orders are kept tight.

Finish/Awards

Please CLICK HERE for awards mail form.

Keep in mind USAT sanctioned events have the USAT age up rule.  Your age on race day is the same as how old you will be on December 31st of that year.

Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women Overall in each event, excluded from their agegroup
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women within each of the following agegroups 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Top 3 Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Clydesdale =  Male 200lbs or more)
Top 3 Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Athena = Females 150lbs or more)
Masters are awarded to the 1st place Male and 1st Place Female who is 40+ within the Olympic/Long Course and Half distance Triathlons and excluded from agegroup

Awards will in NO circumstances be given out early, or individually before the awards ceremony.  If you must depart for the awards ceremony you may opt to pay the $10 shipping and processing fee and have the award mailed to you.  Please see the link above and under the forms page. You MUST send this form in within 2 weeks following the event with a check or money order for $10 per award in order to receive your award.  Please understand we have NO control over the US postal service.

Course Info

If you want to go fast at the end of the year before the longer events like the Tawas half or the championships this is the place to do that for sure. Athletes have reported PR's every year here for some reason. Another course that lends itself for all the toys, slight breeze off the lake on the bike can hit a deep dish wheel or disc just right and you are spinning away at 35mph. with not a bleep in your heart rate. The swim is in the protected waters of the marina, crystal clear water you can see to the bottom along the break wall. On the beach start and a rectangle course is a fast swim. The bike is great with very little traffic and the police close Lakeshore drive down for about two miles heading out and back from the transition area. It is a mostly flat course with a few rollers along Lake Michigan and Hamlin lake. The run course heads straight down Lakeshore as well before jumping into and around the campground. Flat as a pancake, and mostly tree lined right downtown.

Venue Site Plan

Swim: 1000m & 500m

You will be swimming in Lake Michigan, however it is the protected marina of Ludington. Between both breakwalls. We will make a rectangle swim course that will take you along the north wall, but keeping you inside the protected waters. Although the walls make for relatively calm water it is still succeptable to the lake temperatures. Wetsuits will be allowed, temps can range from 62 to 75, watch the website for updates. Swim course will be patrolled with lifeguards, search and rescue as well as coast guard personel. It will be a beach start. Wave starts will be posted at Packet Pickup/registration.

Swim Course

Bike: 20k & 40k

A great course! Exiting the beach downtown Left. You will head out North along Lake Michigan on Lakeshore dr. to a RIGHT ON JAGGER - This will be slightly rolling for the rest of the way. Decker to a Left on Lincoln to a Left on Duneview back to a Left on Lakeshore flying past Lake Hamlin. Then you will be heading back towards lake Michigan for a hairpin Right turn back on along Lake Michigan on M116 to a Right on Piney Ridge for about a mile and half before turning around and heading back to a Right on M116. This will take you out to the Sand dunes. This section of the road could be busy, use caution as you will have sand dunes on both sides of you. Turning around just before the state park then it is a super fast, smooth, flat return to the city beach downtown Ludington.

20k Sprint You will head STRAIGHT OUT TO THE SAND DUNES Turnaround before the state park and back. NO TURNING ANYWHERE.

Bike Course

 Remember this is an open course! You will be sharing the road with vehicular traffic. Use caution at all times. It will be your responsibility to print maps, and know the courses. It is the athlete's responsibility to know and understand the courses. Helmets are a must. No helmet - no race. MP3 players on the bike course are an automatic disqualification. Due to a few athletes actions in the past during an event we are making you aware not only in this event but ALL events whether hosted by us or any other event management company YOU MUST OBEY ALL OFFICIALS and EMERGENCY VEHICLES on the course AT ALL TIMES!! The bottom line here is your race is not more important than an EMERGENCY or OFFICIAL on the course.In the event of an emergency you MUST obey officials requests, and you MUST STOP and pull off the road for any and all EMERGENCY VEHICLES to get through.This is not only to ensure the emergency vehicles can proceed, it is for your safety as well. Any athlete that does not adhere to this rule will be disqualified and will not race in a 3D event for the rest of the year.

Run: 5k & 10k

Flat and fast exiting the transition area you will follow the run chute along the bike chute to the inside north bound lane on Lake Shore dr. and coned lane on the EAST side of Lakeshore Dr. Following that past Stearns Park along Lake Shore Dr. You will follow this to the Cartier Park path and follow that into the subdivision before turning around. Most the course is shaded. Water and electrolyte replacement at 3 spots on the course.

