2024 SM Tri Athlete Guide by JCPRD / Johnson County Park and Recreation District

2024 ATHLETE GUIDE

DO THE DAM THING

2-3

MESSAGE FROM RACE COMMITTEE & SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

16-20

USAT COMPETITIVE RULES

10-15

21-26

MESSAGE FROM RACE COMMITTEE

On behalf of the Shawnee Mission Triathlon & Duathlon Race Committee, Johnson County Park & Recreation District, event volunteers, and our sponsors, THANK YOU for joining us for the 40th Annual Shawnee Mission Triathlon & Duathlon. We hope the Athlete Information Guide will help you to have a successful and enjoyable event.

We’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our dedicated volunteers and sponsors who are crucial to the success of our event. We’d also like to thank our Charity Partner, Team Fidelis, for their support of our race and the multi-sport community.

While enjoying the race this weekend, please be sure to thank all of our volunteers, without them this event would not be possible. Stop by and chat with our sponsors – local businesses and their people play an important role in supporting the success of this community event for 40 years.

Please make sure that your family and/or support teams take a look at the Spectator Information section of the Athlete Information Guide and use it as a resource to help support you in your experience. For the most up-to-the-minute information about the event, please refer to our Facebook page.

We hope you have a fabulous race!

Shawnee Mission Triathlon & Duathlon Race Committee

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY

7.12.2024

10a - 6p

Packet Pickup

BikeStop

10a - 6p

Registration

BikeStop

10a-6p

Shopping

BikeStop

SATURDAY

7.13.2024

1p - 5p

Packet Pickup

MillCreek

ActivityCenter

1p - 5p

Registration MillCreek

ActivityCenter

1p - 5p

Hair braiding by Kansas KIPS

Gymnastics Team MillCreek

ActivityCenter

SUNDAY 7.14.2024

4:30a - 6:25a

Park gates open Theatre in the Park ShawneeMissionPark

4:30a - 6:25a

Transition open ShawneeMissionPark

6:25a - 10:00a (approx.)

Transition closed

ShawneeMissionPark

6:30a

RACE START

TRIATHLON: BEACH

DUATHLON: MAIN PARK ROAD

There will be NO race day registration or packet pickup.

USAT COMPETITIVE RULES

Transition Rules

• Athletes are NOT to ride their bicycles inside the transition area.

• ONLY athletes competing in the event are allowed inside the transition area. This includes before and after the event.

Swimming Conduct

• Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves forward.

• Wet suits will be allowed IF the water temperature is at or below 78 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water temperature is between 78.1 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit, athletes may wear a wet suit but will not qualify for awards. No wet suits will be allowed if the water temperature is above 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

*PleasenotethatthiseventisNOTtypicallywetsuitlegal.

• Athletes MUST wear the provided swim cap.

• Athletes are not required to wear goggles.

Cycling Conduct

• Athletes will follow traffic laws: passing ONLY on the LEFT and staying RIGHT except to pass.

• No personal audio devices or headsets allowed.

• Helmet must be worn and clipped at all times while on your bike.

• Shoes must be worn while on the bike.

Running Rules

• The responsibility of knowing and following the course rests with each athlete.

• No personal audio devices or headsets allowed.

General Race Rules

• Race numbers must be displayed at all times. Swimmers must be clearly body marked, cyclists must display their bike numbers, and runners must wear their bib numbers.

PRE-RACE INFORMATION

ADDRESSES

PACKET PICKUP

Bike Stop

13157 State Line Road

Kansas City, MO 64145

RACE DAY PARKING

Theatre in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park

7710 Renner Road

Shawnee, KS 66218

ATHLETE BRIEFING

PACKET PICKUP

Mill Creek Activity Center 6518 Vista Drive

Shawnee, KS 66218

RACE SITE

Shawnee Mission Park Marina 7900 Renner Road

Shawnee, KS 66218

All athletes are encouraged to watch the virtual athlete briefing which will be available on the website, social media, and in athlete pre-race emails. The Race Director will cover information including but not limited to: race day parking, transition, swim start, du start, finish line, results, and event safety measures. Please share this video with your family and friends that will be joining you on race day.

PACKET PICKUP

Per USA Triathlon rules, athletes must:

1. Show photo ID.

2. Show USAT card (annual members only).

3. Pick up their own packet - not a friend, spouse, teammate, etc.

4. RELAY TEAMS: ALL team members must be present to pick up race packet.

Wearenottryingtomakeyourlife harder.ThesearetheUSATrulesandare enforcedforyoursafety.

PACKET CONTENTS

Race packets will include the following:

- Timing chip (number on chip may not match your race number).

