Competitor Event Guide
9th March 2017
Green Park Triathlon – Competitor Event Guide
Thank you for being a part of the 2017 Green Park Triathlon, you are making a real difference
by supporting Comic Relief in this way. The focal point for the Triathlon will be Lime Square,
which is located opposite the Wind Turbine on Green Park.
Free Parking has been organised at 300 Longwater Avenue and will be signposted on the day
of the event. Please avoid driving to the event if possible as we only have a limited number of
spaces.
In general competitors should arrive for registration ahead of their scheduled event with the
requisite time allowed to check-in and sign the disclaimer. Please ensure that you are at the
registration marquee at least 45 minutes before your race start so that you can attend a race
briefing (Transition and Registration will be open from 09:00).
Cyclists may optionally have their bikes checked at the Spokes van who will be on hand to
provide advice/assistance on cycle set up or to sell you last minute supplies.
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Course Overview
The course for the 2017 Triathlon
is taking place within the grounds
of Green Park.
The swim part of the event will
take place in the pool at Nuffield
Health. The transition between
Swim and Cycle and Cycle and Run
is located in the multi-story car
park behind the Pool.
After transition the cycle and run
route follow South Oak way west
towards the round about on Brook
Drive. From the round about turn
right (North) to join the main
circuit along Brook drive to the
traffic lights. Then follow the
course West (left at the lights)
around the circuit, with Cyclists
taking the yellow route and
Runners the red.
Lime Square
To/From Transition
Cycle Circuit
Run Circuit
After the required number of laps
for your discipline return to the
transition at Lime Square or to
finish if you have completed the
event.
Further details for each discipline
are detailed in the following
sections.
Arrival and Registration
The Registration Marquee is located in Lime Square opposite LSQ2 / Nuffield Health (RG2
6UL). After you have parked at the event parking at 250 Longwater Avenue, please follow
the signposts to registration. Please leave good time to walk around to the start of the
course, as this is approx a 15-20 minute walk.
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Registration will be open from 09:00 however we can accommodate early check-in from
08:30 by prior arrangement (if you require to do this please email your request to
[email protected] ).
When you arrive at the Registration marquee you will see a board with a list of all
competitors and their assigned bib number. Once you have your assigned number proceed
to the registration desk.
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Here you will find 2 positions: 1. Registration
 Disclaimers have already been signed with your online registration, so there
is no paperwork to fill in here
 Receive your race numbers and stickers (3 for cyclists – 1 for helmet and 1 for
bike)
 Receive your swimming Cap (for those swimming)
 Receive your DB Max Timing Chip (only supplied to the swimmer for relay
teams) [These are costly items which you are responsible for and a £75
charge will be made for chips lost or not returned]
2. Collection of T-shirt/Goody bag
 You may collect your T-shirt to compete in or collect after the event
At time of registration you can optionally collect your Event T-Shirt and Goody Bag, or you
can return after the race to collect it. Please note that you will need to present your Bib as
proof of who you are so please retain these until you have collected your T-Shirt/Goody bag.
Storing your Bike
Once you have completed registration and you have your chip and numbers you can gain
entry to the Transition compound to store your bike and clothes / equipment. The transition
compound will have security guards on the exit and entrance and you will not be allowed in
without wearing numbers and/or timing chip.
Race Briefing
Competitors will be racing in waves of approximately 16 competitors. For every 2 waves
there will be a race briefing where the course and rules will be outlined in brief and any final
questions can be asked of the Race Marshal.
Timing
We have partnered with DB Max to provide a state of the art timing system for the event.
Each competitor will wear a timing chip for the duration of the races in which they compete
and the DB Max system will accurately record the time for the event as well as all of the
splits – Swim, Transition 1, Cycle, Transition 2, Run and Total time. The Timing chip will be
allocated to you at registration (one per individual or one per team) and needs to be
attached to your left ankle please see these instructions (also at the end of this document).
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The chip timing will provide times for :





Swim Time
T1 – Transition Time
Cycle
T2 – Transition Time
Run
Overall Time
Each team or individual is responsible for the timing chip assigned to them and they will be
liable for a replacement charge of £75 for any chip lost or not returned at the end of the
race.
New to Triathlon? Order of Events
This event is a traditional pool based Triathlon. The Triathlon is a single event, which
encompasses 3 disciplines of sport, namely Swimming, Cycling and Running (in that order).
