Sandwell Aquathlon Questions & Answers
These answers are intended as a guide only. For a full explanation of the Rules of Triathlon “See
British Triathlon Rule Book” via this link;
https://www.britishtriathlon.org/britain/documents/events/competition-rules/british-triathloncompetition-rules-2017.pdf
Q1. Where is Haden Hill, which car park shall I park in?
Answer: Between Blackheath and Halesowen Town Centres. The Leisure centres car park has (166
spaces), the Parks car park top of Lee Road (27 spaces). In addition we have 30 spaces behind Haden
Hill House which are being used for the Event Team / Marshals and pre-arranged disabled access
parking only. Please note entry and access to this car park is prior to 9.30am and after event is
over only.
Q2. How much in total do I pay?
Answer: entry fee + a max of 5% booking fee. However if you do not hold a British Triathlon
Race Licence you will need us to purchase a day licence for you. This costs £1 children, £3 adults.
Q3. Which age group am I in?
Answer: Born in 2009 =TS-Start,
2003 or 2004 =TS-3,
2007 or 8 =TS-1,
2001 or 2002 =Youth,
2005 or 6 =TS-2,
2000 or before =Adult.
Q4. What’s the difference between Adult & Youth Sprint and Adult or Youth Novice distance?
Answer: Adult/Youth Sprint = 400m swim+5Km run, this is a very challenging hilly run course
that has received great reviews. Adult Novice & Youth Novice =200m swim+2.5Km run.
Q5. Are Children’s distances less than in some other Events?
Answer: Yes the distances (except TSS) are not the max permitted and so shorter than in some
Events that are the max permitted distances(compare our Aquathlon & Triathlon).
Q6. Are we racing against the clock?
Answer: Yes. Most competitors will look at it as racing against themselves. From your given start
time to crossing the finish line is your total time. Quickest time is the winner.
Q7. Where do I go, what must I do on arrival?
Answer: Park Leisure centre carpark. DO NOT go to Leisure Centre, Follow signs via steps at rear
of car park to registration Gazebo in front of Haden Hill House. Find your race number from the
list on notice board. Go to desk tell your number (show Triathlon race licence if you have one) you will
be given your race pack. Inside will be your race number and 4 pins as well as your race day
instructions (rules, where to be at what time etc). Pin number onto T-shirt or race belt.
Q8. Where is registration?
Answer: In a Gazebo in Quadrant area in front of Haden Hill House.
Q9. Where is Transition Area?
Answer: Outside Leisure centre or on poolside ledge if weather not deemed suitable.
Q10. Where and when is Presentation?
Answer: In front of Haden Hill House. Sprint; a little after they have all finished everyone else a
little after the last person finishes.
Q11. Why must I give an estimated swim time?
Answer: This is so we can seed people of similar ability together in the same swim wave.
Q12. Are there separate male female awards?
Answer: Yes. First 3 places male & first 3 female in TSS, TS1, TS2, TS3 Youth Novice, Adult
Novice and Hill Horror Sprint categories both, but not for relay teams.
Q13. What if im very slow at swimming on the day?
Answer: If your finished before the next wave are ready to start there is no problem. For age
categories not full we use the spare places to create a spare position in as many waves as possible
to cater for slower than expected swimmers. Otherwise your swim may be stopped, you can still
continue the race even if not finished your swim. If you give a true expected swim time, rather
than a total guess we should be able make adjustments to cater for even the slowest of swimmers.
Q14. What if I don’t have an estimated swim time? Or want to change my stated time?
Answer: You can enter a time as part of the entry process then at any time up to the entry closing
date send the new time to the Event Organiser [email protected]
Q15. Can I stop within the swim if I need a rest?
Answer: yes you can stop as often as needed (within reason). You can even hold onto a lane rope or
the wall (as long as not interfering with any other competitor). However you can’t walk or pull yourself
along using any aids such as rope or walls (See British Triathlon Rule Book full details).
Q16. Can I use a float aid?
Answer: No! No form of aid is permitted. (See British Triathlon Rule Book full details).
Q17. I’d like to enter but unsure if able to complete the swim?
Answer: Please contact the Event Organiser [email protected]
Q18. How many swim lengths is 200m?
Answer: 2 lengths = 50m, 4 lengths = 100m, 8 lengths = 200m, 16 lengths = 400m.
Q19. Can I swim any stroke?
Answer: We would recommend you swim front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of them.