Run Course

Relays

At registration you will receive ONE bib number and ONE chip/strap. The runner must wear the  bib number as that is who will be crossing the finish line. All relay members must be body marked with that number. The Chip/Strap will be securely fastened around the person competing in the first discipline. There will be a designated spot for All Relays at one of the entry/exit points in the transition area marked RELAYS. All staging and chip/strap exchanging is to be done at this point. Not on the course. The Chip/Strap must be securely fastened to each athletes ankle, do not grab it and go, do not put it on the wrist. Upon finishing it is the last athletes responsibility to return that chip/strap at the finish line. (one athlete may do more than one discipline)

Transition Area

Open at 6:00am closes at 7:15am. No Friends or Family members allowed in the transition area for any reason.The race director and race officials will close the transition area 30-45 minutes before race start to ensure all athletes are at starting lines for mandatory course meetings and announcements.  Once the transition area is closed you will not be permitted back in before the race starts.  Family members will not be premitted in for any reason.  In the event of inclement weather it is recommended you have warm, dry clothing outside the transition area to put on following your finish due to other athletes still being on the bike course.  Thank you for your cooperation in following these rules.

 You must rack according to your race number based on sequence placed at end of row. Please remember racks will hold 7 bikes racking with seat tip on support bar. Please be courteous to fellow athletes to ensure there is space for 7. Any athletes removing gear from transition areas before the announcer or race director has officially opened the transition area will be DISQUALIFIED from the race! No questions asked, your race number will be taken down and you will be disqualified. The transition area is closed until all athletes are off the bike course. Sprint athletes this goes for you as well, you must wait until all the athletes are off the course and race officials open the transition area. All athletes deserve a clear transition. There will be an aid station at the run in/out chute with water and electrolyte replacement. Athletes wearing their own chips, PLEASE remove your chips before re-entering the transition area and exiting again. This can cause a timing error. Run in/out and Bike in/out chutes are clearly marked on the large structures at either end, it is your responsibility to go the right direction.

Race Tips

The swim is typically very calm inside the marina and is honestly like swimming in a pool because of the clarity if you position yourself just right you can look out the right side of your eye and not have to look up as often as you paralell the breakwall. So you can swim out very fast. Hammer and I mean hammer the Lakeshore drive sections, windy or not these sections I have found to be like Belle Isle with the Motor City race, it is just fast. When you are back along Hamlin lake that can get windy back there so be prepared for that, just get tucked and spin through it. The run focus should be back in the park, this is a winding heavily treed section and you can really lose your competition back there. Put some distance between yourself and others. Once you turn back on Lakeshore out of the campground it is 1.5miles. A long way for some to sprint, so lengthen the stride and use your arms like you never have before, push it all the way to the finish line. Get in the zone and focus on the hotel at the end of Lakeshore the entire time, don't look at the competition, don't look at the sites, focus in on the end of the street.

Packet Pickup/Registration

Day Before: 2-5pm Saturday
Day of Registration: 6-7:30am Sunday.

Day of Registration will close promptly 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each event unless otherwise noted.

Will be located in most cases under the white tents, please follow the registration signs and look for the purple “Registration” flags.

 ITEMS YOU MUST BRING: USA Triathlon member card and drivers license (or any picture ID). You will not be permitted to race without a picture ID. NON USA Triathlon members will be required to proceed to the USA Triathlon registration table to fill out a one day member license and pay the USA Triathlon $12 fee. This entire fee is sent directly to USA Triathlon following the event along with the event results. If you are not familiar with the multi-sport governing body please see their website at: www.usatriathlon.org

Upon completing the initial registration process you will be issued a race bib number, it is YOUR responsibility to check your personal information for correct spellings, age changes, etc. please do so at this point. Wrong information can cause issues with your race timing and scoring. If you registered by the 14 day pre-registration cut-off date you will receive your T shirt, then proceed to the partner supplied sample area where you may pick one sample of each product.

  Note: Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign event waivers.

USAT

A $12 one day USAT license fee is required for all NON - USAT members. Relays are required to pay $12 per relay member.  Youth 17 and under is a $15 fee for the year.
Pre registered athletes your fee was collected online this fee goes directly to USA Triathlon NOT 3D.    
Remember the USAT age up rule, meaning you will race at the age you will be at the end of the year.

Timing/Scoring

We provide all the timing and scoring services for each and every event we host. This will be with ChampionChip or Chrono Track timing systems.