- Race numbers: helmet sticker, bike tag, bib, safety pins.

- Swim cap (must wear on race day).

- Race shirt

- Promotional items from sponsors

CHEERS TO 40 YEARS

1985

Race begins under leadership of Garry Gribble

1997

First year race is sanctioned through USA Triathlon

2017

2000

Online race registration begins

2008 2011

Race selected as Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathlete Competition Qualifier

2013

In line with USA Triathlon, race begins water quality testing

As a way to better connect with athletes, Ambassadors were added to the event team

2019

2020

Super Sprint and Olympic Triathlon distances added

Event canceled due to COVID-19 global pandemic

2021

Addition of Club Challenge and Mixed Team Relay

Partnership with United Cerebral Palsey/Open Options begins Duathlon was added to list of offerings at race

2015

2022

Addition of Team Cecilia Spirit of Multisport Award to recognize those making an impact in the sport

2023

Run course alteration to looped course and opportunity to track athletes via results app

USAT kansas STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

State championships will qualify the top 35% or top five (5) finishers in an age group (whichever is greater). You may only qualify for Olympic-distance Nationals by placing in the Olympic distance State Championship race or Sprint Nationals by placing in the sprint distance State Championship race. High School State Championships Exemption: All high school athletes who finish any of the State High School Championships will automatically qualify for Sprint-distance (pending they are at least age 15 as of December 31, 2024.)

Any state championship that occurs after June 1, 2024 will qualify for BOTH 2024 AND 2025 Toyota Age Group Nationals. The qualification criteria for 2025 Age Group Nationals is subject to change from what it is for 2024. Click here to review the full 2024 qualification criteria for Toyota Age Group Nationals. Athletes do not have to be a resident of a state to win that state’s championship. Any age group athlete competing in an age group division is eligible to win any state championship.

RACE DAY PARKING

Gates to Shawnee Mission Park will open at 4:30am on Sunday, July 14th.

The ONLY access point to the park will be through the Theatre in the Park entrance. Parking attendants stationed at the Theatre in the Park will direct you to a designated spot, this is to ensure everyone has a parking space.

There is significant construction at I-435 and Midland Drive with nearly all on/off ramps closed. Please avoid this area.

A shuttle bus will be available. The bus will run from 4:30-6:20am and will resume after the last cyclist is off the course at approximately 10:00am.

Please keep in mind that if you have spectators coming to cheer you on, they will need to arrive prior to 6:15am in order to catch the bus down to the marina. Those arriving after this time will have to walk down.

Thank you for following the parking attendants directions and being kind when entering the park.

PARKING ADDRESS:

7710 RENNER ROAD SHAWNEE, KS 66218

PRE-RACE BATTLE BRAIDS

We understand that one of the biggest things athletes struggle with on race day is what to do with their hair so that their helmet will fit and be comfortable - BRAIDS are 100% the way to go!

Thanks to our wonderful group of volunteers, we are excited to host a battle braid station at packet pickup on Saturday, July 13th from 1p-5p as well as on race morning from 4:30a to race start! This is free to athletes with a suggested donation of $10. All donations will benefit the Kansas KIPS Gymnastics Team.

RACE IDENTIFICATION

PACKET CONTENTS:

RACE CATEGORY BODY MARKINGS

Ages 15-19, wear “15”

Ages 20-24, wear “20”

Ages 25-29, wear “25”

Ages 30-34, wear “30”

Ages 35-39, wear “35”

Ages 40-44, wear “40”

Ages 45-49, wear “45”

Ages 50-54, wear “50”

Ages 55-59, wear “55”

Ages 60-64, wear “60”

Ages 65-69, wear “65”

Ages 70-74, wear “70”

Ages 75-79, wear “75”

Ages 80-84, wear “80”

Athena, wear “A”

Clydesdale, wear “C” Relay Team, wear “R”

Numbersbelowcorrespondwithpictureabove

1. Race Number Body Marking - Both Arms ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST GET MARKED AS YOU ENTER TRANSITION THRU BIKE MOUNT/DISMOUNT ON RACE MORNING.

2. Bib Number - Pinned Front Center on Shirt or on Race Belt (to be worn during running portions of race)

3. Bike Tag Number - Adhesive on Seat Bar Frame

4. Race Category Body Marking - Back Left Calf ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST GET MARKED AS YOU ENTER TRANSITION THRU BIKE MOUNT/DISMOUNT ON RACE MORNING.

