Hello Mermaid Athletes

This is the final race update and contains a lot of information. Please make sure to read through the entire email. If you missed the previous race updates they are posted online. We are looking forward to Sunday!

-Parking at Quarry Lakes
-Transition Area
-Bike Racks - Tips from Coach Heidi
-Under 19 Category
-No Race Day Switches
-Run Course Info
-Awards
-Timing Chip
-Mini Mermaid Run - Almost sold out
-Rose Garden Health
-Shoe Donation - Finding Sophia
-Hotel Accommodations

Parking at Quarry Lakes
There is a $5.00 parking fee at Quarry Lakes, we recommend carpooling if possible. There are several options for parking at Quarry Lakes, however two of the parking areas will be closed while bikes are on the race course. Please reference the parking map before coming on Sunday. The blue area is reserved for athlete parking and will be accessible throughout the event. The two yellow parking areas will be closed once the race starts and bikes are on the course. We estimate the lot will be closed from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. If you need to arrive later than 7:30 a.m. or leave before 10:30 a.m. please park in black (west) parking lot. <Parking Map>

Transition Area
The transition area will open at 6:00 a.m. We will be assigning bike racks to each race category, i.e. Duathlon, Family & Friends, 40 & Over, 30 – 39, 29 & Under / Athena. We ask that you rack your bike within your assigned section. With 700 + athletes the racks are going to be full! Each bike rack fits 10 bikes, 5 per side. Be aware that your start time could be up to an 1.5 hours after the first wave has started. You might be racking your bike while others will be racing through the transition. Keep an eye out for athletes racing and make sure to give them the right away. If the area is full you can rack your bike in an open spot as close to your area as possible. The transition area is for ATHLETES ONLY! Please keep your transition gear within your rack space.

Bike Racks - Tips from Coach Heidi
The count down is on! I hope you are excited to participate and have a great race day this Sunday! We've got new bike racks, if this is your first triathlon/duathlon or if you're a previous participant I've put together some tips for setting up your bike on the racks. The new racks are like most traditional triathlon/duathlon bike racks where the bike hangs from the seat. Click on the link to see photos and get tips on how to have a stress free transition area. <more>

Under 19 Category
All athletes who registered in the Under 19 category for either the Triathlon or Duathlon will be racing in the Age Group division. The Under 19 category was specified in order to give a youth discount. If you are racing in the triathlon and want to switch from the 9:00 a.m. 29 & Under swim wave to the 7:30 a.m. Family and Friends swim wave please email us today! <email>

No Race Day Switches
Please verify your name and race category using our participant list online. If you are in the wrong category you can email us by midnight tonight to switch categories. All participants must start in their assigned category. There are no race day switches so please double check your category online.

Run Course Info
The run course maps for both the Duathlon and Triathlon are online. While running, please note you stay on the left side of the trail at all times. DUATHLETES: The 1st duathlon run will start on the beach adjacent to the swim start. You will run out and back into the swim area and up the chute leading from the beach to the transition area. After you finish the bike course your 2nd run is the same course as the run for the triathlon.

Awards
We have some great prizes for the Age Group and Overall Awards. Overall winners get an Overland Bag, LUNA Apparel, Rose Garden Health gift certificate and Lululemon atletica gift certificate. Age Group awards will receive Mermaid flip flops, hats, socks and Illusions Activewear gift certificates. We will work with the timers to get the results up as soon as possible and the awards handed out, however you MUST be present in order to receive your award. Awards will not be mailed out.

Timing Chips
All athletes are timed using a timing chip that will be given to you at registration. We will have volunteers collecting timing chips at the finish line, however it is your responsibility to make sure the timing chip is returned. If you loose your timing chip you will be charged a $20 replacement fee.

Mini Mermaid Run - Almost Sold Out
If you've got friends or daughters who are interested in doing the Mini Mermaid please have them register online. The mini is almost sold out at 100 girls. The course map is online.

Time: 7:45 a.m.
Entry Fee: $10.00** (online) $15.00** (race day)
Distance: 1.5 miles
**Entry fee does NOT include a t-shirt. Mini Mermaid t-shirts will be available for purchase on race day.
   REGISTER

Rose Garden Health
Rose Garden Health has been treating and keeping mermaids healthy for the past three years. If you are experiencing any knee, hip, or foot pain and are nervous about racing visit Dr. Gina Bianchi at Rose Garden Health. Using Active Release Technique (ART) along with chiropractic care she can effectively evaluate and treat your sports injuries to get you back to training your best! Rose Garden Health will be at the Mermaid providing post-race massage.

Finding Sophia - Shoe Donation
We are collecting your old shoes! We will have several bins next to the registration area for collecting used shoes. Shoes are then donated to Finding Sophia, a women's non-profit organization that builds homes and helps needy families in Northern Mexico. Finding Sophia is an incredible organization and one that has touched many lives over the years. <more>

Hotel Accommodations
Looking for a hotel accommodations? The W Hotel Silicon Valley is the host hotel for the Mermaid Fremont Triathlon and Duathlon. Most rooms are equipped with a kitchenette. For the best prices book online. <link>

Cheers!
The Mermaid