REGISTRATION
Check-In and Registration: What to Bring
You must bring a PHOTO IDENTIFICATION, either a valid drivers license or a valid passport.

Are we required to pick up race numbers the day before?
No, but we strongly recommend that you pick up your packet the day before at the pre-registration. This allows you to put your bike number, helmet number and race number on prior to race morning.

It says the registration opens at 6:00 a.m., does that mean the race starts at 6:00 a.m.?
No, check-in opens at 6 a.m. so you can have plenty of time to rack your bike and warm-up. 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.

In your estimation when do the masses begin getting set up in the transition area?
6:30 a.m. to 7:00 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?
The Mermaid events have sold out in the past so to guarantee your entry we recommend you sign up early.

If the event closes, will there be a waiting list?
No.

If I cannot race, can I give someone else my race number?
No. Race entries are non-transferable.

I am not sure how long it takes to check in, warm up, and set up at the transition area.
Allow 50 minutes. If you checked in the day before and you have all your numbers on and ready to go you will probably want to give yourself about 30 minutes.

How do I know you received my entry?
There is a participant list posted on our website. If you don't see your name, email us at info@mermaidtriathlon.com.

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. Please read our cancelation policy listed on the registration page.

What are the Age Groups?
Age groups are broken out 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.

RACE CATEGORIES
This is my first time attempting a triathlon and wasn't sure if I should register for an "Individual Age-Group" the "For Fun" or the "Athena?"
The For Fun Division was developed for athletes that want to do the entire (Swim, Bike and Run) event without the pressure of "racing" in an age group. The "For Fun" division allows athletes of any age to start together and is often very popular with the first time and novice athletes. Please note that awards are not issued for 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the "For Fun" division. The "Individual Age-Group" division means that you are racing against the other athletes in your age-division and we award prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The "Athena" division is for athletes 150 lbs. and over who want to race against similar athletes for a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prize.

RELAY
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.

WETSUITS
Are wetsuits required?
We strongly urge every participant to wear a wetsuit. The water temperature is very cold and unless you are used to swimming in the ocean you will want to wear a wetsuit.

Any info on renting a wetsuits?
Yes! our swim sponsor Fit 2 Race rents wetsuits.

What is the water temp? Do most participants wear a wetsuits?
The water temperature will be around 62 degrees. YES! almost every participant wears a wetsuit..

SWIM
What is the water temperature?
We expect the water temperature at Seacliff State Beach to be around 62 degrees.

Does the swim start on the beach or in the water?
The Santa Cruz Mermaid is 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, however you are not allowed to use a snorkel. In addition, you are not allowed to use any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind.

Do I need shoes to run from the swim to the transition area?
Most folks don't wear shoes but it is a long run on the sand and up wooden stairs to the transition area. We recommend that you have a towel and an extra bottle of water to wash off your feet before you put on your socks or shoes in 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.

BIKE
Is the bike course hilly?
The bike course does have several steep uphills. We recommend you drive the course prior so you are familiar with where the climbs take place.

RUN
Is the run hilly?
Most of the run is on a flat paved path, however there is one large uphill at the end of the run.

What kind of liquid/food is on the race course?
Water, Electrolyte drink, and gels

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 first come, first served.

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.

By what time do I need to clear out of the transition area?
We will begin to tear down the transition area around 11:30 a.m., so we ask that you remove your gear by this time.

USA TRIATHLON (USAT)
Last year I had to pay a USAT fee, how come I don't have to pay it this year?
We are no longer using USAT for our race insurance. Each athlete is still covered for additional insurance with our carrier however you no longer have to pay a one-day fee.

TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT
Can I bike and/or jog with my ipod?
No. Headphones are not allowed.

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.

How many hours per day do I need to train?
There is no set number of hours needed to train. You should be comfortable working out for 90 to 100 minutes.

Do you know who I can talk to about my training for this event?
Join Team Mermaid and get excellent coaching from Heidi Boynton. You can find information about our training clinics and one day seminars on the training page link.

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.

DISCOUNTS
I belong to a club and got a discount last year. Will you be offering the discount again this year for the Mermaid events?
Yes - Make sure your club president or representative emails us at info@mermaidtriathlon.com to get the discount code.

I am signing up for the event as a group. However I am not a swimmer and was wondering if I could participate in the duathlon as a member of this team.
Yes. We will accept combinations of triathletes and duathletes for the group (6 to 11, 11 or more) discount rate.

OTHER
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 and 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 on the bike, however you will be responsible to remember to put it on prior to starting the run. If you do not have your race number on during the run you will be disqualified!!

I heard this event uses Chip Timing. What is Chip Timing?
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 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. Generally, there will be about 80 to 100 athletes in each wave (group).