1. What do I get for my entry fee?
Lots and lots! with live music, great food, custom multi-color technical shirt, the best goody bags, imprinted swim cap, towel and waterbottle, custom awards, participants' raffle, Great giveaways from FUELBELT, TRI ON THE RUN, GURU bikes, ZOOT and more, complimentary post-race massage, Run-Far Racing Services timing featuring the ChampionChip, boat, motorcycle, and radio support, USAT Officials and Marshals, the best volunteers and staff anywhere, and an accurate, safe race course.
2. How can I sign up for the events?
Registration is being done by Lin-Mark. Please visit our registration page for more information.
3. How will I receive my race packet?
How will I receive my race packet?Race packets will not be mailed. All packets can be picked up at the Hi-Fi Village at Moody Gardens, Galveston, TX. Please note that you must have your packet, bib number, and ChampionChip Time Timing Chip to race. Athletes may pick up their packets from 4-7 PM on Friday evening, October 24, and beginning at 5:30 AM Saturday, October 25, at Moody Gardens. USAT members must bring a photo ID and your USAT membership card.
4. Where is the race site?
Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas, 77554.
5. How do I get there?
From I-45 south, exit 61st Street. Right on 61st Street and again on Seawall
Boulevard. Right on 81st Street to Jones Road. Left on Hope Boulevard to Moody Gardens.
6. Can I pick my race packet up on race day?
Yes, beginning at 5:30 AM.
7. Can I register on race day?
No, as the race will be full prior to race day. This event is expected to fill up quickly, so remember to register early.
8. Are there any maps of the race venue?
Run, swim and bike course maps are posted on the race page and the
Maps page.
9. What will the weather be like race weekend?
What will the weather be like race weekend?No guarantees on weather but the average high is 77 degrees; the average low is 66 degrees. Great temperatures for a triathlon.
10. What are the expected water temperatures?
Water temperatures average about 74 degrees F. Wetsuits are recommended. If you need to rent a wetsuit, contact Tri On The Run. We recommend reserving these early, as there is a limited quantity. Visit Tri On The Run at
www.triontherun.com or by calling 832-673-0600.
11. What sports drinks and gels are available on the course?
See event pages. Gatorade Endurance Formula and water will be available. PowerGels will also be available as you begin the run.
12. What can I do before and after the race?
Moody Gardens and historic Galveston are full of great things to do. Check out
www.moodygardens.com,
www.galveston.com,
www.schlitterbahn.com and
www.lonestarflight.org .
13. Is there a Pasta Dinner?
Yes, there will be a Pasta Dinner on Friday evening. Details are being finalized, check back soon! In addition, there are loads of great restaurants in Galveston. Check out
www.galveston.com.
14. How do I get a refund if I cannot attend?
A partial refund will be made of $30 for the Short Course Distance and $40 for the Olympic, if requested, in writing, on or before September 25, 2008. After this date, no refunds, no exceptions. No entry transfers. (Contact
Claire@endorfunsports.com for further information.)
15. Do I need to be present to receive my award?
Out of respect for all of the award winners, you must be present to receive your award. No awards will be mailed.
16. What address should I use to have mapquest map for Moody Gardens?
Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas, 77554.
17. Will spectators be able to get and in out of Moody Gardens during the race?
Yes, access will be relatively easy, as the race course, does not utilize the main Moody Gardens entrance. If you are coming to spectate, and plan to leave during the event, be sure to park in the main parking lot or the Parking Deck at Moody Gardens. Anyone parking in the West lot, next to transition, will be required to stay for the entire day, as bikes and runners will be utilizing that entrance and exit for the race.
18. Where's the nearest major airport?
Houston-Hobby, in Houston, TX is the closest major airport (45 minutes away)
19. If I fly in, will I need a car?
Yes, the event is several miles away from the airports.
20. Can I ship my bike to a local bike shop?
Both Webster Bicycle and Tri On the Run will be receiving and assembling bikes for you. You may contact them at
www.websterbicycle.com or at
www.triontherun.com. They’ll take good care of you.
21. What is available for accommodations?
Please see the Lodging page.
22. What is USAT and why do I need a one-day permit?
USAT is the national governing body for triathlons and duathlons in the United States. A one-day license allows a novice athlete to compete in a USA Triathlon-sanctioned race without purchasing a full $30 membership. The $9 fee provides the athlete with excess accident insurance for that race only.
23. Is it better to join USAT or buy the one-day permit?
A one year membership to USAT is $35. Membership includes a subscription to USA Triathlon Times, annual ranking, discounts on merchandise and use of the USAT Travel Desk (can help save bike flying costs). Most importantly you don't have to pay an extra $10 at every USAT race for a one-day membership. So if you're planning on doing at 3-4 USAT races this year, the USAT membership pays for itself.
24. How do I join USAT?
USAT applications will be not available at packet pick up. You must join before hand, or purchase a one day membership for $10. You can join online on the USAT site and bring the confirmation to packet pick up. However, if you join online you will not be able to get the club membership discount.
25. What happens if I don't have my USAT card at packet pick up?
You will have to pay for a one day USAT membership. This is not refundable.
26. How does chip timing work?
Each athlete will wear a 'chip' that transmits data to the receiving antenna when the athlete crosses a timing mat. Run-Far Racing Services will utilize the ChampionChip system to score the Hi-Fi Tri.
27. Where do I wear the chip?
A neoprene strap is used to strap the chip to your ankle. You will be given a band when you pick-up your rental chip. Relay teams will use velcro straps to assist in a smooth exchange. Relay members will transfer the timing chip to their teammate following the completion of their leg of the race.
28. Where and when do I pick up my timing chip?
Your timing chip will be found in your packet, which will be picked up at registration.
29. Do I need to wear the chip for the entire race?
Yes, timing mats will be set up to record splits for each leg and transition. If you do not have the chip on when you cross the finish line you are not guaranteed a finish time.
30. Can I keep my chip?
No, the chips must be turned in at the end of the race. Volunteers will be at the finish line to help with removal. Participants will be charged $35 for unreturned chips.
