Belews Lake International Triathlon 2013
Event #4 of the AAA Car Care North Carolina Triathlon Series
TIME: |
9:00 AM |
DATE: |
Saturday, April 13, 2013 |
PLACE: |
Greensboro, NC |
STATUS: |
Event Completed |
DISTANCE: |
1500 Meter Swim |
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OPEN TILL: |
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 9:00 AM |
INFO: |
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Description
CLICK HERE to view Facebook Photos from the 2012 Event.
This event is very unique because the swim start is a Time Trial Start with athletes staggered every 10 seconds. To maximize time, 2 athletes will start the swim every 10 seconds. The last swimmer should start no later than 9:45 AM. Participants will be seeded based on their 100 yard swim time.
Belews Lake Triathlon is the ONLY triathlon in the AAA North Carolina Triathlon Series that has a time trial start. This unique aspect offers a new experience from the traditional wave start format because having no wave starts greatly decreases the chances you will be kicked in the head, lose goggles, safety issues, etc.
Seasoned triathletes also will have the chance to fly through the swim and race course due to decreased bunching of athletes on the race course and in the water.
Family members/spectators will be able to cheer you on from the start to the finish. What other event allows for this? Usually you have no idea where your loved one is in the mix of arms and splashing water.
Belews Lake Triathlon is centrally located in Stokesdale, NC for easy access and short travel time from almost any spot in the Triangle.
Course Descriptions:
Swim:
Belews Lake is a very popular lake in the Winston-Salem / Greensboro area. It is a great lake to swim in - clear water with a sandy bottom. This is an in-water start with participants lining up at the boat launch. Waves and chop are light and water quality is excellent. The swim course is a triangular-shaped course. Participants exit the water at the end of the boat launch and run about 50 yards to the transition area.
All participants must submit a 100 yard swim time for starting positioning purposes. Participants will be placed from fastest to slowest. Submitting a time that is too fast for you puts you up with swimmers who will be passing you during the swim - not good for you or them. Putting a time that is too slow places you with slower swimmers and forces you to have to pass everyone. Swim caps will be provided. Swim caps are mandatory, as this is a safety issue. Our lifeguards and water safety need to be able to see everyone in the water.
Bike:
The bike course is a two loop course on smooth, rural country roads. The course has a few challenging hills. Athletes are certain to enjoy this scenic and challenging bike route. Police and volunteers man each intersection and turns are marked with directional signs.
Run:
The two loop run course. The run consist of no major hills and provides a great view of Belews Lake. 100% of the course is run on smooth roads. Aid stations are positioned every 1 mile.
Affiliated Charities
This event benefits Trinity Covenant Pre-School and Madison Rescue Squad.
Event Site Rules
Event Capacity:
400
USAT Sanctioned:
The Belews Lake International Triathlon is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event.
Cut-Off Time:
All participants must complete the race in under 4 hours. Event officials reserve the right to pull a participant off the course if it appears as though that participant will not be able to complete the race in under 4 hourss.
Minimum Age:
The minimum age allowed for participating in the Belews Lake International Triathlon is 14.
Timing System:
The Belews Lake International Triathlon will be timed using the ChampionChip Tming System.
(5 splits provided).
Packet Pickup
1) Friday, April 12th (4:30 PM - 7:00 PM)
@ Off'n Running - 3731 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455
336-288-7071
2) Saturday, April 13th (7:00 AM - 8:30 AM)
@ Carolina Marina at Belews Lake - 548 Shelton Road, Stokesdale, NC 27357
NOTE:
A photo ID is required for packet pick-up.
Cash or check only please.
All participants must pick up their own race packet.
(including all relay team members).
USA Triathlon requires that all USAT annual members must show their USAT membership card at packet pick-up.
Any USAT annual member who does not present his/her valid membership card at packet pick-up, will be required to pay the USAT one-day fee of $12.
Lodging Information
Greensboro-High Point Marriott Airport
One Marriott Drive
Greensboro, NC 27409
336-852-6450
4305 Big Tree Way
Greensboro, NC 27409
336-854-0090
Policies and Refunds
REFUND POLICY:
50% of your entry fee will be refunded until March 29, 2013. No refunds will be issued for any reason after March 29, 2013.
Entries CANNOT be transfered or defered to another person, event, or year.
NO EXCEPTIONS will be made to this policy.