Proceed to the “Chip Pick Up” flag typically near the transition area entrance. You will be issued a neoprene strap with a plastic chip. This must be securely fastened to your ankle for the entire event. It is recommended you put this around your ankle immediately.

 You will NOT be issued a chip and strap without your race bib number. There are no exceptions so do not forget this when picking up your chip and strap.

Throughout the event there will be sets of timing mats or gators, typically under structures indicating finish, bike in, run out, swim finish etc. You must cross over these areas. Do not avoid them or attempt to jump over them. Finally every effort will be made to supply you with a swim, bike, run, transition 1, transition 2 and finish times. However it is explicitly expressed the electronic timing systems are not fool proof. They are electronics and computers outside in the elements and they are not perfect systems. We along with any other timer out there can only score what is captured in a system.

PRELIMINARY results will be posted on and in results kiosks typically located in and around the post event areas. Results are rarely 100% final at the time of the awards ceremony, due to post race corrections.

Your results will be posted on the event website under the “Results” tab located on the home page as well as event page. Every effort is made to post these by the following morning or within 24 hrs. of the event.

 You are responsible for that chip and strap once it is handed to you. If you lose this at any point, meaning you do not turn it in at the finish line you will be responsible for the $40 replacement cost. There are no exceptions to this.

Body Marking

All athletes and all relay members will be body marked with their race number.  After picking up your chip and strap the “Body Marking” flag is typically located near this area. Please proceed to the body marking area. Event support crew will be marking race numbers on your swim caps, biceps, tops of hands, and quadriceps. You will also have your event code marked on one calf. T= long course, S= sprint, D= duathlon, R = relay, H = half. On the opposite calf will be your "USAT" Age (please see USAT Age up Rule)

Accommodations

Friends, Family and Spectators

All rules are designed for the safety of the athletes and our spectators, please follow all rules to ensure everyones safety.

• The transition is absolutely OFF LIMITS to all spectators. All fenced areas are fenced for a reason, it is not to see where you can get around or crawl over or under. These are athlete only areas and are fenced for their safety and yours. Fenced areas will be taken down before raffle and award ceremonies.
• Athlete post race snack tent areas are OFF LIMITS to all spectators.  These snacks are for ATHLETES ONLY. Unfortunately we do not have enough to feed everyone, if you are eating the athlete food there will not be enough for the athletes following their finish. 
•  “Hot Spots” which are the swim exit, bike in/out and finish chutes are high priority areas in terms of safety and caution. At our events these areas are always fenced and flagged and typically patrolled by crew. Please do not lean on, or over in order to get a picture.
•  Please make sure you have all pets on short leashes.
•  Please make sure you have all your kids close by your side, a small child running across a chute in front of athletes running full speed is not a good thing.
• Finally if you would like to help out the support crew on the course please feel free to ask them or please see the race director before the event. We are ALWAYS looking for additional assistance on the course and you will receive access to the post race snack tent with your athlete as well as receive a support crew shirt.

Support Volunteers

If you would like to be a part of the event and receive a support crew shirt and access to the post race snack tent we will never turn down help. The more help on the course just means it is that much better for the athletes. We can ALWAYS use your assistance, you can never have too many volunteers. 

If interested in volunteering and it is the Thursday prior to the event or before, please fill out the form _____ prior to the event.  If it is the day before the event or race day, please find one of the 3 D CREW or head to the VOLUNTEER Flag at the venue. 

Distances

1000m swim, 25mi. bike, 10k run
500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
2mi. run, 20k bike, 5k run

Date/location

Sunday, August 12, 8:00am Petoskey, Michigan, Start is located behind the police, city and fire station at 101 W. Lake St. The transition area is located downtown Petoskey on Bay st. overlooking the bay, finish is located across the street from the police, fire and city building on Lake st. Click here for directions

Venue/Area Information

Another incredible top tourist destination.   There is plenty to see and do during the weekend for the entire family, check it out here: Click here for area amenities

MultiSport 101

 Not for This event.

We have been told by many athletes from across the country that our 101 is the best anywhere. Our goal with the 101 from day one has been to go through the entire event start to finish for the newbies, the beginners, the less experienced athletes. To try and calm down those butterflies as much as possible. Along with the information on the race the Race Director will give you dozens of racing and training tips along the way and answer any question you may have as well. Classes range from an hour to 2 hours depending on size and how many questions there are. If you are new to Multi-Sport it is Highly Recommended you attned this class.

Amenities:

Unless otherwise noted 2012 events will include a custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, custom latex swim cap, sponsor supplied samples, professional chip timing with results available online, awards to top three in each age group, a great sponsor supplied raffle and awards ceremony following the last finishers and the best post race snack table out there.

