The Swim
The swim will be an open swim of 7 lengths of the Hot Springs Pool
(approximately 825 meters). It will consist of 6 heats with approximately
50 people per heat. A range of swimmers of different capabilities will be
in each heat to allow the field to spread out. Competitors will receive a
colored swim cap in their packet; these caps must be worn during the
swim.
The swim marshal will give directions on getting set to go. Each heat will
have a mass start from the water by a starting pistol. Swimmers in each
heat will be positioned across the width of the pool, and may position
themselves according to their preference. Swimmers start on the east
end and finish on the west end, swimming in a counter-clockwise oval.
Orange buoys will mark the center of the pool.
Swimmers are responsible for counting their own lengths. Counters will
be recording lengths. Failure to complete all 7 lengths of the pool will be
cause for disqualification.
Any swim stroke is acceptable. Continuous walking or repeated pushing
off the bottom is not acceptable and may be cause for disqualification.
After the swim, go immediately to the transition area. Swim time will be
recorded as swimmers pass the timer at the exit of the pool
grounds. For a live look at the swim venue, please click on
www.hotspringspool.com.
The Ride
Competitors begin the ride segment by exiting the Hot Springs Pool parking lot (transition area) heading west on North River Street. Within a quarter mile, are the intersections of Laurel Street and N. River Street and the entrance ramp of Exit 116 to I-70. After crossing the intersection, go up the I-70 entrance ramp, west on I-70, to the Canyon Creek Exit 109 exit up the ramp, ride over the highway and return to I-70 headed east. Bikers will retrace the route, past Exits 111 and 114, exit at Exit 116, cross Laurel Street and proceed to the transition area. Obey all rules of the road. Be aware of other bikers and auto traffic. The shoulder of I-70 is wide and smooth and bikers must stay on the shoulder. There is no need to enter traffic lanes, even when passing. Obey all traffic rules. Auto traffic will not be controlled at any intersection. Course marshals will assist bikers at intersections, but they cannot halt traffic. No drafting is allowed. Bikers must ride single file and maintain three bicycle lengths except to pass. When overtaking another rider, call out to the rider and pass on the left. Please ride cautiously, especially at I-70 intersections. Course marshals will record bikers numbers at the turn around. There will NOT be an aid station on the bike course only contact to medical assistance. Carry your own fluids. You must be able to make your own repairs during the race with the equipment you carry on the bike no one can help you. There will be a pick-up vehicle for those who cant continue.
The Run - 4.75 miles
The run course begins with an exit from transition to the West. Immediately after the transition area, please stay on the far left of N. River St. Turn Right onto the Laurel St sidewalk, passing under I-70, and proceeding straight into the concrete bike path. Turning left at the next intersection of bike path, proceed south over the pedestrian bridge. Follow this path for approximately 1.5 mile. Continue right onto the S. Grand Ave sidewalk. Proceed over the 27th Street Bridge, to Midland Ave. Proceed right onto Midland Ave. Do not cross the yellow line while running on Midland; there is a sidewalk there for those without a death wish. Follow the marshals instructions after the last aid station and get on the sidewalk as it temporarily leaves Midland. Proceed right onto 7th St. staying on the sidewalk as this street will be open to traffic as well. After crossing the Roaring Fork River Bridge, course marshals will direct you across the pedestrian crossing back onto the bike path. Turn right, returning to Two Rivers Park. After crossing the pedestrian bridge in the opposite direction, turn left into Two Rivers Park. An immediate right will put you on the path to circumnavigate the park counter clockwise to the finish, which will be visible on the left. This course is 4.75 miles in length
Aid Stations
There is 1 aid station in the transition area and 5 on the run course:
1. There will be an aid station directly at the run start, near the timing chip mat.
2. about the 1/2-mile mark on the bike path
3. The 1.25-mile mark on the River Trail
4.About the 2 -mile mark on South Grand Ave.
5.About the 3 mile mark on Midland Avenue
6. about the 4.25 mile mark at the entrance to Two Rivers Park.
All aid stations will have water and sports drinks, and limited food.. There will be first aid available at the pool and an EMT ambulance unit on standby at the finish area.
The Transition Area
The transition area is the parking lot at the west end of the Hot Springs
Pool. It is the transition area for both the swim-to-ride and the ride-to-run
transitions.
Competitors should check their bikes into the transition area 45 minutes
before their swim heat begins. Competitors only will be allowed in this area
before, during, and after the event. No one may check your bike for you.
A bike rack space is assigned to each competitor and will be clearly
marked. Competitors may place their biking and running gear with their
bike in the transition area.
Exercise extreme caution when setting up your gear while the race is in
progress. Actual competitors have the right-of-way at all times and must not
be interfered with.
Competitors must re-rack their bikes after completing the ride or be
disqualified. The transition area must be cleared by 11:00 a.m. on race
day. Again only competitors may check out their bikes. No one may do
this for you.
When entering the transition area after the bike segment, you must dismount
at the mount/dismount line.
