TriHawks Triathlon
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We have compiled answers to frequently asked questions with regards to the TriHawks Triathlon. If you are not able to find a solution here, please contact us.


Sprint Distance Competition
Sunday, September 16th Coralville Dam
.460 m swim, 25km bike, 5km run
(500 yard swim, 15 mile bike, 3.1 mile run)
The Open Age Group division is open to competitors using road, cross or mountain bikes. Competitors are timed according to gender and age group.
What are the age restrictions for the TriHawks Triathlon?
Registration is open to anyone 15 years or older capable of safely completing a triathlon of equal or greater distance in the allotted time. If registrant is under 18 years of age, parental permission is required.
What is the projected number of participants that will be competing in the Sprint distance divisions in the TriHawks Triathlon Sunday, September 16th?
Last year approximately 300 athletes participated in the event. We will post information on our website and information hotline when registration for the TriHawks Triathlon has closed.
If someone hands me my glasses at the end of the swim, does that violate the "No Help" rule?
No, but they will not be allowed in the swim exit chute and will have to stand behind the fence lining the course.
Do I have to get body marked at the Packet Pickup?
No, but it is highly recommended. Body marking will be available on race day, but the lines may be very long. You may not body mark yourself.
If I am not able to get in the race, may I still participate by using the course?
No, anyone who is not officially entered in the event will be removed from the course.
Once registration closes, will you be forming a waiting list?
Yes. You will be notified by e-mail if your entry is received after the race is closed, and you will be placed on the Event waiting list. Should a slot become available, you will be notified by e-mail or phone and you will have 24-hours to respond. Be sure to check back at this web site after the race is closed for more information on how to enter the event.
Can I get a refund of my registration in case of inclement weather in the case that the TriHawks Triathlon would be canceled?
Unfortunately we can not provide refunds in the case of inclement weather to any registrants.
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What is the water temperature?
Coralville Reservoir is a dammed river and depending on the weather, the temperature near the surface can change dramatically. The temperature on race day is typically 73 – 78 degrees. A projected water temperature for race morning will be announced at the course talks at the Packet Pickup, with the actual water temperature announced at transition and at the swim start on race morning.
Do I need a wetsuit?
Use of a triathlon wetsuit is at the discretion of the participant. Wetsuits come in various types and styles and you should consult an expert at an authorized wetsuit retailer before renting or purchasing a wetsuit. If the water temperature exceeds 78 degrees, wetsuits will not be allowed. A large number of the participants in the TriHawks Triathlon choose not to use wetsuits.
Can I use any stroke in the swim portion?
Yes, but for your safety, you need to be making steady forward progress or you will be removed from the swim.
How deep is the water in Coralville Reservoir?
The depth of the water in the swimming lane of the race will vary from 7’ to 20’. You need to be particularly careful not to hit the bottom when you enter the water at the start of the swim.
If I hang onto the buoys or the rescue boats, will I be disqualified for doing so?
As stated in the Event waiver, to participate in this Event, you must be able to continuously swim a distance equal to the distance you are required to swim in this Event. With that understanding, if you need to stop briefly, you may tread water or hang on to a lane line or buoy, but you must not interfere with the progress of other swimmers and you must make steady progress toward the finish. If at any point in the swim, a lifeguard believes you are a risk of injury or drowning, the lifeguard is required to assist you out of the water and you will not be able to complete the swim portion of the event.
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Can I use a Mountain Bike in the “open” Sprint division?
Yes, you may use a mountain bike in any of the competition divisions in the TriHawks Triathlon.
May I use a tandem or recumbent bike in the race?
No.
Do I have to get my bike inspected?
No, but we strongly recommend that you have your bike tuned no more than 30-days before the race. Many people experience technical problems on race day that could have been easily avoided. Please contact you local bike shop for additional information.
Will I need to show a bike inspection sticker to participate in the race?
No.
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What will the course be like?
Course descriptions and maps are available on this web site. Please select "Event Information" and then choose "Course" from the main web site. Please review each aspect of the course carefully, and if you have the opportunity, it is a good idea to review the run course in person.
Will the race begin on the beach or in the water?
The TriHawks Triathlon (Sunday, 9/16) begins with an on-shore start. There is 4-minute gap between each wave start.
What is the TriHawks Triathlon swim course like?
The swim takes place in Coralville Reservoir in an out and back course. The start is at Dam Beach. Sprint distance (500 yards) athletes swim north east to a floating buoy. The course is marshaled by Local lifeguards and well marked with swim buoys. The water is typically smooth with a temperature of 73 – 78 degrees.
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I will not be able to participate in the race; can I get a refund?
As is clearly stated in all of our materials, there will be absolutely NO REFUNDS.