 In order to be guaranteed a custom event shirt you absolutely MUST be pre-registered 14 days in advance.  Please understand if you don’t know you are doing the event a week or two out how are we to know?  If a shirt is important to you please pre-register. Due to increasing costs with shipping and shirts orders are kept tight.

Finish/Awards

Please CLICK HERE for awards mail form.

Keep in mind USAT sanctioned events have the USAT age up rule.  Your age on race day is the same as how old you will be on December 31st of that year.

Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women Overall in each event, excluded from their agegroup
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women within each of the following agegroups 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Top 3 Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Clydesdale =  Male 200lbs or more)
Top 3 Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Athena = Females 150lbs or more)
Masters are awarded to the 1st place Male and 1st Place Female who is 40+ within the Olympic/Long Course and Half distance Triathlons and excluded from agegroup

Awards will in NO circumstances be given out early, or individually before the awards ceremony.  If you must depart for the awards ceremony you may opt to pay the $10 shipping and processing fee and have the award mailed to you.  Please see the link above and under the forms page. You MUST send this form in within 2 weeks following the event with a check or money order for $10 per award in order to receive your award.  Please understand we have NO control over the US postal service.

Course Info

The race is actually in 3 spots. Packet Pickup/Registration and Finish line is located in front of the police, fire and city building on W. Lake st. The start of the event is behind the buildings at the beach in the marina next to the break wall. The transition area is located downtown Petoskey, about 400m away on Bay st. We have put the entire swim course inside he marina with the protected waters from the breakwall. This means we swim every year regardless of how rough the water is in the bay. Some that have participated in the past have seen the 4 plus foot high waves on the other side of the breakwall while we swam on flat calm water. The bike is one of our favorites, it is hilly to rolling but what goes up must come down and that is fun. Tuck and go baby. If a lot of hills is not to your liking the sprint race is perfect. You can see from the past years bike times the course is not difficult. It is beautiful scenery though and the run course ranks up there as well as one of our favorites. Running along the bay then along the Bear river is exhillerating before a very fast downhill finish that starts about a mile back on the Bear river service road.

Swim | Bike | Transition Area   Run

Swim: 1000m & 500m

Both swims will be entirely protected from what could be rough water in the bay.The long course is two loops of the short, you do not have to exit the water for lap 2, simply swim around the front buoy and continue for lap 2. You will start in the water just off the marina beach. The water at the start is where the Bear river empties into the bay so this runs about 5-8 degrees cooler than the water a little further out in the marina. You will exit the beach and follow the chute and cones about 400m to the transition area on Bay st. You may have shoes available for your jaunt up there.Water temps range from upper 60's to mid 70s.Wave starts will be posted at Packet Pickup/registration.

Bike: 20k & 25mi

Please see maps, there are many turns on the courses, all are marked as all our courses are with a series of 3 arrows approaching each intersection. Make sure you are in your climbing gear before leaving your bike in the transition as you have a 1 mile climb immediately after the timing matts. On your return trip you MUST be on the brakes coming down Bay st. You could easily reach speeds of 40 mph. down this stretch. You must use caution coming back into town on this downhill.

 Remember this is an open course! You will be sharing the road with vehicular traffic. Use caution at all times. It will be your responsibility to print maps, and know the courses. It is the athlete's responsibility to know and understand the courses. Helmets are a must. No helmet - no race. MP3 players on the bike course are an automatic disqualification. Due to a few athletes actions in the past during an event we are making you aware not only in this event but ALL events whether hosted by us or any other event management company YOU MUST OBEY ALL OFFICIALS and EMERGENCY VEHICLES on the course AT ALL TIMES!! The bottom line here is your race is not more important than an EMERGENCY or OFFICIAL on the course.In the event of an emergency you MUST obey officials requests, and you MUST STOP and pull off the road for any and all EMERGENCY VEHICLES to get through.This is not only to ensure the emergency vehicles can proceed, it is for your safety as well. Any athlete that does not adhere to this rule will be disqualified and will not race in a 3D event for the rest of the year.

Run: 5k & 10k

Exiting the transition area on Bay st. you will follow the ramps down to the marina, heading back the exact same way you ran from the swim.  When you hit the swim chute you will continue south on the path to the bay view path.  This will take you along little traverse bay to your Sprint or Olympic turnaround points.  From there you will head back to a Right on Wachtel to a Left on lake crossing at the fire station and running up Quintance to the path along Bear River valley and then flying back down to the finish line in the park.   