By registering for this event you agree to this refund policy.
To request a refund, you must complete the refund request form below.
WEATHER POLICY:
In the event of inclement the following procedures will be followed:
The event will be postponed until 8:45AM in hopes the inclement weather will pass.
If inclement weather does not pass by 8:45AM , the event will be changed to a duathlon format.
Every effort will be made to have this event on time on this date. Should this event be cancelled due to an Act of God or other circumstance beyond the race directors control there will be no refunds, credits, or transfers.
NO EXCEPTIONS will be made to this policy.
By registering for this event you agree to this weather policy.
Purchase Event Photos
Tricycle Studios is the Official Photographer of the AAA NCTS!
Their photographers will be attending this event capturing images throughout the race course.
Athletes will receive a customized email after the race, complete with race stats, and automated links to find your images. You may also go directly to the Tricycle Studios website to review their custom products, and purchase your photos from this and other Set Up Events.
Tricycle Studios | a Bird's Eye View, Inc. Company | 540-358-0001 | info@tricyclephoto.com
Volunteer
Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to fill out the volunteer form.
A race official will be in touch with you the week of the race.
Overall Results
2013
2012
Category Results
CLICK HERE to view Category Results and USAT Penalties.
Relay Team Information
- Relays can be 2-person (one person does 2 legs, and one person does 1 leg) or 3-person teams (each person does 1 leg of the event).
- EACH Relay member MUST pick up his/her own packet.
- EACH Member MUST have their photo ID and USAT card (if applicable) to pick up their packet.
- If a member is a minor (17 or under), then a parent/guardian must show an ID to get their packet.
- If a member turns 18 by the end of 2013 they are considered an Adult per USAT, thus they must pick up their own packet.
- If you need to replace a relay member you can e-mail us using the Contact Us button at the top of the page with the changes.
- If it is the week of the event and you need to make a change to a relay member then you can make this change at packet pick up.
- At packet pick up you will be given a sheet of paper that explains how the relays will work (chip hand off, tagging spot, etc.).
- If you are an individual that wishes to switch to a relay team, then you can e-mail us, using the Contact Us button at the top of the page, the following information: Team Name, Team Member Names, Team Member Shirt sizes. You will need to pay the difference to convert to a relay, which you can pay at packet pick up (cash or check only). If it is the week of the event, then you can make these changes at packet pick up.
USAT Rules and Information
Most Commonly Violated USAT Rules:
ALL USAT members must show proof of a current membership at packet pick up. If you have recently renewed a membership, then you MUST print out a temporary card or receipt of payment (that shows length of the membership period) to show at packet pick up. We will not take your word for it that your membership is current; you must SHOW us. Failure to do so will result in having to pay the one-day fee of $12.
CLICK HERE to be taken to the USAT website where you can renew your membership or print out a temporary card. You can also renew your membership at packet pick up if that's easier for you.
If I entered my USAT information when I registered, then why do I need to show my card at packet pick up? USAT rules state that all USAT members must show a valid membership card at packet pick up and failure to do so will result in having to pay the 1-day fee. Our events are sanction by USAT, therefore, we must follow these rules. Our website is not connected to USAT's website, so the information that you enter when you register could be incorrect. We must physically document the current expiration date of your membership when you pick up your packet as this is the only way we can confirm 100% that your membership is in fact current.
USAT's "Age Up" Policy:
An athlete's age for any USAT sanctioned race will be his/her age as of Dec. 31, 2013. The age he/she is on 12/31 will determine his/her racing age group. If an athlete is due to "age-up" into the next group, it will happen at the beginning of the year, not after the athlete's birthday. This action aligns regular U.S. age group racing with the method used by USA Triathlon for its National Rankings Program and its new Grand Prix Series.
Example: John Smith is 39 and will turn 40 on November 20, 2013.
John will be considered 40 for all 2013 races - and will race in the 40-44 age group at all 2013 races.
Sally Jones is 29 and will turn 30 on July 3, 2013.
Sally will be considered 30 for all 2013 races - and will race in the 30-34 age group at all 2013 races.
This same policy applies to the all race categories in AAA Car Care North Carolina Triathlon Series races (Open, Clydesdale, etc).
Example: Fred Peters is 39 and will turn 40 on August 15, 2013.
Fred has registered to race in the "Open" category.
