Race Instructions
Hello Triathletes and Future Triathletes!
I can hardly wait for Saturday! You will participate in the 7th Kids Fly Tri, August 19th. Roads, and transition, will open at 0630. Transition closes at 0740. Pre-race announcements will begin at 0745; the “gun” will go off for the Mach 1s at 0800.
For those of you who have selected this race as your first triathlon, I want you to know I will be cheering for you every step of the way. I want this experience to be a great introduction to the sport of triathlon, so try to relax and enjoy every second of the day.
A BIG thank you to the countless volunteers giving their time and efforts to make this race run smoothly. And, three cheers to the race sponsors who have donated time, money and products without whom this race would not be a reality. The 2022 sponsors and partners are:
I can hardly wait for Saturday! You will participate in the 7th Kids Fly Tri, August 19th. Roads, and transition, will open at 0630. Transition closes at 0740. Pre-race announcements will begin at 0745; the “gun” will go off for the Mach 1s at 0800.
For those of you who have selected this race as your first triathlon, I want you to know I will be cheering for you every step of the way. I want this experience to be a great introduction to the sport of triathlon, so try to relax and enjoy every second of the day.
A BIG thank you to the countless volunteers giving their time and efforts to make this race run smoothly. And, three cheers to the race sponsors who have donated time, money and products without whom this race would not be a reality. The 2022 sponsors and partners are:
US Space and Rocket Center
Omni Kids Tri
47E Custom Electrical and Energy
Applied Analytical Solutions
Safe Splash/Swim Labs Swim School
Sunset Bicycles
Ice Works
Swim caps from 1st Place Athletics, Fleet Feet and Omni Kids Tri
We Run Race Photos, Inc
Omni Kids Tri
47E Custom Electrical and Energy
Applied Analytical Solutions
Safe Splash/Swim Labs Swim School
Sunset Bicycles
Ice Works
Swim caps from 1st Place Athletics, Fleet Feet and Omni Kids Tri
We Run Race Photos, Inc
A few things you need to know to make Saturday go smoothly:
Between now and Saturday morning: Hydrate well, get good sleep and eat sensibly. And...HYDRATE WELL!! Here’s a good article about hydration: https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/healthy-hydration-for-young-athletes.pdf
PACKET PICKUP: FRIDAY August 18th, 1400-1800 (2pm-6pm) at the US Space and Rocket Center Aviation Challenge. Follow the signs to the Rocket Center and then follow the Kids Fly Tri signs to Aviation Challenge.
You'll pass a parking lot on the left then go through a big gate.
There will be a “bubble" (AKA the “onion”—big covered area) on the left and a parking lot on the right. Park in the lot and head into the bubble.
Between now and Saturday morning: Hydrate well, get good sleep and eat sensibly. And...HYDRATE WELL!! Here’s a good article about hydration: https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/healthy-hydration-for-young-athletes.pdf
PACKET PICKUP: FRIDAY August 18th, 1400-1800 (2pm-6pm) at the US Space and Rocket Center Aviation Challenge. Follow the signs to the Rocket Center and then follow the Kids Fly Tri signs to Aviation Challenge.
You'll pass a parking lot on the left then go through a big gate.
There will be a “bubble" (AKA the “onion”—big covered area) on the left and a parking lot on the right. Park in the lot and head into the bubble.
PARENTS MUST SHOW ID IN ORDER TO PICK UP PACKETS FOR THEIR CHILD. THIS IS A USAT REQUIREMENT.
The 2022 pre-race video can be found here: https://youtu.be/ZDa0I4s0c-g (not a lot has changed since last year)
PACKET CONTENTS: In the envelop you will find the following:
• Race shirt you do not need to wear this on race day. Some kids will want to and that’s fine, but it will be HOT to race in this cotton shirt!
• Race bib-every participant will need to wear this number while on the bike and the run. The bib can be pinned to the front of a shirt that is put on after the swim, or it can be attached to a race number belt that is put on after the swim. The number should NOT be worn in the swim.