Duathlete Run 1: 2mi. You will start 40m from the beach next to the flagged run chute from the swim. Follow the chute and cones past the transition area and down along the bay to your Duathlon turnaround sign. This is located just past the restroom building at the end of the road in Bay park.

Relays

At registration you will receive ONE bib number and ONE chip/strap. The runner must wear the  bib number as that is who will be crossing the finish line. All relay members must be body marked with that number. The Chip/Strap will be securely fastened around the person competing in the first discipline. There will be a designated spot for All Relays at one of the entry/exit points in the transition area marked RELAYS. All staging and chip/strap exchanging is to be done at this point. Not on the course. The Chip/Strap must be securely fastened to each athletes ankle, do not grab it and go, do not put it on the wrist. Upon finishing it is the last athletes responsibility to return that chip/strap at the finish line. (one athlete may do more than one discipline)

Transition Area

Open at 6:00am closes at 7:15am. European style racking which is side by side, one long continuous rack. Again, this is 400m away from the finish and beach. It is located downtown on Bay st. There will not be designated spots at this event, first come placing. ONLY athletes with numbers will be allowed in the transition area at all times. The transition area is located up above highway 31 on Bay st. YOU MUST get set up and back to the swim start in time.This will not be set up till Saturday evening. It is a small flat area on the street. You will need to get your gear asap following your finish. Event volunteers will not leave the transition area until all gear is retreived, so Please make it a point to head up to the transition area immediately after your finish to get your gear!
No Friends or Family members allowed in the transition area for any reason.The race director and race officials will close the transition area 30-45 minutes before race start to ensure all athletes are at starting lines for mandatory course meetings and announcements.  Once the transition area is closed you will not be permitted back in before the race starts.  Family members will not be premitted in for any reason.  In the event of inclement weather it is recommended you have warm, dry clothing outside the transition area to put on following your finish due to other athletes still being on the bike course.  Thank you for your cooperation in following these rules.

 You must rack according to your race number based on sequence placed at end of row. Please remember racks will hold 7 bikes racking with seat tip on support bar. Please be courteous to fellow athletes to ensure there is space for 7. Any athletes removing gear from transition areas before the announcer or race director has officially opened the transition area will be DISQUALIFIED from the race! No questions asked, your race number will be taken down and you will be disqualified. The transition area is closed until all athletes are off the bike course. Sprint athletes this goes for you as well, you must wait until all the athletes are off the course and race officials open the transition area. All athletes deserve a clear transition. There will be an aid station at the run in/out chute with water and electrolyte replacement. Athletes wearing their own chips, PLEASE remove your chips before re-entering the transition area and exiting again. This can cause a timing error. Run in/out and Bike in/out chutes are clearly marked on the large structures at either end, it is your responsibility to go the right direction.

Race Tips

Be prepared for a little chilly swim start. The reason is the Bear River dumps into the marina right at the starting point. So the water actually warms considerably as you swim around the course. Hustle over to the transition area and make sure your bike is in your climbing gear first. You climb a mile straight up to the top of Petoskey immediately, then you have about 3 miles of really fast riding before getting out of the city neighborhoods. the best tip is don't relax on the downhills. I see to many athletes using these as coaster descents. Do what you need to get the lactic acid out of them and then click down and go. By the time you start another climb your heart rate should be good and lactic acid out so you can climb again. Remember to stay loose when climbing, when you are tense climbing you use more energy. I like to tell people that bike should feel like a noodle underneath you. It should move with you in unison. Then on the run take advantage of that 2.5 miles along the bay, plenty of people and flat running should get you going. When you get to the bridge on the way back where the aid station is on the Bear river service drive put the hammer down all the way to the finish line, don't let up, it is downhill the entire way.

Packet Pickup/Registration

Day of Registration: 6-7:15am Sunday - NO DAY BEFORE REGISTRATION! ONLY DAY OF

Across the street from the fire station on W. Lake st. The transition area is 400m from the finish/registration/beach area. Do not arrive late as you must give yourself time to get to the transition area and set up before heading back to the beach.

Day of Registration will close promptly 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each event unless otherwise noted.

Will be located in most cases under the white tents, please follow the registration signs and look for the purple “Registration” flags.