Since Fred will turn 40 in 2013 and will be considered 40 in all 2013 races, Fred will automatically be switched into the "Masters Open" category.
Swim Time Seeding
Swim Times:
All participants must submit a 100 yard swim time for seeding purposes.
Being a time-trial swim start, participants are seeded from fastest to slowest.
It is in your best interest to submit an accurate 100 yard "pace" time for your 750 meter swim. In other words, don't submit your fastest 100 yard swim time, submit a 100 yard time that represents what you'll do on race day over the 1,500 meter distance.
By seeding yourself properly, you'll end up swimming near people who swim the same pace as you. This will reduce the number of people who you will need to pass or the number of people who will be passing you. Click HERE to learn how to submit and change swim times.
Seeding Order: As with all events in the AAA NCTS, Opens & Master Opens will be seeded first (sorted by 100 yard swim time), followed by Age Groupers/Clydesdales/Master Clydesdales/Athenas/Relays (sorted by swim 100 yard swim time), and finally Novices & Master Novices. There will be a 5 minute break between the last Age Grouper, etc. and the first swimmer from the Novice/Master Novice category. This is to allow time for separation so the fast novice swimmers do not have to swim over anyone. We seed Novices this way so they can all compete together with the other beginners. Please remember that the Open/Master Open category is for the Elite participants! If this is your first triathlon, this is NOT the category to compete in. Read category descriptions to find the category that fits you best.
Changing Swim Times:
EVERYONE should get in the habit of double checking their swim time. Even if you THINK you entered a correct time, DOUBLE CHECK IT! Every single year, at every single pool/time trial swim, there are participants that had "fat fingers" and keyed in an extremely incorrect swim time and end up seeded last. So just double check your time to be sure it is keyed in correctly. And remember this is a 100 yard swim split (not 50!).
Our registration system allows for people to access their registrations and adjust their swim times prior to the race.
NOTE: All swim times must be adjusted no later than Friday, March 29th.
After March 29th, participants will no longer be able to make this adjustment on their registration (the system will lock out any changes). Swim times will not be adjusted after that for any reason.
Participant Meeting
A participant orientation meeting will be held at 6:30 PM on Friday, April 12th at
Off'n Running - 3731 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455
336-288-7071. We will cover as many details as possible about the race and questions will be encouraged. A representative from USA Triathlon will also be on hand to discuss USAT issues and concerns relative to rules and safety. This meeting should last about 30 minutes - we encourage everyone to attend.
NOTE: There will be NO pre-race instructions given on race morning
Award Categories
Top 3 in each of the following categories
Open (M & F)
Masters Open (M & F)
Age Groups (M & F):15 & Under,16-19,20-24,25-29,30-34,35-39,40-44,45-49,50-54,55-59,60-64,65-69, 70-74,75-79,80-84, 85+
Clydesdales (Males - 220 Lbs +)
Masters Clydesdales (Males - 220 Lbs +, 40 & Over)
Athenas (Females - 165 Lbs +)
Novice (M & F)
Masters Novice (M & F)
Relay Team (Mixed, Male, Female)
Assisted Athlete
AAA Car Care North Carolina Triathlon Series rules state that once you compete in a particular race category in an AAA-NCTS race - you must remain in that same category for all future AAA-NCTS races in that calendar year. The exception to this rule are the Novice and Masters Novice categories. You may begin the year as a Novice or Masters Novice and then switch into another category (ie: age group, clydesdale, etc.)
Below is a brief description of each race category:
Open - Category for Elite participants. These are typically the fastest people in the race and they compete on an Elite/Professional level.
Masters Open - Same as above, but these Elite participants are 40 and over.
Age Group - Participants competing in their age group.
Clydesdale - Category for male participants who are over 220 lbs.
Master Clydesdale - Category for male participants who are over 220 lbs. and are 40 or over.
Athena - Category for women over 165 lbs.
Novice - Category for beginner participants. Participants competing as a Novice have usually done less than 3 events.
Master Novice - Same as Novice but these participants are beginners who are 40 or over.
Male Relay Team - A relay team that consist of all Male members (2 or 3 members).
Female Relay Team - A relay team that consist of all Female members (2 or 3 members).
Mixed Relay Team - A relay team that consist of all Male and/or Female members (2 or 3 members).
Assisted Athlete (AA) - Person without the ability to propel themselves thru the race course.