• Sticker Sheet-this sheet has one sticker for your helmet (to be placed on the front of the helmet), and one sticker for your bike. The bike sticker is made to fold over on itself. With kids’ bikes, it can be hard to find a good place, just put it somewhere on the bike!
• 2 dtKids tattoos and/or USAT tattoos-one of these tattoos needs to go on the racer’s right hand to help them remember to always RIDE TO THE RIGHT. The other tattoo can go anywhere - except the left hand!
• Race number tattoos-application instructions are on the back of the tattoo. The number should go on one arm of the racer. Try to put them to the front so they can be seen. If the racer is going to wear a long sleeve rash guard, you can put the number on the left outer calf or on the forearm if visible. (Put these on BEFORE sunscreen-let the numbers dry before applying sunscreen.)
Race Day Packet Pick up only available by special request. Email kidsflytri@gmail.com. You will need your packet before you check in on Race Day.
The bubble: This is race central. Check in, transition, spectator bleachers—it all happens right here! If you have any questions please look for volunteers wearing blue vests, or for me (Coach Dana)…I should be the only one in a cowboy hat! We are here to make your day safe, fun and successful!
Parking: On race day, athletes and spectators will park in the lot outside the gate. Official (signed up) volunteers can park in the lot across from the bubble. If you want to sign up as an official volunteer go here: https://signup.com/go/sXvnMTM
PACKET CONTENTS: In the envelop you will find the following:
• Race shirt you do not need to wear this on race day. Some kids will want to and that’s fine, but it will be HOT to race in this cotton shirt!
• Race bib-every participant will need to wear this number while on the bike and the run. The bib can be pinned to the front of a shirt that is put on after the swim, or it can be attached to a race number belt that is put on after the swim. The number should NOT be worn in the swim.
• Sticker Sheet-this sheet has one sticker for your helmet (to be placed on the front of the helmet), and one sticker for your bike. The bike sticker is made to fold over on itself. With kids’ bikes, it can be hard to find a good place, just put it somewhere on the bike!
• 2 dtKids tattoos and/or USAT tattoos-one of these tattoos needs to go on the racer’s right hand to help them remember to always RIDE TO THE RIGHT. The other tattoo can go anywhere - except the left hand!
• Race number tattoos-application instructions are on the back of the tattoo. The number should go on one arm of the racer. Try to put them to the front so they can be seen. If the racer is going to wear a long sleeve rash guard, you can put the number on the left outer calf or on the forearm if visible. (Put these on BEFORE sunscreen-let the numbers dry before applying sunscreen.)
Race Day Packet Pick up only available by special request. Email kidsflytri@gmail.com. You will need your packet before you check in on Race Day.
The bubble: This is race central. Check in, transition, spectator bleachers—it all happens right here! If you have any questions please look for volunteers wearing blue vests, or for me (Coach Dana)…I should be the only one in a cowboy hat! We are here to make your day safe, fun and successful!
Parking: On race day, athletes and spectators will park in the lot outside the gate. Official (signed up) volunteers can park in the lot across from the bubble. If you want to sign up as an official volunteer go here: https://signup.com/go/sXvnMTM
***IMPORTANT***
you will not be able to leave from either parking lot while the race is going on. The course must remain completely closed (with no cars moving at any time) while participants are racing. Please plan accordingly. If you must leave during the race, you can park at the Space and Rocket Center which is a little over 1⁄2 mile from the race site. While walking back to your car, you will need to remain on the sidewalks or grass, out of the way of the athletes who are racing.
you will not be able to leave from either parking lot while the race is going on. The course must remain completely closed (with no cars moving at any time) while participants are racing. Please plan accordingly. If you must leave during the race, you can park at the Space and Rocket Center which is a little over 1⁄2 mile from the race site. While walking back to your car, you will need to remain on the sidewalks or grass, out of the way of the athletes who are racing.