 ITEMS YOU MUST BRING: USA Triathlon member card and drivers license (or any picture ID). You will not be permitted to race without a picture ID. NON USA Triathlon members will be required to proceed to the USA Triathlon registration table to fill out a one day member license and pay the USA Triathlon $12 fee. This entire fee is sent directly to USA Triathlon following the event along with the event results. If you are not familiar with the multi-sport governing body please see their website at: www.usatriathlon.org

Upon completing the initial registration process you will be issued a race bib number, it is YOUR responsibility to check your personal information for correct spellings, age changes, etc. please do so at this point. Wrong information can cause issues with your race timing and scoring. If you registered by the 14 day pre-registration cut-off date you will receive your T shirt, then proceed to the partner supplied sample area where you may pick one sample of each product.

  Note: Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign event waivers.

USAT

A $12 one day USAT license fee is required for all NON - USAT members. Relays are required to pay $12 per relay member.  Youth 17 and under is a $15 fee for the year.
Pre registered athletes your fee was collected online this fee goes directly to USA Triathlon NOT 3D.    
Remember the USAT age up rule, meaning you will race at the age you will be at the end of the year.

Timing/Scoring

We provide all the timing and scoring services for each and every event we host. This will be with ChampionChip or Chrono Track timing systems.

Proceed to the “Chip Pick Up” flag typically near the transition area entrance. You will be issued a neoprene strap with a plastic chip. This must be securely fastened to your ankle for the entire event. It is recommended you put this around your ankle immediately.

 You will NOT be issued a chip and strap without your race bib number. There are no exceptions so do not forget this when picking up your chip and strap.

Throughout the event there will be sets of timing mats or gators, typically under structures indicating finish, bike in, run out, swim finish etc. You must cross over these areas. Do not avoid them or attempt to jump over them. Finally every effort will be made to supply you with a swim, bike, run, transition 1, transition 2 and finish times. However it is explicitly expressed the electronic timing systems are not fool proof. They are electronics and computers outside in the elements and they are not perfect systems. We along with any other timer out there can only score what is captured in a system.

PRELIMINARY results will be posted on and in results kiosks typically located in and around the post event areas. Results are rarely 100% final at the time of the awards ceremony, due to post race corrections.

Your results will be posted on the event website under the “Results” tab located on the home page as well as event page. Every effort is made to post these by the following morning or within 24 hrs. of the event.

 You are responsible for that chip and strap once it is handed to you. If you lose this at any point, meaning you do not turn it in at the finish line you will be responsible for the $40 replacement cost. There are no exceptions to this.

Body Marking

All athletes and all relay members will be body marked with their race number.  After picking up your chip and strap the “Body Marking” flag is typically located near this area. Please proceed to the body marking area. Event support crew will be marking race numbers on your swim caps, biceps, tops of hands, and quadriceps. You will also have your event code marked on one calf. T= long course, S= sprint, D= duathlon, R = relay, H = half. On the opposite calf will be your "USAT" Age (please see USAT Age up Rule)

Accommodations

Friends, Family and Spectators

All rules are designed for the safety of the athletes and our spectators, please follow all rules to ensure everyones safety.

• The transition is absolutely OFF LIMITS to all spectators. All fenced areas are fenced for a reason, it is not to see where you can get around or crawl over or under. These are athlete only areas and are fenced for their safety and yours. Fenced areas will be taken down before raffle and award ceremonies.
• Athlete post race snack tent areas are OFF LIMITS to all spectators.  These snacks are for ATHLETES ONLY. Unfortunately we do not have enough to feed everyone, if you are eating the athlete food there will not be enough for the athletes following their finish. 
•  “Hot Spots” which are the swim exit, bike in/out and finish chutes are high priority areas in terms of safety and caution. At our events these areas are always fenced and flagged and typically patrolled by crew. Please do not lean on, or over in order to get a picture.
•  Please make sure you have all pets on short leashes.
•  Please make sure you have all your kids close by your side, a small child running across a chute in front of athletes running full speed is not a good thing.
• Finally if you would like to help out the support crew on the course please feel free to ask them or please see the race director before the event. We are ALWAYS looking for additional assistance on the course and you will receive access to the post race snack tent with your athlete as well as receive a support crew shirt.

Support Volunteers

If you would like to be a part of the event and receive a support crew shirt and access to the post race snack tent we will never turn down help. The more help on the course just means it is that much better for the athletes. We can ALWAYS use your assistance, you can never have too many volunteers. 

If interested in volunteering and it is the Thursday prior to the event or before, please fill out the form _____ prior to the event.  If it is the day before the event or race day, please find one of the 3 D CREW or head to the VOLUNTEER Flag at the venue.