Course
The race starts and stops at the Bismarck Aquatic Center in Bismarck, ND.
Absolutely NO Headphones will be allowed anywhere on the course!
Below you will find an interactive google map with details on parking, aid stations, swim location, bike course and run course.
Swim-250 Meters in the Bismarck Aquatic Center's 50 meter pool.
The swimming portion has limited swimmers in each lane at any given time. Competitive swimmers (either current or past) are seeded in the middle of the pool. Non-competitive swimmers who might find the swim portion challenging are seeded in side lanes near the wall with life-jackets available for use and kickboards available at any time you might want to do some kicking. We are here to help you get through the part that deters most athletes from attempting a triathlon! Swimmers will exit the pool area to head to Transition 1 out of the big overhead doors on the west side of the pool area.
Swimmers are sent off in "Waves" by age group, starting with 13-14 year olds, then 11-12 year olds and finally 9-10 year olds. Each wave will finish swimming before the next wave will begin.
Bike-6 miles closed course
Leaving from the Bismarck Aquatic Center, head East out to College Drive (safety cones will be in place on College Drive), complete TWO loops of the Tom O’ Leary Loop then head back West on College Drive towards the Aquatic Center.
To track our athletes and make sure they have completed both loops, the bikers on the first loop will be directed to “cut in” near the end of the first loop by volunteers. On the second loop they will be directed to go straight and start heading back to the Aquatic Center.
Helmets are REQUIRED to be worn at all times on the bike course and must be secured before you are allowed to begin the bike.
Bikers need to wait to get on their bikes until they cross the line onto the bike course out of the transition area. This is for safety reasons.
Bikers should always stay on the right side of the lane and pass on the left. Immediately move back to the right side of the lane after a pass is complete.
The area entering and exiting the Tom O’ Leary loop will have congestion so please slow down and merge carefully!
Run-0.75 mile run
The run leaves from the transition area and heads east for an out and back along the sidewalk and finishing in the parking lot near the transition area.
Hydration and other post-race snacks will be available in the Bowl for athletes after they have completed the race.
Both Transition 1 (Swim to Bike) and Transition 2 (Bike to Run) will happen in the parking lot to the west of the aquatic center.
Timing
Our race is a hand-timed event. No chips are needed.
Race Bibs and Wrist Bands
Each athlete has been assigned one race bib to be attached to wear on their shirt when they are running.
Athletes will also be giving a wristband to wear with their parent’s emergency contact on it. This will be worn for the entire race and is to help race organizers and volunteers quickly locate parents if an incident should occur.
Water Stations
Water will be available in one location along the bike course, at transition, along the run course and at the finish line.
Restrooms
Restrooms will be available at the Aquatic Center.
Medical/First Aid
A Lead Medic will be at the event along with several first aid certified volunteers. If any major injuries were to occur, 911 will be called. Minor injuries will be addressed on site. Volunteers will be asked to carry cell phones on the course to notify the Race Director/Co-Race Director of any incidents on the course and to request medical help, if necessary.
Inclement Weather/Cancellation Policy
While we sincerely hope that we have perfect weather on race day, we cannot guarantee it. We live in North Dakota!! The event will likely continue as planned if it is raining or windy, however lighting will likely cause at minimum a delay of the race and at worst, a cancellation. Aquastorm’s decisions will be based on participant
safety. Individual entries will NOT be refunded any portion of your entrance fee if the race is canceled. If the event is canceled, all participants will be guaranteed a spot in the next year’s race.
To view our full Contingency and Medical plan, you can find it here: Aquastorm Youth Triathlon Contingency & Medical Plan