RULES & FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

QUICK INFORMATION

  • Race starts at 8:00 AM

  • Transition opens at 6:30 AM

  • Your race bib and registration are not transferable

  • Your race entry fee is not refundable

  • You may not register the day of the event

  • You may only register online

  • A helmet is required on the cycling portion of the event

  • You must be able to swim ½ mile (750 meters) in open water

  • Athletes must be 16 years of age or older to participate

  • You may not use any flotation device or other assistance device. No floaties, no noodles, no kickboards, no lifevests, no flippers, no snorkeling masks or breathing devices. Simply remember-when you enter the water you'll be wearing your designated swim cap, goggles, your suit and nothing more.

THE TRI IS OPEN WATER

What is the status of Cherry Creek State Park? 
Cherry Creek State Park has added a water circulation system to their Reservoir which is known as a "Solar Bee" and follows very rigid guidelines; testing the water at Cherry Creek State Park to make absolutely certain it is clean and safe to swim in. Water temperature is estimated at 72 degrees.

SWIM BUDDIES ARE AVAILABLE

SheSprints provides a group of swimming experts to help you along if necessary. They will have swim noodles that you may rest on, but you may not use the flotation device to propel yourself forward in the water. Swim Buddies will swim the distance with you, but will not physically assist you in any way. The Swim Buddy tent is located at the swim start….alert a Swim Buddy if you require assistance.

EQUIPMENT

What should I wear?
Coach Barrie suggests wearing tri shorts over a bathing suit or a tri suit or tri shorts with a swimable top. You could wear your run clothing under the wetsuit, then simply bike and run in this outfit. Pick an outfit that is simple and that you do not need to do a lot of changing. Most importantly, be sure to swim, bike and run in the clothing you want to wear in the race. Practice before hand to know if this will work or if you need to make changes. As for your sports bra, you can swim in this and wear it under your bathing suit. Then you will have it on for the whole race.

Triathletes we suggest bringing a pair of water shoes or flip flops, etc to the swim start to protect your feet on the dirt path leading down to the swim start from the transition area.

Headphones and/or ear buds will NOT be allowed on the bike course. Please remember to dismount bikes prior to entering into transition area.  

SEE questions below FOR MORE INFORMATION

I'M VERY NERVOUS ABOUT THE SWIM. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SWIM PORTION OF THE RACE?

Most everyone is anxious about the swim. It is your responsibility to train prior to the race and be able to swim at least ½ mile (750 meters) without straining yourself. The following tips will help you feel relaxed and confident in the water:

  • YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO SWIM. If you don't know how to swim, hire a swim coach and learn. Do not show up for the event if you haven't dipped a toe in the water!

  • YOU MAY NOT USE ANY FLOTATION DEVICE OR OTHER ASSISTANCE DEVICE. No floaties, no noodles, no kickboards, no lifevests, no flippers, no snorkeling masks or breathing devices. Simply remember-when you enter the water you'll be wearing your designated swim cap, goggles, your suit and nothing more.

  • YOU MUST PRACTICE SWIMMING IN OPEN WATER PRIOR TO RACE DAY. Do not attempt to participate in the triathlon without swimming in open water at least once for ½ mile (750 meters). Practice at any one of the area reservoirs such as Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Boulder, Aurora, etc. Contact the park nearest you for details on swim areas.

  • SWIM BUDDIES WILL ASSIST YOU IF NECESSARY. SheSprints provides a group of swimming experts to help you along if necessary. They will have swim noodles that you may rest on, but you may not use the flotation device to propel yourself forward in the water. Swim Buddies will swim the distance with you, but will not physically assist you in any way. The Swim Buddy tent is located at the swim start….alert a Swim Buddy if you require assistance.

  • THE SWIM COURSE IS SAFE. The course is monitored by experts during the race. You will see kayaks and motorized vehicles along the course. There will be lifeguards to assist you if you need to rest.

HOW ARE WAIVES ASSIGNED?

Set your race-day goals and choose your ability level when registering. Within the your ability wave, you will be grouped with other racers in your same age group - ages 19 and under, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 & above. The first wave starts (Elite) at 8:00 AM and you must be in the transition area, regardless of your own start time, before the first wave at 8:00 AM.

Please note, if you and a friend are in the same ability group and the same age group, you may or may not be assigned to the same wave. If participating together is important to you, register in the Buddy Wave.

Elite: You have finished top ten of the Tri or any other triathlon in the last year.
Buddy Wave: Racing with your friends, regardless of your age or ability, is your goal.
Survivor Wave: You are a cancer survivor and want to race with other survivors.
Age Group: Sorted by the age of the athlete or the oldest member of the team.
Relay Teams: Choose your best event, then sign up with one or two other racers to complete your team. You'll assign one team member per event.

