_ The 2018 Polarbear Triathlon and Duathlon:

Swim:
Pool swim 525 yards (21 lengths) with wave starts (approx 30 athletes per wave). You will be placed the appropriate wave based on the estimated swim time that you give when registering (so it is very important that it is accurate!). If you did not give an accurate swim time, PLEASE go time yourself in a pool and update your registration online. There is a 20 minute time limit to complete the swim portion of the race. If you do not complete the swim in 20 mins, you will be asked to get out of the pool. You will be allowed to finish the rest of the race, but your time will be considered unofficial and you will not be eligible for awards.
PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that you provide an accurate swim time for 525 yards. If you give a false swim time that puts you in an inappropriate wave, we reserve the right to move you to a different wave at any point.

Bike:
11.5 mile loop course with rolling/flat terrain and ocean views on low traffic country roads. There are no aid stations, but there will be lead and sweep vehicles. You are responsible for your own water/support on the bike course. If you have mechanical issues on the bike, do not count on a mechanic coming to help you. You should have the tools and knowledge to handle a breakdown, if it were to happen. All athletes must be off the course by 11:45 a.m. If you are not finished with the bike leg by that time, you will be picked up by a sweep vehicle and returned to the transition area. You will be allowed to finish the rest of the race, but your time will be considered unofficial and you will not be eligible for awards.

Run:
3 mile off and on road course. Wide trails and quiet neighborhood streets. There will be aid stations approximately every 1 mile. This year's route will have one and a half laps of the trail. Please see course map link above for more detailed explanation.

Duathlon:
The first 2 mile run will be a shortened version of the second run, with only half a lap of the trail. The bike, second run, and transition will be the same as the triathlon. The Duathlon will begin at approximately 9 a.m.

Relays:
Relays are required to hand off the chip at their designated bike rack spot only. The cyclist cannot remove the bike from the rack before being tagged by the swimmer. The cyclist cannot tag the runner before re-racking the bike. The overall time for a relay will be the aggregate of times for each of the members.

Results:
There will be chip timing and results will be available the day after the race. Athletes will receive their swim, T1, bike, T2, run, and overall times.

Student Category:
The Polarbear offers a discount to all full-time students, regardless of age. Participants must list their institution on the entry form and may be asked to show proof of enrollment. Students will compete in their appropriate age group.

Awards:
Top 3: Male/Female overall, 
Top M/F Bowdoin Student and Alumn, 
Top 3 in each age category (every 5 years and U-19)
Top relay in each division (all-male, all-female, co-ed)

USAT Sanctioning: 
The Polarbear will be sanctioned by USA Triathlon. If you are not an annual member of USA Triathlon, you will need to purchase a $15 one-day membership when you register.

Post-Race:
There will be an awards ceremony and plenty of food and drink, available to all athletes. It is a fun, festive atmosphere for the whole family. Stick around and hang out with your fellow triathletes. It is the perfect way to kick off the season!

Rules:
Please look over the rules - you are responsible for understanding them and abiding by them. They are available at www.usatriathlon.com.

Inclement Weather:
The Polarbear will not be cancelled for any reason other than severe conditions that pose extreme danger to athletes and volunteers. Race Management reserves the right to alter the course in whatever way they deem is in the best interest of the athletes and volunteers. This includes, but is not limited to, shortening or changing the course, removing one of the sports, postponing the start, etc. There are no refunds in the case of weather-caused changes or cancellations. If cancelled, the 2014 Polarbear will not be rescheduled.  http://tri-maine.com/refund-policies