5. Timing Chip Velcro Band - LEFT ANKLE Number on timing chip envelope may not match race number.

6. Swim Cap (not pictured) - Pre-designated swim cap color denoting heat (see “Heat Sheet” section).

RACE DAY INFORMATION

TRANSITION

Transition will open at 4:30am when the gates to the park open on race day and will close at 6:25am. Transition will reopen for athletes to remove their items beginning at approximately 10:00am. Please note these times may change. All athletes must be checked by staff before removing bikes/items from transition.

BODY MARKING

Body marking will be located at the bike mount/dismount area leading into transition. Please stop and get marked when you arrive at the park on event day. Please see the “RACE IDENTIFICATION” page for more information.

BIKE SUPPORT

AID STATIONS

Please visit the team from Bike Stop Bicycle Store on the northeast corner of transition near bike mount/dismount for any last minute mechanical support.

All aid stations along the run course will have both water and Gatorade available as well as minimal first aid. There will be one water station near transition where athletes will be able to fill their own water bottles. The aid station on the bike course will only have water and minimal first aid. Athletes will need to stop in order to refill their water at this station.

SAFETY

Unattended bags, outside of transition, will be checked by JCPRD Park Police and moved to the information tent. For the safety of everyone at the event, please ensure that you are not leaving any bags unattended outside of the transition area.

WEATHER

In the case of inclement weather or other unforeseen factors that may threaten the safety of the participants, JCPRD reserves the right to alter, eliminate portions and or modify the event. If the starting time of the event is delayed, the JCPRD race management team will update participants through a public announcement system, if available, at the event and the Rain Out line at 913-686-6030 ext, 16. The JCPRD race management team will determine when the event has returned to acceptable conditions. The event can be delayed, but the park must be open to the public by noon (12pm). The JCPRD race management team can only delay until it is no longer possible for the race to be completed before the park must be reopened. If conditions have not improved or JCPRD deems the course unsafe, the event will be canceled with no refunds. There will be no rain date or rescheduling of this event.

RACE DAY INFORMATION

TIMING & RESULTS

Your timing chip is inside your race packet. Please wear your timing device on your LEFT ankle throughout the entire race. If you forget or lose your chip, please check in with the race management staff under the white information tent in the northwest corner of the marina parking lot.

Results can be printed near the information tent after you finish your race. Times will be streamed live on the mtecresults.com website and app.

Download the Mtec Results app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to track participants, view post race results, and stay up to date on event information. Once downloaded, open the app and search for Shawnee Mission Triathlon or find Shawnee Mission Triathlon under the lists of upcoming/recent events. When viewing a participant, you can opt into real time tracking notifications by tapping the heart in the top bar.

AWARDS

Awards will be presented to the top 3 overall male and female athletes in each race. The top three males and females in each age group/division within each race will also receive an award. Teams will receive awards for the top 3 overall in each race. Podiums will be available for photos. Please listen for announcement regarding award ceremony time.

POST RACE FOOD

PHOTOS

Please enjoy the refreshments near the finish line courtesy of Kona Ice, HyVee, Hiland Dairy, Powerade/Coca Cola, and FedEx Ground of Olathe. All athletes will receive one free Kona Ice.

If you’d like to purchase more, please plan accordingly.

There will be multiple photographers on site. A link to the race photos will be posted to the Facebook page and shared with athletes via email no later than July 15th.

RACE SHIRTS

If you need to exchange your shirt size, please visit the white information tent in the northwest corner of the marina parking lot AFTER the race to see if there are extra.

TRANSITION

• BIKE RACKS ARE NOT LABELED WITH INDIVIDUAL RACE NUMBERS. RACK YOUR BIKE ANYWHERE ON THE RACK WITHIN YOUR RACE NUMBER RANGE SHOWN ON THE INSIDE AISLE.

• 8 BIKES PER RACK.

• ALL TEAMS RACK TOGETHER ON 1A & 2A.

BIKE MOUNT/DISMOUNT

OLYMPIC TRIATHLETES / VIP

OLYMPIC TRIATHLETES

LONG COURSE TRIATHLETES

SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES

SHORT

TEAMS TEAMS

OLYMPIC TRIATHLETES

LONG COURSE TRIATHLETES

SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES

SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES SUPER

REMEMBERING Reece Robinson

This year we honor and remember our dear friend, Reece Robinson, a true pillar of our community whose passion and determination impacted us all. A devoted volunteer, advocate, and race ambassador, Reece’s bold love and commitment to the cycling and triathlon world will forever be etched in our hearts.

