The 2006 Santee State Park Off-Road Triathlon
Saturday April 8, 2006  Race Start: 10 AM

March 23, 2006. Welcome in advance to the fifth installment of the Santee State Park Off-Road Triathlon. The Course is in great shape, registration is climbing and we are anticipating a great race.

We hope the following information will be of some assistance as you make your race day plans.  There will be a prerace meeting at 9:30 AM, where we will cover various race issues and be glad to answer questions you may have concerning the rules/course etc.   

GENERAL INFORMATION

Weather:
This is, as advertised, a “Rain or Shine” event.  The race will take place in spite of inclement weather.  Only severe winter weather resulting or lightning storms will result in delay.  EXTREME EMERGENCY INFORMATION regarding the race will be posted online at www.winterchallenge.com  if necessary.

Arrival Time:
We advise arriving at the race site no later than 8:30, preferably by 8am  RACE START – 10 AM.  Packet Pick-Up will close at 9:30.  Pick Up will take place at the race headquarters located in the Pavilion at the Park.

Directions:
Directional maps may be found on the www.winterchallenge.com website.  There will be a sign that will take you to the Transition Area.  There is parking along the road and in this area.  We recommend parking near the TA and walking the short distance across the dam to race HQ.
 
Race Day Reg:
If you have picked up your packet it is not necessary for you to check in at the registration table.

Contacting Us: 
Anytime after Thursday noon, it will be difficult to contact us.  Usually cell phone reception is questionable at the site. In case of Emergency:  you may leave a message @ 803.707.6310.  Please do not call for directions until you have tried to find the course as per our online directions.  It’s very easy.

Transition Area:

• No bike storage the night before.
• Participants & assigned volunteers only in TA.
• No support in the TA during the race.
• Bike slots will be on a first come first serve basis.
• Participants must push/run bikes out of TA.  You are NOT allowed to mount in TA.
• Helmets must be on and fastened before mounting Bike. (ANYTIME)
• Bar end plugs are required for all bikes.
• No glass in the TA.

Run:

• You must wear the race number that is provided in “front.”
• Aid stations will be located throughout the course.  Water will be provided. (3+ stations)
• No headphones, radios, etc.
• This will be a mass start.

Paddle:

• Approved PFD’s must be worn at all times when participants are in their kayak.
• Kayak positioning along the lake will be first come first serve.
• If a participant has a support person they may have assistance launching and docking their kayak.  There will also be volunteers to provide support for participants.
• This is a 2x lap paddle. Buoys will mark the course.
• If you need assistance from a race official, blow a whistle, wave your hand or wave your paddle overhead.  There will be a minimum of three boats on the water to officiate & provide assistance.

Bike:

• Approved Hard Shell Helmets must be worn and fastened before leaving the Transition Area.
• Stay to right to allow faster cyclist to pass on the left.
• If you suffer a valid repair problem with your bike, you can finish the course on foot, w/ or w/o bike. Use caution.

Relay Teams: All tags will be made at the area immediately past the timing mat.

Additional Race Rules:

• If a participant appears in physical distress, officials may pull the participant from the race, to be evaluated by medical personnel.  Participant may re-enter upon positive assessment by medical personnel.
• Follow the marked trail.  Any participant deliberately leaving the trail for shorter route will be DQ’d.  EXCEPTIONS: 1.Where there may be an obstacle, such as on the bike course a participant my choose to ride around or dismount to cross that obstacle. 2. Nature’s Call. If a participant must leave the trail to answer Nature’s Call, he or she must leave their bike or some other form of gear beside the trail. Only leave as far as is absolutely necessary.
• Participants should endeavor to assist other participants who may find themselves in physical distress.  Officials may adjust that participant’s time accordingly.
• Decisions affecting timing of participants will be made final by Racescapes.  Issues may be appealed to Racescapes, who will finalize decisions Race Day.
• Headphones, earplugs, etc. will not be allowed on course.

Withdrawals:
Should any participant choose to withdraw, they should notify an official and request that info be forwarded to the race director.  Must stay on trail unless accompanied by an official.  Also responsible for turning in timing chip.

Food:
There will be a hearty meal at the end of the race that is free to all participants, one guest and registered volunteers.  All non-participants will be charged.
There will be bananas, oranges, and water free. 

Awards:
Award presentations will begin immediately after the last finisher completes the race or at the Race Mgt’s discretion (approx 2:30).  You MUST be present to collect your award, or have someone collect it for you.  Awards will NOT be mailed out.

Results:
Results will be posted after the awards ceremony and complete results will be posted by Racescapes through www.winterchallenge.com by Monday.

Spectators & Volunteers:
This is a very spectator-friendly event. However, advise your friends to be Careful!  Also, if you are aware of anyone who would like to Volunteer, please have them email us @ chris@winterchallenge.com.  Registered volunteer receive a free T-shirt, meal ticket, and are eligible for prize drawings!

Lost and Found:
Please label your gear, especially clothing.  There will be a lost and found table at the end of the race.  Please check it out, even if you don’t think you left anything.  We cannot be responsible for mailing items left behind.  (As we did Last Year!!!).

Notice Re: Series: 
After further consideration, K-1’s and Thunderbolts will be allowed to compete in the Series Standings, there will be a handicap for these boats (Series ONLY) not the individual races.  Handicap to be posted on www.winterchallenge.com.

Thanks! And Have a Great Race!