Reminder: Any time you are on your bike, your helmet must be on your head and securely fastened—even before and after the race. Participants WILL be disqualified for not wearing a helmet while on their bikes at any time before or after the race, and will not be allowed to race without it.
BATHROOMS: ONLY portapotties are available this year-no changing rooms or showers are available.
HELMET CHECK/CHECK IN: When you arrive on race morning, Look for the “#1” sign, under “the bubble”. Parents will need to be with the kids for check in. At this station, you will get your helmet checked, check in, receive your swim cap (that MUST be worn during the race), and your timing chip.
A NOTE ON THE CHIP-TIMING DEVICE: The chip timer is disposable and will not need to be returned. You are free to keep this or throw it away after the race. You will need to wear this on your LEFT ankle. You want it to be tight enough that it doesn’t come off, but loose enough that it will not cut into your ankle if they swell a little bit from the bike and run.
TRANSITION AREA: the transition area opens for participants on race morning at 0630. Please rack your bicycle at your assigned numbered space using the seat.
Using your rack number as a guide, the front wheel will be down and on the same side of the rack as the number. The bike will be facing you and you will see your bike seat over your race number. If this is confusing, it will make more sense when you watch the prerace briefing video (https://youtu.be/ZDa0I4s0c-g) and when you see the transition area in person at packet pick up. Your gear is also on the same side as the number (by the front wheel of your bike that’s on the ground/facing down).
We will have transition area volunteers available to help you if needed. Parents are allowed to help racers set up but will NOT be able to enter transition after it closes at 0740 until the end of the entire race.
COURSE DETAILS: The Mach 1 race (8 and under as of December 31, 2023) will go first, followed by Mach 2 (9-11 year olds as of December 31, 2023), followed by Mach 3 (12-15 year olds as of December 31, 2023).
Swim – the swim start will be based on division and race number. At 0755, Mach 1 participants will be lined up by race number. At 8am they will start, six at a time, jumping in FEET FIRST--NO DIVING. Mach 1 racers will swim directly to the bubble after jumping in. Mach 2 racers will line up when the last Mach 1 racers are finishing the bike course. The Mach 2 race will start when the last Mach 1 participant leaves transition for the run. The Mach 2 participants will swim out to the first pink buoy, then turn right (with the buoy on their right) and head to the bubble. Mach 3 racers will line up when the last Mach 2 racers are finishing the bike course. The Mach 3 race will start when the last Mach 2 participant leaves transition for the run. The Mach 3 participants will swim out to the second pink buoy, then turn right (with the buoy on their right) and head to the bubble.
Bike - Bike out is at the front of the bubble (away from the water). Mount the bike AFTER the mount line. Ride on the right side of the road at all times, unless passing. When passing, pass to the left, then return to the right side of the road. Never ride side by side with another cyclist.
Turns and turnarounds are clearly marked with signs and controlled by course sentries. As long as you do not ride off road, you’ll be on course! Mach 1 racers will ride the bike loop one time. Mach 2 racers will ride two laps on the bike. Mach 3 racers will ride three laps on the bike. **Mach 2 and 3 racers who do not complete the correct number of laps will be disqualified.**
Run - Run out is at the back of the bubble (right next to "swim in"). The run course follows a gravel road around the lake, through the parking lot and on the grass back to the bubble. Mach 1 and Mach 2 racers will run the loop one time before finishing. Mach 3 racers will run the loop twice (unless the race safety committee deems it to be too hot, in which case they will run 1 loop).
FLY TRI VIDEO: If you haven’t seen it yet, here is a course preview. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYz-WjEWYwk
FINISHER'S “MEDAL” and POST-RACE FOOD: Upon completion of the race, finishers will be given a present from the race and will have post race snacks. Finishers will also be given a tickets for a free snow cone provided by Ice Works!
FOOD & AWARDS: Post race snacks and water are provided for the participants. Ice Works will be on site selling snow cones! NO other additional food and drinks are available. (Participants should bring their own pre-race hydration.)