Reece’s love for a good challenge was infectious, inspiring many individuals to embrace an active lifestyle and appreciate the beauty of nature. As an ambassaor, Reece’s guidance and leadership contributed immensely to the growth and success of our event. Though we mourn the loss of our cherished friend, we find solace in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the trails he blazed. Reece’s spirit will continue to inspire us as we celebrate his life and strive to carry forward the incredible work he began. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

HEAT SHEET

START TIME (APPROX.)

EVENT GENDER SWIM CAP COLOR

6:30AM OLYMPIC WAVE MALE GREEN

6:35AM OLYMPIC WAVE FEMALE PINK

7:12AM LONG COURSE WAVE MALE LIGHT BLUE

7:15AM LONG COURSE WAVE FEMALE LIGHT PURPLE

7:37AM SHORT COURSE WAVE MALE ROYAL BLUE

7:42AM SHORT COURSE WAVE FEMALE YELLOW

7:47AM SHORT COURSE TIME TRIAL MALE ORANGE

7:57AM SHORT COURSE TIME TRIAL FEMALE SILVER

8:22AM SUPER SPRINT TIME TRIAL MALE & FEMALE PURPLE

• Relays will start along with the individual triathletes within their event distance.

• Wave starts will be broken into groups of 50 athletes and will go off approximately every 2-3 minutes until all athletes in that distance are in the water.

• Time trial format will have swimmers entering the water two at a time, every three seconds.

• Time trial swimmers line up based on 100 meter pace time - signs will be posted on the beach.

• Your time starts when you cross the timing mat just before you enter the water.

DUATHLON

Duathletes will start on the main park road north of transition at the GREEN start flags.

Start time: 6:30AM

swim COURSE MAPS

bike COURSE MAPS

There is a new roundabout on the south side of the park near mile 1.75. On race day, cyclists will follow the cones and MERGE TO THE LEFT SIDE of the road in order to take a left through the roundabout. Please ensure that you slow to a manageable speed for this sharp left turn.

Please note that going through the roundabout this way is ONLY permitted on race day when the park is closed for this event. Riding incorrectly through the roundabout any other time will not be allowed.

run COURSE MAPS

Duathlon first run starts on main park road at GREEN START flags and will run course counter-clockwise (D1).

Duathlon second run starts at “Run Exit” in transition and will run course clockwise (D2).

Long Course Triathlon will pass aid station on Streamway Trail 2 times.

Olympic Triathlon will pass aid station on Streamway Trail 3 times.

RUN COURSE ELEVATION

COURSE SIGNAGE

ARROW COLOR WILL MATCH BIB COLOR. COURSE DUATHLON SUPERSPRINT TRIATHLON TRIATHLON SHORTCOURSE TRIATHLONLONG OLYMPICTRIATHLON ORANGE PURPLE YELLOW GREEN

ATHLETES WILL FOLLOW THE ARROW COLOR LISTED ON THEIR RUN COURSE.

CLUB CHALLENGE

How it works: Multisport athletes are some of the most competitive people out there, so adding a competition INSIDE of a competition was a no brainer! Clubs will compete against each other to earn the title of Champion Club.

Awards: The Club with the most points will be crowned the champion and will have their Club’s name and year engraved on the large traveling trophy. Trophy will remain with Champion Club until the next event. Champion Club will also win 2 complimentary entries into the following year’s event. And of course, the Champion Club will earn the bragging rights that they’ve conquered the Dam Hill. The Club with the second highest score will receive 1 complimentary entry into the following year’s event.

Point Summary: Clubs receive one point for each member that competes in the event (participation point) as well as FIVE points for each member that volunteers (volunteer participation points). Relay participation points are detailed below. In addition to these points, Clubs earn points for members finishing in the following places.

Individual Triathlon/Duathlon

Relays – one participation point per person competing on the relay, depending on relay size this could be 2 or 3 points. All relay members must be a part of the Club to earn these points.

SPECTATOR INFORMATION

THANK YOU

If you thought that your athlete was the only one going to get a workout on race day … you might want to think again. Spectating and cheering is not for the faint of heart in the triathlon world. There is going to be a lot of excitement on race day so embrace it and take it all in. We’d like to encourage you to join your athlete at packet pickup and/or orientation and scope out the course so you know where the best vantage points are. We highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing a chair, sunscreen, and water. Know what your athlete is wearing so you don’t miss them on the course.

As a spectator, you have the important job of cheering on ALL participants! It is no secret that athletes will become tired along the course, but that’s where YOU step in to keep them going! We can’t thank you enough for encouraging all of our athletes on race day.

DOWNLOAD THE MTEC APP

FREE CHEER SIGNS

PARKING/SHUTTLE

Stop by the white information tent in the northwest corner of the Shawnee Mission Park marina parking lot to pick up a free cheer sign and personalize it for your athlete! Signs will be available at both packet pickups as well as on race day.

