_ The 2023 RipRoar Youth Triathlon Omaha:

Packet Pickup + Course Talk

Unlike in the past, this year's event will not have early packet pick-up the day before the event. Instead, athletes will have their race packet + RipRoar Rewards tickets waiting for them at their transition spot on race morning. Be sure to check your email to know your bib number. At this time, our usually scheduled course talks will now take place virtually through videos for athletes with everything you need to know prior to race day.  If the decision to host this in-person is made, athletes will be updated on this prior to the event.

The course will be marked on Friday afternoon for those that would like to visit the course individually. However, please keep in mind that we do not recommend touring the bike course as it is open to regular traffic.  

Transition

At 6:30 a.m. on race morning, transition will open for all athletes. All race packets will be individually numbered and located at corresponding bike racks. Packets will include an ankle timing chip, swim cap, bike number, race bib, $10 in RipRoar Rewards, and a pair of RipRoar boomsticks. 

It is RipRoar’s policy that all athletes (including intermediate and junior division athletes) must set up their bikes, and transition areas between 6:30 am and 7:45 am on race morning. All bikes must be racked by either the seat of the bike or by using a kickstand. Please note that we do not allow bike stands in transition due to space. Parents are welcome in transition prior to the race, but will not be allowed in during the running of the events. Don’t worry- RipRoar staff and volunteers are trained and ready to help all athletes as they work their way through transition.

Start Line

Athletes will be lined up based on their assigned bib number. We assign bib numbers based on age and sex so that all athletes competing in the same division are grouped together. The order of athletes within these divisions is solely at the race director’s discretion and will not be lined up based on swimming ability.

Finish Line

The RipRoar finish line is unlike anything else, especially during the junior division event. Our belief is a straightforward one: triathlon is a hard sport, and we want to positively reinforce a child’s desire to do hard things. Therefore, we build a massive finish line chute, line it with red carpet, and strongly encourage all athletes and spectators to help make it something special. If we all do our part, we can get these kids addicted to the feeling of crossing difficult finish lines.

Post Race + Awards Ceremony

Triathlon represents a big challenge for our athletes and we give out big hardware. Every finisher, regardless of place will receive a super sweet finisher medal. In addition, we highlight the top five boys and top five girls from every age (6, 7, 8, etc). The award ceremony is held approximately 20 minutes following the final finisher crossing the line. During this time we invite all athletes to remove all their items from transition. Those looking to leave the venue are welcomed to do so.