AWARDS: Awards will be presented as soon as possible after the last athlete finishes. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each division and the top male and female finisher in each age year.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE RACE IS OVER?:
-Make sure you check out the fantastic photos taken by We Run Race Photos, Inc at this link: b.link/WRRP (password is OmniKids). You might also want to get some of your own photos, this is a unique location that is not open to the public. ***PLEASE STAY OFF THE AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT*** (but you can stand in front of them or beside them all you want)! Please post the pictures to Facebook and Instagram. Use “#KidsFlyTriHuntsville” and #werunhuntsville
-Visit the US Space and Rocket Center with the participant’s bib and receive a discounted entry fee ($20 for adults, $15 for kids)!
-Wear your race tattoos proudly and tell everyone what an awesome time you had in the triathlon you just did!!
-Start planning for next year!!
Good luck, have a great race! If this is your first triathlon, please find me when you're finished and say, “WOOO HOOO, I’M A TRIATHLETE!!!”
BATHROOMS: ONLY portapotties are available this year-no changing rooms or showers are available.
HELMET CHECK/CHECK IN: When you arrive on race morning, Look for the “#1” sign, under “the bubble”. Parents will need to be with the kids for check in. At this station, you will get your helmet checked, check in, receive your swim cap (that MUST be worn during the race), and your timing chip.
A NOTE ON THE CHIP-TIMING DEVICE: The chip timer is disposable and will not need to be returned. You are free to keep this or throw it away after the race. You will need to wear this on your LEFT ankle. You want it to be tight enough that it doesn’t come off, but loose enough that it will not cut into your ankle if they swell a little bit from the bike and run.
TRANSITION AREA: the transition area opens for participants on race morning at 0630. Please rack your bicycle at your assigned numbered space using the seat.
Using your rack number as a guide, the front wheel will be down and on the same side of the rack as the number. The bike will be facing you and you will see your bike seat over your race number. If this is confusing, it will make more sense when you watch the prerace briefing video (https://youtu.be/ZDa0I4s0c-g) and when you see the transition area in person at packet pick up. Your gear is also on the same side as the number (by the front wheel of your bike that’s on the ground/facing down).
We will have transition area volunteers available to help you if needed. Parents are allowed to help racers set up but will NOT be able to enter transition after it closes at 0740 until the end of the entire race.
COURSE DETAILS: The Mach 1 race (8 and under as of December 31, 2023) will go first, followed by Mach 2 (9-11 year olds as of December 31, 2023), followed by Mach 3 (12-15 year olds as of December 31, 2023).
Swim – the swim start will be based on division and race number. At 0755, Mach 1 participants will be lined up by race number. At 8am they will start, six at a time, jumping in FEET FIRST--NO DIVING. Mach 1 racers will swim directly to the bubble after jumping in. Mach 2 racers will line up when the last Mach 1 racers are finishing the bike course. The Mach 2 race will start when the last Mach 1 participant leaves transition for the run. The Mach 2 participants will swim out to the first pink buoy, then turn right (with the buoy on their right) and head to the bubble. Mach 3 racers will line up when the last Mach 2 racers are finishing the bike course. The Mach 3 race will start when the last Mach 2 participant leaves transition for the run. The Mach 3 participants will swim out to the second pink buoy, then turn right (with the buoy on their right) and head to the bubble.
Bike - Bike out is at the front of the bubble (away from the water). Mount the bike AFTER the mount line. Ride on the right side of the road at all times, unless passing. When passing, pass to the left, then return to the right side of the road. Never ride side by side with another cyclist.
Turns and turnarounds are clearly marked with signs and controlled by course sentries. As long as you do not ride off road, you’ll be on course! Mach 1 racers will ride the bike loop one time. Mach 2 racers will ride two laps on the bike. Mach 3 racers will ride three laps on the bike. **Mach 2 and 3 racers who do not complete the correct number of laps will be disqualified.**
Run - Run out is at the back of the bubble (right next to "swim in"). The run course follows a gravel road around the lake, through the parking lot and on the grass back to the bubble. Mach 1 and Mach 2 racers will run the loop one time before finishing. Mach 3 racers will run the loop twice (unless the race safety committee deems it to be too hot, in which case they will run 1 loop).
