Is the relay division for both the triathlon and
duathlon?
No. Relay division is only for the triathlon – and you can do it as
either a 2 person or 3 person team.
Are wetsuits required? Wetsuits are optional, but we would suggest using one
as most folks swim faster with a wetsuit on and stay much warmer.
Any info on renting a wetsuits?
Yes. SportsBasement rents wetsuits. For more information please see check
out SportsBasement or call 408 732-0300
What is
the water temp? Do most participants wear a wetsuits?
The water temp for the Fremont Triathlon will be around 70 degrees. Approximately
half of the participants wear a wetsuit and half do not.
Transition Area (Bike Racks and Gear)
What time does the transition area open and how is
it set up?
6:00 AM. The Transition Area (racks) are assigned per swim wave. After that
it is first come, first served.
By what time to I need to clear out of the transition area?
We will begin to tear down the transition area around 12:00 pm so we ask that
you remove your gear by this time.
How is the transition area set up? Can I leave non racing gear there?
or leave all that in my car?
Space is limited to race related equipment and clothing. Any items that are
not related to the race, please leave them in your car or with a friend, relative,
etc.
What time does everyone need to clear out of the transition area before the
start?
You should be out of the transition area and down at the swim start 15 minutes
prior to your wave start.
What is a “WAVE” start?
A wave start is a triathlon term that means group of athletes. Athletes are
assigned to a specific wave that has a specific start time. Everyone in the
same ‘wave’ is issued the same cap color, and a display board
will be located by the swim that breaks out each groups cap color and start
time. While on the beach before the start, refer to this board for your wave
start time. Generally, there will be about 80 athletes in each wave (group).
USA TRIATHLON (USAT)
If I am not a One Year USAT member, am I required
to pay a $9 One Day fee for each Mermaid event?
Yes. We are required to charge a $10 USAT fee per event, for non One-Year
USAT members. .
I just read the USAT rules about headphones. Does this mean I cannot jog with
my ipod?
We are USAT sanctioned. Headphones are not allowed. One of the reasons is
that USAT wants to be assured that there is good communication between race
officials/volunteers and athletes. If headphones are allowed, it could become
a problem for folks (athletes) to hear instructions and it is also a safety
concern.
TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT
Do most people wear the same item of clothing
for the entire race (aka cycling shorts)?
YES. Most people will swim in spandex or cycling shorts that don't have a
seat pad and then bike and run in them as well.
I am a novice triathlete (48 years old), and I am thinking of trying
the Santa Cruz event in September. Is this an event you would recommend to
a first-timer or are there better choices?
The September event is a great venue for the first time triathlete. If possible,
I would suggest you try the Mermaid Quarry Lakes (Fremont) June 12 event as
a first time event. The Mermaid Fremont will actually be a little easier as
far as terrain. Water temperature in the 70's, no waves, and flat and fast
bike course and flat, fast run course. The Mermaid Santa Cruz is also a good
first time venue, but includes a few challenging hill climbs on the bike,
and a good hill climb at the end of the run.
How many hours per day do I need to train?
What is great about the Mermaid is that it will not take a lot of time to
train to have fun and finish. Of course, like anything, the more competitive
you want to be, the more time you can spend training. Even then, the event
lends itself to not taking a lot of time training compared to longer events.
Do you know who I can talk to about my training for this event?
We have many ideas and resources. Check out our training page.
Are road bikes necessary, or can we ride a hybrid or mountain bike?
Road bikes are not necessary. Mountain bikes or hybrid bikes will work fine.
Actually, a lot of women used mountain bikes last year. The only bikes not
allowed are recumbent and tandem bikes.
I was wondering if there is a time limit on the Mermaid Triathlon?
No. there is no time limit.
REGISTRATION
Check-In and Registration – What to Bring
-You must bring a PHOTO IDENTIFICATION and proof of USA Triathlon
membership if you are a One Year Member. For those that paid the USAT One
Day, $10 fee, we will have a record of that payment at Check-In.
Are we required to pick up race numbers on Saturday?
No, but if you do, it will make Sunday morning a much easier process (LESS
STRESS) if you do.
So the race starts at 6 am???
No, check-in opens at 6 am. Check the website, www.mermaidtriathlon.com for
wave start (based on age) times.
How early would you recommend us to be there?
At least 60 to 90 minutes before your start time. ALLOW plenty of time to
get there, park and to set up your gear.
What time should we be there on race day?
