Luray Triathlon Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Luray International and Sprint Triathlons in Luray, VA

Frequently Asked Questions by Topic

Q: How do I volunteer for the event?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any successful event. If you would like to volunteer for this race just click on the link below and we will put you to work! To sign up, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Cory Churches: CLICK HERE.

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Q: Where I can find the Athlete Guide for 2012?

You will be able to download it here. Please note that we will not be providing copies at packet pick up in an effort to cut back on paper waste and save a few trees.

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Q: Where can I find the course maps?

Please see each race’s respective race page for course map:

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Q: Where can I find results from previous years?

Please see Results.

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Q: What is the race cap?

700 athletes each race + 50 special Community Slots (once the normal entries are taken). Both races are expected to fill up before race day.

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Q: What are the event cut off times?

All athletes must complete the Luray Sprint Triathlon in under 2.5 hours and the Luray International Triathlon in under 4 hours. If it appears that an athlete will not make the cut off time race management reserves the right to pull the athlete from the course.

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Q: What is the expected water temperature on race day?

Historically, water temperatures have been in the high 70’s / low 80’s for August. Wetsuits have been allowed in 6 out of the 12 races in the last five years so you have an approximately 50/50 chance of the water temperature being 78F or under. Water temp was 78.5 F (not wetsuit legal) on Saturday and 77 F (wetsuit legal) on Sunday in 2011. We will post unofficial lake temperatures on luraytriathlon.com and facebook periodically in the last week leading up to the race, but the official water temperature for each race will be taken by our USAT officials on race morning.

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Q: Will I be able to wear a wetsuit?

The wetsuit guidelines set forth by USA Triathlon state:

USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower.
USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will not be eligible for awards.
If the water temperature is 84 degrees or above, participants may not wear wetsuits.

For Set Up Events Series scoring purposes:

If the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower everyone will receive series scoring points.
If the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees and you elect to wear a wetsuit, you will officially receive “0″ points for that event. The event will count towards the minimum number of required events to become eligible for awards.
If the water temperature is 84 degrees or higher, no one may wear wetsuits and everyone will receive series scoring points.

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Q: Where can I practice open water swimming?

We have set up Race Prep Clinics & Open Water Swim Practices on August 11th at Lake Arrowhead Park in Luray, VA. Geared toward beginner and novice triathletes, these clinics will help you prepare for any sprint or international distance triathlon. The Race Prep Clinic includes detailed course discussion; a lifeguard supervised open water swim in beautiful Lake Arrowhead; and a chance to ride and run the scenic bike and run courses. The Open Water Swim Practice includes the swimming portion only. Click HERE for more information.

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Q: How should I prepare for the triathlon?

Luray Triathlon Training plans will be available for download on January 1. Be sure to sign up for our Luray Triathlon Race Prep Clinic offered on August 11 for the opportunity to practice on the race course under guidance of expert coaches. Click HERE for more information.

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Q: Where does the race take place?

The race takes place at Lake Arrowhead Park near the town of Luray, VA approximately 90 miles west of Washington, D.C. For map and directions, please click HERE.

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Q: Can someone else pick up my race packet?

No. Participants must collect his/ her own event packets. Photo ID is required in order to collect event materials. NO ID = NO EVENT. ALL USAT annual members must show a valid USAT membership card or pay the one day membership fee ($10).

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Q: When do I rack my bike?

Everyone will rack their bikes on race morning in the transition area. There will be no racking the night before.

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Q: Will there be aid stations on the course?

There will be no aid stations on the bike. There will be aid stations on the run that you will pass approximately every 1 mile. Each run aid station will have water and HEED sports drink by Hammer Nutrition.

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Q: Can I do a relay with only two people?

Yes. A relay team member may do either one or two of the three events.

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Q: Can my relay team be male and female?

Yes. Relay teams can be all males, all females or mixed. New in 2011 – we will be giving top 3 awards for Male, Female and Mixed relays.

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Q: Where can I find a copy of the USA Triathlon Rules?

You can find a copy of the USA Triathlon rules including a list and description of the most commonly violated rules on the USA Triathlon website.

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Q: What is “Drafting” on the bike course?

Here is a very basic explanation of drafting, but to learn more we suggest you consult the USA Triathlon website and view the rules information posted. (Please see Section 5.10 for “Position Fouls” on the bike.)

“Drafting” is basically riding right behind another competitor on the bike course. By drafting behind someone you gain an unfair advantage because it allows you to ride at the same speed as the person you’re following without exerting as much energy. In the sport of triathlon for age group events here in the U.S. drafting is not allowed.

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Q: What is “Blocking” on the bike course?

Here is a very basic explanation of blocking, but to learn more we suggest you consult the USA Triathlon website and view the rules information posted. (For more information on this, please see Section 5.10 for “Position Fouls” on the bike.)

“Blocking” is considered the other common rule violation that takes place on the bike course. Blocking typically occurs when a rider is not riding on the far right side of the road, making it difficult (and dangerous) for other rides to pass. Don’t get caught riding along next to your friend. If you’re the one on the left you’ll get a “blocking” foul.

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Q: What is the primary beneficiary organization for the 2011 triathlon?

The United Way of Page County will once again be the primary beneficiary for the 2012 triathlon. This organization was selected because they are an all volunteer organization that gives money to multiple non-profit organizations all within the Luray and Page County communities. All benefiting non-profits are carefully screened for need and usage. The triathlon has donated more than $30,000 to the United Way of Page County from 2009-2011.

You may also choose to make an optional donation to the United Way of Page County at time of registration.

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Q: What is the refund and transfer policy?

Please see each events registration page on the Virginia Tri Series website.

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Q: Where can I find photos from past triathlons?

We have a sampling of photos from each race in our Gallery with links to the websites for each race’s official photographer to view all of the race photos.

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Q: What are the award categories?

Top 3 in each of the following categories:

Top 3 Overall (M & F)
Top 3 Masters Overall (M&F 40+)
Top 3 by Age Group (M&F): 15 & Under,16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+
Top 3 Clydesdales (Males – 200 Lbs)
Top 3 Masters Clydesdales
Top 3 Athenas (Females – 150 Lbs +)
Top 3 Novice (M&F)
Relay Teams (Mixed, All Male, All Female) - new categories in 2011!
Top Luray Finisher (M&F) - new category in 2011!
Top Military (M&F) - new category in 2012!
Top Costumes – new category in 2012!

Please note: Virginia Tri Series rules state that once you compete in a particular event category, you must remain in that same category for all future VTS events in that calendar year.

Q: What is Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition?

The Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition is a single-elimination, nationwide tournament qualifying the top three male and female amateur triathletes from each state to race each other head-to-head, regardless of age, at the National Championship.

The Luray International Triathlon was the designated 2011 Virginia Qualifier Race. The Top 3 resident amateur finishers all receive awards and were invited to represent Virginia at the 2011 National Championship on September 10th in Gulf Shores, AL.

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Q: Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

Please contact us HERE.

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Frequently Asked Questions by Topic

Race information

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Rules

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