WHAT TIME WILL MY WAVE START?

8:00 AM: Elite & Age Group Alpha A-K

8:05 AM: Survivors

8:10 AM: Age Group Alpha L-Z

8:15 AM: Buddy Wave & Relays

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?

The transition area opens at 6:30 AM. If you arrive before 6:30 am, you will not be able to access the transition area. However, we suggest you arrive two hours before your scheduled start time. Start times will be assigned the week before the event. All athletes MUST be set up in the transition area by the time the first wave begins at 8:00 AM.

HOW IS THE TRANSITION AREA SET UP?

You will rack your bike by wave number: Racks are first come first serve only. Please be considerate of other athletes when racking and placing your gear. Each athlete receives about 2 feet of space.

Please be considerate of all the athletes by using a reasonable amount of space. Do not hang your bike on the outside edge of the rack - you will obstruct the wave labels on the rack.

After you finish remember to pick up your race tank at the registration shirt tent on north side of the transition area. It’s as easy as that!

HOW DO I KEEP TRACK OF MY TRANSITION SPOT?

It's common for athletes to lose track of their spot among hundreds of bikes… especially when you are focused solely on your race. Consider bringing a bright balloon with a unique design and tie it on the bike rack designating your space. We also suggest walking the transition area to become familiar with the path you would follow to the race start.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME ON RACE DAY TO THE TRANSITION AREA?

Transition Area Checklist:

  • Two towels (large and small)

  • Water bottles

  • Food (bars and/or gel)

  • Swim goggles

  • Swim cap (you must wear the cap issued in your race packet)

  • Timing chip and band

  • Race belt and bib (or use safety pins)

  • Watch or heart rate monitor

  • Bike

  • Shoes (both biking and running if using two pair)

  • Socks

  • Helmet

  • Glasses

  • Floor pump

  • Seat pack (tube, patches, tire levers, multi tool, co2)

  • Running hat

  • Flip Flops to enter the swim beach.

  • NO HEADPHONES OR EAR BUDS ALLOWED DURING BIKING PORTION OF RACE.

WHERE SHOULD I PARK?

No vehicles are allowed in Cherry Creek State Park.

Parking for athletes, volunteers and spectators will be at Cherry Creek High School, 9300 E Union Avenue.  Located at the intersection of South Dayton Street and East Union Avenue.

After parking, you will walk/ride your bike and gear into the park towards Hobie Hill.

I CAN'T MAKE THE RACE THIS YEAR. NOW WHAT?

SheSprtints is a rain-or-shine event. Race registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you can't make this year's race, please contact us for a deferral. 

WHERE CAN A SPECTATOR GET SOMETHING TO EAT OR DRINK?

Water is available for spectators at a water table in the post race area, and there is free beer for anyone ages 21 years and older. The food in the post event area is provided for athletes only. Remember to bring your own food according to your training and day-of-event plan. Urge your friends and family members to bring their own snacks and drinks since there will be no other source for food.

HOW CAN SPECTATORS CROSS FROM ONE COURSE TO THE NEXT?

No one will be permitted to cross the bike portion of the course. The run portion of the course will have crossing areas with course marshals alerting you as to when you are permitted to cross. For your own safety, cross ONLY at the designated areas and ONLY when the course marshal indicates it is safe.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE RACE?

The only place to watch the swim portion of the event is TBD.

You may view the other portions from the designated spectator viewing areas only. Spectators are asked not to climb any of the fencing.

CAN SPECTATORS GET INTO THE SWIM AREA TO SEE THE PARTICIPANTS DO THE SWIM PORTION?

No, spectators may only view the swim portion of the race.

HOW COLD IS THE WATER? SHOULD I WEAR A WETSUIT?

Anticipated water temperature is 67-69 degrees. We recommend that you swim without a wetsuit since the water is warm. A wetsuit will cause your body temperature to rise and you risk overheating since the weather is typically very warm at the park in August. If you have been training with a wetsuit and are comfortable competing in a wetsuit, feel free to wear it.

WILL THERE BE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL PERSONNEL ON HAND?

Medical personnel are available at the ambulance located near the Start/Finish line and Transition Area. Every measure is taken to ensure the safety of all athletes and spectators.

WHAT KIND OF BIKE CAN I RIDE?

Beg, borrow, or rent any type of bike you enjoy except a recumbent bike. Recumbent bikes are allowed with a disability and prior approval.