Spectators and athletes will ALL park at the Theatre in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park. You may either walk down to the marina or take the shuttle bus. The bus will begin running at 4:30am and run until 6:20am. It will resume after the last cyclist is off the course around approximately 10am. If you choose to walk, please stay on the trails once you reach the main park road to ensure the safety of both you and the athletes.

COFFEE & KONA ICE

SAFETY

Golden Grounds Coffee and Kona Ice will be available for purchase before, during, and after the event.

To ensure the safety of everyone, we ask that you cheer athletes on from behind the fenced areas and be cautious the entire time you’re at the event. The finish line is on the north side of the main park road, meaning you’ll need to cross the road where cyclists are riding. Please be sure to only cross the road at the crosswalk. We ask again, that you exercise the highest level of caution as you do so.

BENEFICIARY

Our mission is to provide immersive experiences for our nation’s heroes that are designed to eliminate isolation, foster hope, and build camaraderie; eradicating suicide by creating lives of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.

MENTAL HEALTH GO BAGS

We deliver Mental Health Go Bags to hospitalized veterans to let them know we are here to support them and give them a bag full of items they can use as a coping mechanism and provide the connection to other veterans.

AWARENESS & PREVENTION

We participate and lead outreach events around the city, centered on Suicide Prevention, PTSD, and removing the Stigma of Mental Health. Engaging our veterans and their families in the community provides an open environment for them to speak freely. Showing them that people care and that there is Hope.

WARRIOR’S WEEKEND

Getting veterans out of isolation and into nature where they can enjoy camaraderie and peer support from other veterans who know exactly what they are experiencing can be crucial in making a veteran feel that they are not alone.

RACE DAY CHECKLIST

What to bring to the event:

General

☐ USAT membership card

☐ Photo ID

☐ Registration confirmation

☐ Directions to venue

☐ Course map

☐ Money

☐ Race uniform

☐ Race numbers and timing chip

☐ Sunscreen

☐ Sunglasses

☐ Anti-chafing product

☐ Extra clothes

☐ Watch

Transition Gear

☐ Towel(s)/Transition mat

☐ Water bottle(s)

☐ Gels/energy bars and drinks/salt tablets

Swim Gear

☐ Swim cap

☐ Goggles

Bike Gear

☐ Bike

☐ Helmet

☐ Bike shoes

☐ Bike gloves

☐ Tire pump

☐ Spare tube(s)

☐ CO2 cartridges

☐ Tools

☐ Bar-end plugs

Run Gear

☐ Running shoes

☐ Hat/visor

☐ Race number belt

☐ Socks

TEAM CECILIA AWARD

The Team Cecilia Spirit of Multisport Award

This award seeks to recognize individuals who exemplify the positive spirit of the sport through acts of sportsmanship, leadership, and their efforts to grow a more diverse and inclusive multisport field.

IN HONOR OF CECILIA NIEMANN

Cecilia had an infectious smile and bright eyes that brought a joyful light to everyone around her. Despite having Cerebral Palsy, which impacted her physical and verbal abilities, as well as caused significant health challenges, she lived an active, adventurous, and full life. She refused to be defined by her limitations, and instead spent her life displaying her abilities to family, friends, and community to promote change and inclusion for ALL. Over the years, Cecilia completed countless road races, half-marathons, marathons, and triathlons. Her multisport debut came in 2013 at the Open Options Shawnee Mission Triathlon & Duathlon setting the stage for inclusion in Kansas City area races. While breaking down barriers, Team Cecilia enjoyed years of being welcomed, and often recruited, to participate in most of the area’s triathlons.

2024 recipient:

Terry Crawford

Terry exemplifies all of the criteria for this award. As a long time triathlete and active triathlon team member, he’s one of the most welcoming athletes out there. During his tri team training rides, Terry’s teammates recall him being engaging with all athletes on the rides: fast, slow, new, or experienced. He often will take on the role of ensuring that no athlete is ever dropped. He devotes his time to growing as an athlete himself as well as encouraging those around him to do the same. Terry can be known to show up to races that he’s not competing in to cheer and offer support!

He serves on the committee for the JCPRD Kids Triathlon and participates in KCCC, even being retired. He builds confidence in youth and adults new to the sport and volunteers at the kids tri camp. He is always the first to help others overcome fears from swimming in a lake, to riding more than 20 miles on a bike. He always offers to monitor the bike course at the kids triathlon to keep kids safe and moving on the course! Terry is truly an outstanding person and embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and community within the Kansas City Triathlon world and we’re so lucky to know him!