Typically a triathlete will do the entire event competing in each discipline. A variation is the
‘Relay’, this is a team event where each member of the (2 or 3 member) team will compete
in a discipline on behalf of the team and will handover to the next member of the team
having completed the sport they are competing in. Other than Swim, Cycle and Run there is
arguably a 4thdiscipline, which is the ‘transition’. The transition is the activity that each
competitor undertakes to ‘transition’ from one sport to the other. In a standard Triathlon
event there will be 2 Transitions, from Swim to Cycle (T1 or Transition 1) and from Cycle to
Run (T2 or Transition 2).
For the Green Park Triathlon we have both Individuals and Relay Teams competing.
As well as the race type there is a short distance (which we call the Super Sprint) and a
longer Distance (which we call the Sprint).
Super Sprint– Swim (200m – 10 lengths), (slightly less than) 10k (3 laps), 2.5 km (one lap)
Sprint– Swim (400m – 20 lengths), (slightly less than) 20k (6 lap), 5km (two lap)
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Swimming Event
The swim will take place in the pool at Nuffield Health. The distance of the race will be 400m
(20 lengths) for those enrolled in the longer Sprint distance race, or 200m (10 lengths) for
those enrolled in the shorter Super Sprint distance race.
Each heat is expected to complete in less than 10 minutes (Super Sprint) 15 minutes (Sprint).
Regardless of if a competitor has completed their 20 lengths the race will be declared finished
after 20 Minutes.
Each wave will have up to 16 competitors with up to 4 competitors of a similar standard racing
in each lane of the pool. To help the marshals count the lengths completed each swimmer in
each lane will wear a different coloured swim cap.
Before you get into the pool ensure you place your towel and shoes (e.g. crocs) to dry off and
get you to Transition.
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There are 2 options to get changed after your swim and for the Cycle.
Behind the pool there will be a heated changing tent where competitors will be able to change
into their cycle clothing before going to transition if they wish. To do this they should leave
their clothes in the changing tent before getting into the pool (anything left in the changing
tent should be removed after the swim). Alternatively they can run to the Transition area to
continue – or hand over their Timing Chip to the Cyclist if they are in a relay team.
Each race will be from a standing staggered start(no jumping/diving) and the time taken of
each competitor will be recorded with the DB Max chip timing system. After the first
competitor in each lane has started the next and successive will start at 5 second intervals.
Any stroke can be used / but this is a race so each competitor should use whatever stroke
they feel most comfortable using and with which they can get the best time.
Each competitor will be assigned a lane to compete in, please stay within your lane
Competitors should be poolside at least 10 minutes prior to their race start, so please aim to
be at registration at least 45 minutes before your start time, to allow time to sign disclaimers,
and ask questions.
Once you have registered you may use the Nuffield Gym changing rooms to change into your
swimsuit. As an alternative you may wear a Triathlon suit, these are quick drying one or two
piece suits that you can wear for Swim, Cycle and Run without the need to change.
It is NOT permitted to wear a wetsuit or any flotation device for the swim.
Once the race has started the marshals will count your laps and will give you a ‘2 laps to go’
warning, however when swimming it is not always easy to see what is happening outside the
pool. With this in mind please ensure you count your own laps so you know when to get out
of the pool.
When you have completed your swim, exit the pool, collect your towel and thoroughly dry off
before leaving the Gym via the rear doors. Proceed to the Transition area (optionally via the
changing tent to change into your cycling clothes) enter the compound and locate your bike
(and/or cyclist if in a relay team).
Transition Area
When you arrive at the entrance to the Transition compound ensure that the guard can see
that you are a competitor (Show your wrist band, or race Bib if you have already changed).
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The transition area is a secure compound where competitors store their bikes and associated
clothes / accessories for the Cycle and Run elements of the race. Access to the transition
compound is restricted to competitors only.
The Transition area will be located on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park next to
the Gym. The compound will be constructed from ‘Harris’ fencing with one entrance and one
exit. Within the compound you will find traditional Triathlon cycle racking similar to the
illustration below.
In advance of your race please ensure that store your bike and associated clothes / accessories
you need for the event at a location that you will remember. Access to the transition
compound will be available from 09:00 on the day of the race. It is a good idea to bring an
easily recognisable towel or remember where you store your bike so that you can easily locate
it when you come into transition for a change over (from Swim to Cycle, Cycle to Run). If you
are in a relay team please ensure your teammates are well aware of the location as well.
Swim In
Transition T1 (from Swim to Cycle)
When you arrive at Transition after your swim you will either be handing over to the cyclist
(if you are competing in a relay) or you will need to prepare for the cycle element of the race.
If you are in a team you must remove your DB Max timing chip and pass that to your cyclist,
who must then fasten it to his/her ankle before they continue the race.