- Will have only one driver (person propelling AA) and only one safety (person acting as guardian for AA) for each event, on course with AA at all times. The driver/safety may be a different person for each event but will only be one of each on the race course for the duration of the triathlon. Driver and Safety must have current USAT membership or purchase a one day membership in order to participate.
- The Safety shall swim next to or behind the raft as they deem appropriate for guarding the AA during the swim event. Safety shall bike behind the trailer and may not linger abreast of the Driver or AA, but may ride up to check on AA briefly. Safety shall run next to the front wheel of push chair on side most likely to have obstacles.
- A handler is a person that aides in difficult transitions where extra assistance is needed and use will be at the discretion of the race director.
- AA, drivers, safeties, and handlers must meet the minimum age requirement set by race director.
- Drivers, Safeties and Handlers shall be body marked with the number of their AA on their arms and thighs, additionally they will be marked on their calf with AA and handlers will be marked on the opposite calf with (H).
Equipment shall be:
A raft type boat that is attached to the driver at waist with a harness belt, which is secured to the boat with a cord of any type, and cord shall be no longer than 8 ft in length. AA must wear a USCG approved flotation device for the swim event.
A trailer type attachment with a secondary safety attachment to bike, it must have a safety harness for securing the AA and the AA must wear a helmet for the bike event.
A Push type 3 wheeled chair with a safety harness for securing AA for the run event
NOTE: You may fit into one or more of the above categories, so whichever category you choose to compete in is completely your choice. Choose the category that you feel you would have the most fun competing in.
IOS NCTS Helpful Hints
Here are some helpful information regarding our series and things we do:
- Event Details are always posted the week of the event. This document can be viewed and printed out by clicking on the "Event Details" button on the top, right-hand side of the event page. This button will NOT appear until we post the document. READ this information. 99% of the questions we get at packet pick up are answered in this document, so the more information you read ahead of time, the quicker we can move people through the packet pick up process.
- A pre-event e-mail will be sent out the afternoon AFTER online registration has closed. We wait until we have all the registrations before sending this e-mail because we want to make sure everyone gets the information.
- We always post the Official Participant List with everyone's bib (race) number after online registration has closed, usually by the afternoon after registration closes.
- Get in the habit of checking this Official Participant List for your bib number. If you come to packet pick up with your Photo ID and USAT card (if applicable) out and ready to hand to us, and tell us your race number as you approach the table, packet pick up moves about 5 million times faster. Yes, it makes that much of a difference. If it takes you 5 minutes to find your ID, then that's 5 minutes that the people behind you have to wait.
- Everyone MUST show a photo ID at packet pick up, and you can NOT pick up anyone elses packet. This is a USAT rule that we must follow, so please do not ask and then get frustrated with our staff when the answer is no. We do not keep this information a secret. If you have a friend who is not competing, then you can pick up their shirt and any other swag they may have gotten, but you will not be given their numbers.
- If you get your shirt at packet pick up and are not happy with the size, then you will be able to exchange it BUT not until packet pick up ends event morning. We do this to make sure everyone gets the size they registered for first. Otherwise everyone would go to the same size, then we would run out of that size and the people that actually registered for it would not get it.
- Online registration always closes 3 days (72 hours) before the event. This is a system wide feature. This allows us enough time to begin to get everything prepped that we need to for the event. If there are still spots available after online registration has closed, then we will post this information and you will be able to register for the event at the posted packet pick up times. Any time you register for an event on-site, it is ALWAYS CASH OR CHECK ONLY.
- For pool swims, all participants that register on-site will be seeded amongst each other by 100-yard swim time and will begin after all the pre-registered athletes. We leave a LARGE time gap between the last pre-registered athlete and the first on-site sign up to make sure the pool is clear and no one is swimming over anyone else.
- ALWAYS check your swim time more than 2 weeks before the event. After 2 weeks, the system locks you out so no changes can be made, and there are many times that participants think they have entered an accurate swim time when they actually have not. So just always check it to be safe.
- Double check your race category. Remember events competed in as Novice and Relay do not count towards series points, and remember that the Open category is the ELITE category.
- Relax and have fun!
Additional Details
- Tshirts will be short-sleeve tech shirts (unisex)
Medical Form:
All participants will be required to fill out the official medical form before they will be allowed to pick up their race packets. To avoid having to do this at packet pick-up, please download the medical form, fill it out, and bring it to packet pick-up.