I will not be able to participate in the race do to conflict or injury
A completed Medical Rollover Form
A letter from your doctor

These materials must be received by the Registration Coordinator, no later than 14 days after the race to be considered, and the decision of the Registration Coordinator is final. Incomplete requests will not be considered.
May I change a member of my Relay Team?
Yes, but you must do so in writing. All changes to your team must be submitted by September 1, 2007. For additional instructions on making a change to your team’s entry please click HERE.
If I can’t participate in the race, can I give my entry to a friend?
No. Each participant must read, sign and submit both a USAT waiver and an Event waiver. If an individual enters the race under someone else’s name, he or she will not be entitled to any of the insurance coverage afforded a properly documented participant and will be disqualified.
What is the procedure for making a change to an entry?
To make any change to an entry you must do so in writing. Please download the appropriate form from this web site. Forms must be submitted to the Registration Coordinator, who will make all decisions concerning entries into the event. All decisions will be final.
All changes and transfers must be submitted by September 1, 2007, NO EXCEPTIONS.
There will be a $25 change fee for every change to an entry.
To submit your change or transfer request, please your form to:
101 South Quad
CO: TriHawks Triathlon
Iowa City, IA 52242
How can I contact TRIHAWKS Events?
101 South Quad
CO: TriHawks Triathlon
Iowa City, IA 52242
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What is the weight requirement for the Clydesdale and Athena division?
Anyone registered in Clydesdale competition, is required to have their weight verified at a weigh-in at the Clydesdale table at race registration at the Packet Pickup. To compete in this Division, men must weigh 200 lbs. or more and women must weigh 150 lbs. or more.
If I am registered in the Clydesdale/Athena division and fail to make the weight requirement at Packet Pick-Up, will I be disqualified from racing?
No, you will simply be transferred to the open age group competition.
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Are there specifications for the bike helmets and wetsuits that may be worn by participants in the Event?
Yes, the bike helmet must be ANSI, CPSC or SNELL certified. Most helmets purchased in the US within the last 2-3 years are certified. Please confirm this by checking for a certification sticker on the inside of the helmet. The wetsuit must not be more than 5mm at its thickest point. It is recommended that if you are planning to race in a wetsuit, that you have trained in that wetsuit. Based on Event guidelines, if the water temperature is 78 degrees or less, wet suits are allowed.
What additional equipment will be permitted in the swim?
Aqua socks, socks and swim mask or goggles will be allowed in the swim leg of the Event. Use of fins, gloves, snorkels and flotation devices is prohibited.
May I rent a bike or a wetsuit?
Yes, but we recommend that a) you rent that equipment from a reputable dealer and b) you are properly fitted for the equipment you have rented. It is also in your best interest that you train with a piece of equipment before you use it in a race.
When will I be able to access the transition area?
Located in the grassy area near the Coralville dam beach, the transition area will open from 6:30am – 7:45am for load-in. After the last participant is out on the run (approximately 10am), finishers will be allowed to access transition to remove their gear.
If I am starting in one of the later swim waves, do I still need to be out the transition area by 7:30am?
The transition area closes at 7:45 am regardless of which wave you are in. All bikes must be racked and gear stowed 7:45 am. In order to ensure the security and safety of our competitors and their equipment, there will be absolutely no exceptions to this rule.
Can I use decorations (balloons, etc.) to designate my spot and rack in the transition area?
Yes, but they should not interfere with anyone else being able to easily and safely access their equipment. We reserve the right to remove any materials that will interfere with the safety and security of our competitors and their equipment.
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What time will the transition area re-open so I can remove my gear?
The transition area will re-open at approximately 10:00 am. The exact time is dependant on when the last competitor completes the bike course and has set out on the run. You will need to show your wristband and race # in order to re-enter the transition area. All equipment must be picked up by 12:00 pm. We will not be responsible for any equipment left in the transition area after 12:00pm.
Where can I get a USAT 1-day permit or a USAT annual membership?
The TriHawks Triathlon is a USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned event, and you must either be a member of USAT or purchase a USAT 1-day permit to participate in the Event. You may include the cost for a USAT 1-day permit with your entry (either on-line or by mail). To purchase or renew a USAT annual membership visit usatriathlon.org, or you may purchase an annual membership at the Multisport & Fitness Expo.
If I am already a member of USAT, do I have to display my membership card to receive my registration packet at the Packet Pickup?
Yes. If you forget your membership card, you will be required to purchase a USAT 1-day permit.
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How is my wave assigned?
Waves are assigned according to division, gender, and age group. For larger age groups, there are multiple waves. Some smaller age groups are combined into waves.
Can I switch my wave?
Wave assignments cannot be changed unless there is a mistake in the information your provided when you registered that placed you in the wrong wave. If you take off in the wrong wave, you are subject to disqualification.
How many people will be in my wave?
Wave numbers are approximate and are assigned to facilitate timing and ensure accuracy and safety. On average the minimum number is 20 and the maximum is 40.
How many minutes apart do the waves start?
Waves will start approximately every 4 minutes.
When will the wave assignments be finalized?
Waves assignments will be completed no earlier than week before the race and they will be posted at the Packet Pickup.
What time does my wave start?
Wave start times will be posted at the Packet Pickup, and will not be available until 9/17/05.
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Who do I contact if I have questions or comments regarding this website?
Any questions, comments or concerns with the triathlon or website can be answered by using the Contact page.

2007 TriHawks Triathlon, Contact Information