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After dressing for the cycle and before removing the cycle from the rack you must put on and
fasten your helmet to avoid penalty. When ready you can walk or run your bike to the
dismount line outside transition before continuing to cycle the course.
Note: No riding in the dismount area or transition area
The Cycle
The running and cycling elements of the course broadly circuit the Green Park Lake, following
South Oak Way, Brook Drive and Longwater Avenue. Please be aware that for the duration
of the event the roads around the park will be open to normal traffic as usual. All competitors
must obey normal rules of the road. Do not expect other road users to give way.
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The Cycle Course
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As you exit the road from Lime Square and reach South Oak Way you will need to turn right.
Before doing so it is a mandatory requirement of the event that you stop and put down a
foot. There will be marshals at the junction to ensure that this requirement is adhered to.
Once on South Oak Way proceed to the round about and turn right to follow the course along
Brook Drive to the Traffic lights. As you leave the round about please be aware of the potential
for fellow competitors crossing the road (crossing point illustrated below).
Continue along Brook Drive to the traffic lights on the junction with Longwater Avenue.
Please keep left as you approach, you will see that the inside lane will have been coned off
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for competitors. This will allow you to make the left turn without waiting for the Lights
although please be vigilant for both other traffic and runners crossing at the same junction.
Junction of Brook Drive / Longwater Avenue
After your left turn follow Longwater Avenue round the park until you get to the large
roundabout at the junction with Brook Drive and South Oak Way. Continue to make this
circuit for as many times as required for your distance. For Super Sprint – 3 laps, for Sprint –
6 laps.
Handy Tip: It may not sound that difficult but remembering how many laps you have
completed in a race can be a challenge. Experienced triathletes use several tricks to help,
such as putting a number of rubber bands (1 per lap) on the handle bars of the bike and
removing as you go round, or something like Page markers with one per lap on your
handlebars.
Once you have completed the required number of laps return to Transition.
Transition T2 (from Cycle to Run)
When you arrive at Transition after your cycle you must dismount before you reach the
dismount line. Walk with your bike to your place in the Transition compound. You will either
be handing over to the runner (if you are competing in a relay) or you will need to prepare
for the run element of the race. If you are in a team you must remove your DB Max timing
chip and pass that to your runner.
The runner must then securely attach the timing chip to his/her left ankle. When ready the
runner should leave transition via the exit and follow the signs for the Run alongside the
building rather than along the road.
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Before you reach the junction with South Oak Way you will need to cross the road to the
running track alongside the road. As you do this please watch for cyclists coming from
behind you along the road (leaving transition) and coming towards you (returning to
transition) as well as other road users.
You will run on the same side of the road all the way up until the crossing as detailed below
and then cross the road. Here you will run along the path as directed and take care on
crossing the bridge where there will be marshals guiding you and ensuring you slow down
and take care, especially is the bridge is wet/slippery. Take care to slow down and cross the
bridge.
competitors cycling.
Circuit
To/From Transition
Crossing Point
Once you have crossed over the bridge, you will continue to follow the course around,
turning left when you get onto Longwater avenue – there will be a marshal here to guide
you.
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Once you get back to the roundabout, you will need to cross the road again.
Please use caution when crossing, as there will be potentially traffic from both directions
and other
If you are competing in the Super Sprint you can now return to Transition and follow the
path to the right after you cross. If you are in the Sprint you need to follow the track to the
left (after you cross) to complete a second lap.
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The Finish and Glory
When you return to Lime Square after the Run instead of going back to transition you need
to follow the path to the finish line. You will see signage to direct you to the finish.
Dismount area
Race Control
Finish Gantry
DB Max
Run to Finish
After you pass through the finish gantry give us a smile and a cheer and then please ensure
that you return your Timing chip to the marshal collecting them.
First Aid
For the duration of the Events there will be numerous first aiders on the course but with a
base near Transition. In the event of any medical attention please either inform a marshal or
make your way to the nearest first aid post (see location on the Map).
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Toilets
If you need to use a rest room or toilet please make use of those in Nuffield Gym – Please
indicate to staff that you are competing in the Triathlon Event.
Prize Giving
After the event, we will be able to allocate prizes. There will be prizes for:
- Top Fundraiser Individual
- Top Fundraiser Team
- Fastest Sprint Individual
- Fastest Sprint Team
- Fastest Funathon Individual
- Fastest Funathon Team
- Fundraisers Raffle (for every £100 raised, you will be put into a
raffle)
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Competitor Numbers
When you check in for your race you will receive your competitor numbers for the race. You
will receive two stickers for the bike – one for your helmet, which will go on the front of
your helmet and one to go on your bike, attaching to the seatpost.