Check-in opens at 6 am. Check the website, www.mermaidtriathlon.com for wave
start (based on age) times.
In your estimation when do the masses begin getting set up in the
transition area?
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Is it better to get there early to set up/park/etc?
ABSOLUTELY!
How soon does one need to register for the event?
There is the potential for the event to fill, so sign up soon.
I am not sure how long it takes to check in, warm up, and set up at the transition
area.
Allow 40 to 50 minutes, less if you check-in Saturday.
If the event closes, will there be a waiting list?
No.
How do I know you received my entry?
We will post a list of registered athletes. If you don’t see your name,
email us at info@mermaidtriathlon.com.
If I cannot race, can I give someone else my race number?
No. Race entries are non-transferable.
Can I get a refund?
If you give us 10 days notice, we will give you a credit (minus a transaction
fee) toward a future race.
What are the Age Groups?
Age groups are generally (from age 20 and over) in 5 year increments:
Mermaid Age Groups = 11 to 12; 13 to 15; 16-19: 20-24: 25-29, etc.
What is the minimum age?
11 years of age.
I heard this event uses “Chip Timing”. What is Chip Timing?
The morning of the event, we issue each participant an ankle strap with a
computer chip. The computer chip is encoded with the athlete's name, race
number and other information. This computer chip will help track your progress
through the course (over special mats) and help get your finish time to our
timer the second you finish!
What is ‘body marking’?
We need a number on your arms, legs and calves. This helps us track you on
the course and gives our announcers an opportunity to see your number, look
up your name to let the crowd know you are near the finish.
Do I have to wear my paper, race number?
You are required to finish the run, with your race number being worn on the
front. It is optional to being worn on the bike. We need to see your number
in the front as you near the Finish Line we can get your name called out as
a Mermaid FINISHER for the spectators! If you do not have your race number
on during the run you will be disqualified!!
The Course
SWIM
What is the water temperature?
We expect the water temperature to be around 70 degrees.
Does the swim start on the beach or in the water?
The Mermaid Fremont swim will start in knee deep water. The Mermaid Santa
Cruz will be a beach start with a run approximately 30 feet into the water.
Will there be opportunity to get in the water and swim a warm-up before
the start?
Yes, there will be a swim area off to the side of the swim course that is
open for warming up. We just ask that once the race has started you do not
warm-up on the swim course.
I am a terrible swimmer. What if I cannot do or complete the swim
the morning of the event?
If you happen to struggle the morning of the event, get out of the water,
peel of your wetsuit, notify the head lifeguard and have them write down your
race number. You can still finish the race but your time will not be official.
I notice that a face mask is allowed. Could this be a snorkel mask?
If so, is only the mask allowed or is the entire snorkel apparatus (breathing
tube, etc.) allowed?
Yes, a face mask is fine. I found this info (see below) on the USAT site,
and to date, I do not see any mention of the use of a snorkel. I will keep
looking. Until then, I would suggest using a snorkel made specifically for
swimming so that there is no risk of a swimmer hitting it or knocking it out
of your mouth.
4.8
Goggles.
Swimmers may wear, but shall not be required to wear, swim goggles or face
masks.
4.9
Illegal Equipment.
Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited
to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified.
Do
I need shoes to run from the swim to the transition area?
Most folks don’t wear shoes. Mermaid Quarry Lakes has a grass and pavement
path leading to the transition area. Mermaid Santa Cruz has sand, wooden stairs
and pavement leading to the transition area.
Do we have official swim caps?
Yes. We will issue specific colored caps to each division/wave start. You
MUST wear the swim cap that we issue.
RUN
Is the Mermaid Fremont run hilly?
No. Most of the run is on a wide, fire road, and is relatively flat and fast.
What kind of liquid/food is on the race course?
Hammer Gel and HEED, a Hammer Gel Electrolyte Drink
DISCOUNTS
I belong to a club and got a discount last year. Will
you be offering the discount again this year for the Fremont event?
Yes - Visit our website soon and we will post all the clubs and groups that
can get a discount. Note - If you belong to any clubs or large groups, give
us a shout and we will work to get your group a great discount!
I am signing up for the event in Fremont with a group However I am
not a swimmer and was wondering if I could participate in the duathlon as
a member of this team. Would this be okay and would I just need to sign up
under the team and pay the price for tri or can I pay the duathlon price?
Yes. We will accept combinations of triathletes and duathletes for the group
(6 to 11, 11 or more) discount rate.