FLY TRI VIDEO: If you haven’t seen it yet, here is a course preview. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYz-WjEWYwk
FINISHER'S “MEDAL” and POST-RACE FOOD: Upon completion of the race, finishers will be given a present from the race and will have post race snacks. Finishers will also be given a tickets for a free snow cone provided by Ice Works!
FOOD & AWARDS: Post race snacks and water are provided for the participants. Ice Works will be on site selling snow cones! NO other additional food and drinks are available. (Participants should bring their own pre-race hydration.)
AWARDS: Awards will be presented as soon as possible after the last athlete finishes. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each division and the top male and female finisher in each age year.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE RACE IS OVER?:
-Make sure you check out the fantastic photos taken by We Run Race Photos, Inc at this link: b.link/WRRP (password is OmniKids). You might also want to get some of your own photos, this is a unique location that is not open to the public. ***PLEASE STAY OFF THE AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT*** (but you can stand in front of them or beside them all you want)! Please post the pictures to Facebook and Instagram. Use “#KidsFlyTriHuntsville” and #werunhuntsville
-Visit the US Space and Rocket Center with the participant’s bib and receive a discounted entry fee ($20 for adults, $15 for kids)!
-Wear your race tattoos proudly and tell everyone what an awesome time you had in the triathlon you just did!!
-Start planning for next year!!
Good luck, have a great race! If this is your first triathlon, please find me when you're finished and say, “WOOO HOOO, I’M A TRIATHLETE!!!”
A NOTE ON THE WEATHER:
In the event of inclement weather, decisions regarding the race will be made by the Weather Safety Committee. If it is “just” raining there is a chance, if the roads are wet enough to be unsafe for kids to bike on them, we might have to make the call to cancel the bike portion of the race. In that case, we will change the race to a Splash and Dash. (SWIM/RUN). Distances will remain the same.
If there is thunder/lightning in the area, the race will be postponed as long as possible. If it doesn’t look like there is any chance of it clearing in a reasonable timeframe, the race will have to be cancelled. If that does happen, your race entry fees will NOT be refunded as the funds were used to purchase the shirts, medals, bibs, tattoos and stickers. We are a small nonprofit organization. We strive to break even at the end of the day therefore there is are no funds from which refunds can be made. We greatly appreciate your understanding. Please know we are ALL volunteers who are working countless hours to make sure your child(ren) have a great triathlon experience!
If you have any questions these instructions and the 2022 pre-race video (https://youtu.be/ZDa0I4s0c-g) have not made clear, please feel free to reach out to me, Coach Dana. (Text me at 256-714-2681; email me at CoachDana@OmniKidsTri.org)
In the event of inclement weather, decisions regarding the race will be made by the Weather Safety Committee. If it is “just” raining there is a chance, if the roads are wet enough to be unsafe for kids to bike on them, we might have to make the call to cancel the bike portion of the race. In that case, we will change the race to a Splash and Dash. (SWIM/RUN). Distances will remain the same.
If there is thunder/lightning in the area, the race will be postponed as long as possible. If it doesn’t look like there is any chance of it clearing in a reasonable timeframe, the race will have to be cancelled. If that does happen, your race entry fees will NOT be refunded as the funds were used to purchase the shirts, medals, bibs, tattoos and stickers. We are a small nonprofit organization. We strive to break even at the end of the day therefore there is are no funds from which refunds can be made. We greatly appreciate your understanding. Please know we are ALL volunteers who are working countless hours to make sure your child(ren) have a great triathlon experience!
If you have any questions these instructions and the 2022 pre-race video (https://youtu.be/ZDa0I4s0c-g) have not made clear, please feel free to reach out to me, Coach Dana. (Text me at 256-714-2681; email me at CoachDana@OmniKidsTri.org)