For runners the competitor number bib should be pinned to the front of your vest with the
pins provided.
For cyclists the competitor number bib should be wornon the back of their vest.
Race belts are permitted.
Please see the illustrations below:
Illustration of Runner wearing competitor number
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Illustration of Cyclist wearing competitor number on back
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GENERAL RULES
1. It is the athlete's responsibility to know all aspects of the Green Park Triathlon Swim, Bike
and Run courses.
2. Athletes are expected to follow instructions of all race officials and public authorities.
3. Course Marshals shall have authority to disqualify any athlete.
4. Medical personnel shall have ULTIMATE and FINAL authority to remove an athlete from the
race if the athlete is judged to be physically incapable of continuing the race without risk of
serious injury or death. Medical transport of any athlete will result in disqualification.
5. No athlete may use alcohol or any illegal, detrimental or dangerous drugs, stimulants,
depressants or other substances or procedures with the intent to improve performance,
eliminate the sense of fatigue or for any other purpose. Violation of this rule is grounds for
immediate disqualification.
6. Fraud, theft, abusive treatment of volunteers, captains, marshals, race officials or race
organisers or others, and acts of poor sportsmanship are grounds for immediate
disqualification and will result in athlete being suspended from competing in any Green Park
Triathlon event in the future.
7. If athlete decides to withdraw from the race at any time, it is the responsibility of the athlete
to report to the Finish Line area located at the race venue and turn in their timing chip
immediately. It is essential that race officials know where athletes are on the course at all
times. Failure to comply after withdrawing from the race in such a manner may result in
athlete being prevented from competing in any Green Park Triathlon event in the future.
8. Green Park Triathlon reserves the right to make rule changes at any time provided all
athletes are notified in writing.
9. Communication/musical devices of any type are strictly prohibited during competition
including mobile phones, Blackberry, IPOD, Thump or any other musical device. Use of such
devices will result in disqualification.
10. In accordance with regulations Green Park Triathlon does not allow the transfer of an
athlete's registration - no exceptions will be made to this rule. Any attempt to transfer
registration will result in disqualification and suspension from future participation in any
Green Park Triathlon event.
SWIM RULES
Swim - Course Length: 400m (20 Lengths) / 200m (10 Lengths)
1. Each swimmer must wear a Green Park Triathlon swim cap as provided by the race. The
provided cap must be worn on the outside of the head. Wearing swim goggles or a face
mask is recommended, but not required.
2. No fins, paddles, snorkels or flotation devices of any kind are allowed.
3. Please be sure your timing chip is properly fixed on your ankle. No individual paddlers or
escorts allowed. The pool will be adequately patrolled by lifeguards.
4. Time penalties will be imposed on athletes not behind the official start line 5 minutes prior
to the race start or their wave.
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5. Swimmers are required to stay in lane, swim clockwise/anti-clockwise as instructed (it is lane
dependent) and be considerate of other athletes in lane. Failure to do so may result in
disqualification.
6. A swimmer experiencing difficulty and in need of assistance should stand up or roll onto
their back and raise an arm overhead and call or seek assistance. A swimmer, who has
received assistance, whether voluntary or involuntary, must retire and withdraw from the
remainder of the race, unless such assistance did not aid the swimmer in making forward
progress. No swimmer shall return to the race if the official rendering assistance requests
that the athlete withdraws from the race or receive medical assistance.
7. The official’s decision will be final.
8. The swim course will be CLOSED 20 minutes after start of your wave. Athletes still in the
water after this time will be disqualified and will not be permitted to continue in the
event.
9. After the swim, athletes must dress for the bike portion of the race in the designated
transition area only. Public nudity is strictly prohibited.
10. Wetsuits are not permitted for the swim section.
11. The swim will be started in waves. It is the competitors’ responsibility to know which wave
they are in and what time they will start.
BIKE RULES Bike - Course Length:(slightly less than) 20k (6 Circuits) /10k (3 Circuits)
1. Athletes will be solely responsible for their own health and safety; and the condition and
adequacy of their bicycle and riding equipment. Athletes should ride safely within the limits
of their abilities, equipment and the riding conditions.
2. All athletes are required to ride bicycles that conform to road safety requirements. It is the
responsibility of the athlete to ensure that their bike is acceptable prior to arrival at the race
venue.