You could swim butterfly as long as you do not cause interference of another competitor (i.e.
sharing your lane). Backstroke is not permitted unless by prior agreement as there will not be any
5m flags present. Email event organiser if you need to do backstroke.
Q20. How many people swim at a time?
Answer: A maximum of 10 in each wave. 2 per lane swimming on their own side of lane.
Q21. Can I do tumble turns?
Answer: yes! as long as you keep to own side of the lane.
Q22. Can I dive?
Answer: No! Everyone starts in water with one hand (minimum) touching the start wall.
Q23. Do I need to wear a swim hat?
Answer: No. but you can if you wish.
Q24. Do I have to count both my own swim laps and run laps?
Answer: Yes. However a “2 lengths to go sign” will be put into water to indicate you have only
two lengths to go. On competition of each run lap you will be given a lap band. We suggest you
write on your hand both the amount of swim and run laps you must complete.
Note: it is the competitor’s responsibility to count their own laps. Swim lap counters “2 Lengths
to go signs” are intended as a guide only (lap counters are well known for making mistakes in counting). Run
Marshals are not allowed to tell you how many laps you have done/remaining.
Q25. What coin do lockers in leisure centre require?
Answer: normal lockers require a 20 pence coin; large lockers require a £1 coin.
Q26. What type of run course is it?
Answer: As the name suggests Hilly. We have designed courses that although not flat are suitable
for all abilities. Every competitor is expected to finish, even those doing the very challenging 5Km
Hill Sprint Run which includes a big hill.
Q27. Does everyone do the same Run course?
Answer: From the pool to the end of the Bowling Green everyone does the same. From here the
13yrs+ and Adults turn right down the big hill doing two variations of the same course whilst the
8yr to 12yr children turn left doing variations of a course around Haden Hill House.
Q28. Whats the childrens West Midlands Triathlon Series?
Answer: Each of the 11 Regions in Britain run children’s and Youth Series’. The Sandwell
Aquathlon is in the 2017 Children’s Series. Our Sandwell Children’s Open Water Triathlon is also
in the 2017 Series. The Hill Horror Sprint is in the 2017 Youth Series.
Q29. Where do you swop over if doing Event as a Relay.
Answer: At the Transition exit Timing mat with the Relay Marshal.
Q30. Can I use a race Number belt?
Answer: Yes. Most competitors will just use a T-shirt. Belts are easier and quicker to put on.
Q31. Where do I put the Race Number?
Answer: On front of T-shirt or on a Number belt. You must not fold it/deface it. It must be clear to
see by Marshals.
Q32. Must I wear a Tri suit and number belt?
Answer: No, many competitors will just use a T-shirt. Belts are easier and quicker to put on.
Q33. Can I wear a bikini?
Answer: Yes for the swim but will then need to also wear a T-shirt on the Run. Like wise males
wearing trunks/shorts will require a T-shirt for their run. Your torso must be covered whilst on the
run. Only a full swim costume or Tri suit can be used with a tri belt on the Run. See British
Triathlon Rule Book.
Q34. Can I run bear footed?
Answer: No
Q35. Why don’t competitors get dried off before starting their run?
Answer: Some do, but it will cost time. Unless very cold most competitors dry off whilst running.
Having got your core temperature up during the swim helps to get you dry!
Q36. Is there somewhere to leave a warm top or coat near run finish area?
Answer: Yes you can leave one item (coat etc) in a plastic carrier bag with Registration. Ask for a
clothing bag. We only have room for items that fit in our bags. All other clothing and bags should
be put into lockers in Leisure Centre. Items left are done so at owner’s risk.
Q37. This is my first Triathlon type of Event, How will I know where to go or what to do?
Answer: The Format for the Day is on Club Web site as are the run course maps.
“oldburyswimmingandtriathlonclub.com” you will also receive a race pack by email a few days
before the event explaining everything you need, where to go, when, your course, which run signs
to follow etc.
Q38. I would like to participate in the relay Event but need a partner?
Answer: This Event is possibly unique in that not only do we have relays, but combinations are not
limited to the same age group. Any combination of adult/adult or child/child or even adult/child is
permitted; yes that does mean a parent and child team. If you can’t swim (join OSTC) or can’t run
(you are allowed to walk) and so would like to participate in the Relay Event and need a partner Email
the Event Organiser to find a partner.
Got a Question not in our list? Then Email the Event Organiser at [email protected].