Frequently Asked Questions

Registration
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When did online registration open?
Online registration opened on December 1st

What is the entry fee?
Registration fee for individual entry is $150, Relay Entry: $225.

When will entry fees increase?
Entry fee will increase three weeks prior to the event date.

What is the Refund/Withdrawal policy?
There are NO refunds for the event.  Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via e-mail to athleteservices@5150.com.  Transfers or deferrals are NOT permitted.

Is there a waiting list for the event?
No, we do not offer a waiting list

Are there age requirements?
Yes, all participants must be 15 years of age as of 12-31-2011 per USA Triathlon rules

What age group will I race in on race day?
All participants will race based on their age as of 12-31-2011

What is the age group breakdown?
Standard 5 year age groups.  15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, ….. 75+

How do I switch out of or into an existing relay?
Only the team captain (i.e. the person that completed the registration) can request a switch by e-mailing athleteservices@5150.com.  All requests must be received no later than three weeks prior to the event date..

What if my team members can’t compete due to unforeseen circumstances and I am the only one on my team?

If only one athlete remains on the team due to unforeseen circumstances or injury, that athlete can participate as an individual.  The individual will not be refunded the difference in entry fee.

What is the fee to switch relay team members?
Any switch will result in a $25.00 charge

Do all team members have to be present at athlete check in?
Yes, without exception, all relay team members must check-in at the same time or they will not be able to participate.

Will all team members receive a medal and t-shirt?
Yes

What categories are offered?

  • Professionals – contact proinfo@5150.com
  • Elite Amateur (Open Amateur) – This is for REALLY FAST age group athletes.  Those expecting to place TOP 10 overall.  In order to race as an elite amateur, you must furnish proof of results of completing a USAT sanctioned international distance event within one year of the 5150 event you will be competing in.  Please send results via e-mail to athleteservices@5150.com. Men must furnish proof of a sub 2:15 finish time and women sub 2:30.
  • Age Group
  • Clydesdale (39 and under, 40 and over)
  • Athena (39 and under, 40 and over)
  • Physically Challenged
  • Relay (2 or 3 person teams allowed)

Who do I contact if my registration information needs to be updated?athleteservices@5150.com

Course
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Are we starting in the water or is it a beach start?
In water start

What is the normal water temperature?
Differs by event. See the event website for more specific information.

What are the cut off times?

  • Swim:  1 hour from start of last wave
  • Bike:  3:30 from start of last wave
  • Run:  5:30 from start of last wave

Where can I find course maps?
Under the Athlete Info Tab

Race Photos
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Who do I contact regarding race photos?
FinisherPix is proud to be selected as the Official Photo Service of the 5150.com.

Finisher Pix will have several photographers working at the swim exit, on the bike course, on the run course, and of course, at the Finish Line!  In addition, FinisherPix will have photographers positioned after the finish line where you can have a photo taken after you receive your medal.

So what you need to do?

  1. Register your e-mail address at www.finisherpix.com to be notified as soon as photos are online.
  2. Please be sure you have your number visible on the FRONT of your bike helmet so we can identify your cycling photos.
  3. Please be sure to keep your bib number visible on the FRONT of your body during the run & at the finish line so we can identify your photos.
  4. Smile & celebrate when you cross the finish line!  Don’t worry about touching your watch, the timing company will ensure as accurate record of your achievement.

Visit www.finisherpix.com to view, order, and share your photos from the event!

Media
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Who do I contact for media-related inquiries?

Jessica Weidensall – media@5150.com

Qualifying
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How do I qualify for the Hy-Vee 5150 U.S. Championship?

Place top 10 in your respective division

What division will have qualification spots?
Age Group
Elite Amateur
Clydesdale
Athena
PC

Professionals – visit this page for more information on professional qualification

How are the qualification spots distributed?
We will contact each athlete individually via e-mail within 1 week after completion of the event.  You will be provided a registration code and will be required to register within 2 weeks of receipt of registration code or your spot will be forfeited.

Awards
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Awards will be distributed to top 5 in each division

Race Week Event Schedule
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Is posted under the event information tab

Rules
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Where do I find information on race rules?

Rules information is posted under the athlete information tab.  All USAT Rules will be followed for 5150 events.

Do I have to be a member of USAT or buy a one-day license?

All 5150 events will be sanctioned by USA Triathlon.  Participants that are not current annual USAT members will be required to purchase a $10 one day license at athlete check in.  You will also be required to furnish a photo ID at athlete check in.  All athletes must pick up their own packet.  You CANNOT have someone else pick it up for you.  All Relay team members must be present to pick up the relay team race packet.  Please visit http://www.usatriathlon.org/pages/668 for a complete list of competitive rules.

What are the wetsuit restrictions?

The rule allows participants to wear a wetsuit if the water temperature is 78 degrees or less. The upper limit was set because wetsuits are allowed for protection against hypothermia, and there is little risk of hypothermia for a swimmer in water as warm as 78 degrees.

Beginning in 2013, participants must ensure that any wetsuit used has a uniform thickness of 5 millimeters or less. If the water temperature is between 78 and 84 degrees, a participant may elect to use a wetsuit but is removed from age group competition and rankings.

Here’s the rule:
4.4. Wetsuits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council. The AAC has set the wetsuit maximum temperature for elite/pros at 68 degrees for swim distances less than 3000 meters and 71.6 degrees for distances of 3000 meters or greater.

Effective January 1, 2013, any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than 5 millimeters shall be disqualified.

For a complete list of approved skin suits, visit:

http://www.usatriathlon.org/resources/about-events/rules/approved-skinsuits-speedsuits

Are disc wheels allowed?

Yes.  Race organizers reserve the right to restrict use depending on conditions.