3. Bikes and helmets are subject to spot-checks at registration and prior to the Race. Race
officials reserve the right to reject any bike not meeting safety standards. If the bike does
not meet safety standards, the athlete will be required to correct the problem before
participating in the race. Bicycle mechanics will be present on-site to assist with minor
repairs or adjustments.
4. Absolutely NO DRAFTING of another bike or any other vehicle is allowed.
5. Athletes must ride single file on the far left side of the road near the curb/verge except
when passing another cyclist. Side-by-side riding is not allowed.
6. Cyclists must keep a 7-meter distance (approximately 4 bike lengths) between bikes except
when passing.
7. Overtaking cyclists may pass on the right for up to 20 seconds, but must move back to the
left side of the road near the curb/verge after passing.
8. An overtaken cyclist must fall back 7 meters before attempting to regain the lead from the
lead bike.
9. Athletes committing rule violations will be notified on the spot by an official, if road and race
conditions allow.
10. Each athlete must wear the Green Park Triathlon issued race number at all times while on
the course. The race number must be placed low on BACK of cyclist's jersey where it is
clearly visible. Folding or cutting race number or intentional alteration of any kind is
STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Race belts are permitted.
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11. Bike helmets must be fastened before the athlete first mounts the bicycle and at all times
when the athlete is on the bicycle. The athlete must dismount the bicycle prior to
unfastening their chin strap.
12. No individual support allowed. Friends, family members, coaches or supporters of any type
may NOT bike, drive or run alongside athlete, may not pass food or other items to athlete
and should be warned to stay completely clear of all athletes to avoid disqualification. It is
incumbent upon each athlete to reject immediately any attempt to assist, follow or escort.
13. Athletes are individually responsible for the repair and maintenance of their own bicycle.
Assistance by anyone, excluding other athletes, other than Green Park Triathlon bike
technical support officials will be grounds for disqualification. Each cyclist should be
prepared to handle any possible mechanical malfunction. Technical support by Green Park
Triathlon technical support officials does not include the changing of flat tires.
14. Athletes are expected to follow instructions of all race officials and public authorities.
15. Athletes may walk the bike, if necessary, but may not make progress on the bike course
unaccompanied by bicycle.
16. Cyclists are individually responsible for following traffic laws and must abide by Public
Highway Rules and Regulations; athletes are solely responsible for the consequences of any
infractions.
17. All athletes must mount and dismount in the marked dismount zone outside the entrance of
the transition area. Under no circumstances should an athlete ride his/her bike inside the
transition area.
RUN RULES Run Course Length:(approx) 2.5km (one Circuit) / 5km (two Circuits)
1. No form of locomotion other than running, walking or crawling is allowed.
2. Runners must wear their race number at all times on the course. Race numbers issued by
Green Park Triathlon identify the official athletes in the race. Folding or cutting race number
or intentional alteration of any kind is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Race number must be placed
on the FRONT of the runner and securely attached. Race belts may be worn. Shoes and shirts
are required on the run segment.
3. This is an INDIVIDUAL event. No individual support vehicles or non-athlete escort runners
are allowed. Teamwork as a result of outside assistance that provides an advantage over
single athletes is not allowed. Individual support vehicles or non-athlete escort runners will
result in disqualification. A non-athlete escort runner includes athletes who have withdrawn
from the race, have been disqualified or have finished the race. Friends, family members,
coaches or supporters of any type may not bike, drive or run alongside athlete, may not pass
food or other items to athlete and should be warned to stay completely clear of all athletes
to avoid disqualification. It is incumbent upon each athlete to reject immediately any
attempt to assist, follow or escort.
4. Follow the instructions of all race officials and public authorities.
5. The Green Park Triathlon run course will close at 15.00pm. Support services are not
available after course closure.
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Fitting the DB M ax Timing Chip
DB Max Precision Timing use highly accurate active timing transponders to capture race results.
Competitors are responsible for their timing chip from the point of allocation, until its safe return to the
collection staff after the race. Please look after it and please fit it correctly.
Follow the pictures below to ensure secure fitting of the timing chip and strap. Correctly fitted timing chips
cannot be removed accidentally and also allow optimal results capture.
The timing chip
The strap
Thread the chip onto the strap
the correct w ay up as show n
Left ankle
Secure the
strap carefully
Ready to race!
NB.
1) Timing chips must be worn under the wetsuit – it will remain in place during wetsuit removal.
2) Always wear your timing chip on your left ankle and never on your wrist.
3) Do not lose or forget to return your timing chip. You will be charged £75.
Many Thanks to all athletes and marshals.
Have a safe race – see you at the finish line.
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