A triathlon in Buckhead? The thought isn’t as far-fetched as it seems, specifically when you have the backdrop of Chastain Park.
The 2016 triPATHlon puts athletes to the test as they complete a 400-yard pool swim, 15-mile bike and 5K run in and around Chastain Park. The race is hosted by the PATH Foundation, Chastain Park Athletic Club and Chastain Park Conservancy.
Cox Media Group is one of the title sponsors for the Sunday, May 1, triathlon. Here is helpful information for those who attending the race, whether as a spectator or participant.
Register:
Individual participant registration is $80 (or $92 if you are a non-USA Triathlon member), or a group-registered team is $130 for a minimum of two people and maximum of three people. Register online through active.com. Registration prices increase $20 after April 17.
Online registration closes on April 24.
Pre-race checklist:
Kids ages 6-14 can participate in the Splash & Dash race that morning.
Kids 6-8 will compete in a 50-yard swim and a 500-yard run; kids 9-11 will compete in a 100-yard swim and a 1K; and kids 12-14 will compete in a 200-yard swim and a 2K.
Splash & Dash events begin at 11:15 a.m. Click here to register and for complete info. Participation is limited.
Packet pick-up:
You have a few options for packet pick-up, both in advance and on race morning. If it's your first triathlon, it's advised to pick up your packet in advance. This will give you the night before to review the course and set up your numbers on your bike, helmet and running gear. When you go to pick up your packet, remember to bring a valid driver's license and either a current USAT card (if you are a member) or $12 to pay the one-time race fee.
Pick-up is available on the following days at the following locations:
• April 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Road Runner, 3756 Roswell Rd. NE Suite 16, Atlanta, GA 30342
• May 1 (race day), 5:30-7:00 a.m., 135 West Wieuca Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30342 – You can only pick up packet this day – NO REGISTRATION
Late registration is available on April 29 and 30 at these locations.
Pre-race checklist:
Swim: Must be completed within 30 minutes. Wear a bathing suit or triathlon kit and be sure to bring goggles. A timing chip should have been provided in your packet. You will wear it throughout the race so secure it tightly to either of your ankles. Wetsuits will be allowed if water temperature is below 76 degrees, however pool will be heated. If water temperature is over 76 degrees, wetsuits will be optional, but you will not be eligible for awards.
Bike: Must be completed within 90 minutes and the bike and swim portions must both be completed within two hours. Be sure that your tires are pumped and the bike is correctly fitted to your body before your race. Helmets are mandatory. Stick the smaller race number to the front of your helmet, and stick the larger number onto the frame of your bike where it won't interfere with your pedaling. If you are using a bike with clip-ins, bring those shoes. The course is scenic with rolling hills.
Run: Must be completed within 60 minutes or the entire race must be completed within three hours. Bring a comfortable pair of running shoes and a pair of socks. Be sure to attach your bib number to the shirt that you will be running in, or bring a race belt to slip on after the bike. This will help you to be more identifiable on the course. The run ends at West Wieuca Road, directly across from the pool.
Nutrition:
You should have drinks and fuel in transition, or at least in your car for post-race. A water bottle and/or sports drink is important to keep you hydrated throughout the race. Bring at least two bottles: one to put on your bike and one to leave in transition. Some triathletes take fuel such as a gel or energy bars during the race.
Miscellaneous:
It’s always a good idea to bring a hat and/or sunglasses, particularly if the weather is warm and sunny. This will keep you cool, making for a more comfortable bike and run. An insider tip: puff baby powder in your socks to easily slip on socks and shoes.
Race morning:
Come ready to swim, bike, run and have fun! There will be no race-day registration. Arrive on race site early to set up your gear in transition and get your body warmed up. Transition is open from 5:30-7:15 a.m., so allow ample time to make sure your transition area is set up according to USAT rules. Your transition rack position will be labeled based on race number, and early comers tend to get better spots on the rack.
By 7:15 a.m., your warm-ups should be complete and you should be at the pool to hear the pre-race meeting. This meeting is especially important to those who are new to this race, as it goes over particular course information and race regulations.
Parking:
There will be no parking on the roads used for the race course, including West Weiuca Road, Powers Ferry Road and Pool Road. The best locations to park are in the Chastain Park Amphitheatre’s yellow or red lots on Powers Ferry Road, or the blue lot on Stella Drive.
