FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where I can find the athlete information guide?
Q: Where can I find the course maps?
Q: What is the expected water temperature on race day?
Q: Will I be able to wear a wetsuit?
Q: Where can I practice open water swimming?
Q: How do I volunteer for the event?
Q: How should I prepare for the triathlon?
Q: Where can I find results from previous years?
Q: What is the race cap?
Q: What is the event cut off time?
Q: Where does the race take place?
Q: What is the primary beneficiary organization for the 2010 triathlon?
Q: Can someone else pick up my race packet?
Q: Can I do a relay with only two people?
Q: Can my relay team be male and female?
Q: When do I rack my bike?
Q: Will there be aid stations on the course?
Q: What is the refund and transfer policy?
Q: Where can I find photos from past triathlons?
Q: What are the award categories?
Q: What is Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition?
Q: Where can I find a copy of USA Triathlon rules?
Q: What is "Drafting" on the bike course?
Q: What is "Blocking" on the bike course?
Q: Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Q: Where I can find the athlete information guide?
You will be able to download it here approximately one week before the race. Please note that we will not be providing copies at packet pick up in an effort to cut back on 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:
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Q: What is the expected water temperature on race day?
Water temperature is expected to be mid to high 70's in June.
Historically, water temperatures have been in the high 70’s / low 80’s for August. Wetsuits have been allowed in 5 out of the 8 races in the last four years. We will post unofficial lake temperatures periodically in the last week leading up to the race. 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 Event 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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We have set up Race Prep Clinics & Open Water Swim Practices on May 29th and August 7th 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 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! Click HERE to see a listing of typical volunteer jobs. To sign up, please contact our volunteer coordinator: CLICK HERE.
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Q: How should I prepare for the triathlon?
Luray Triathlon Training plans are now avalable. Please click HERE for more information. Be sure to sign up for one of the Luray Triathlon Race Prep Clinics offered in May and August 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 can I find results from previous years?
Please see Results.
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750 athletes each race. Both races will fill up before race day.
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Q: What is the event cut off time?
All athletes must complete the Shenandoah Valley Sprint Triathlon and Luray 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: 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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The United Way of Page County will once again be the primary beneficiary for the 2010 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 2009 triathlon was able to donate more than $10,000 to the United Way of Page County.
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: 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: 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.
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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: What is the refund and transfer policy?
Refund policy
50% of your entry fee will be refunded until July 31, 2010 or until the event has filled. No refunds will be issued for any reason after July 31, 2010. Event entries are not transferable between persons, events or years. By registering for this event you agree to these refund terms. To request a refund you must complete the refund request form using the link below BEFORE the posted refund deadline. Every effort will be made to have this event on time on this date. Should this event be cancelled due to an Act of God or other circumstance beyond the race directors control there will be no refunds, credits, or transfers.
***As of 7/23/2010 the International Triathlon has SOLD OUT – we will no longer be processing refunds for this event***
Click here to request a refund for the Luray Sprint
Transfer policy
Should you want to switch from the International to the Sprint you will need to re-register online for the Sprint and then request a refund for the International. There is a $25 administrative fee to do this. This applies ONLY to the Luray triathlons and is only possible up until 2 weeks out from the event or one of the events fills. Once either event fills or we are within 2 weeks transfers and refunds will no longer be allowed.
Please email us to request a transfer.
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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:
- Overall (M & F)
- Masters Overall (M & F 40+)
- Age Groups (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+
- Clydesdales (Males – 200 Lbs)
- Masters Clydesdales
- Athenas (Females – 150 Lbs +)
- Novice (M&F)
- Relay Teams (One Category)
Please note: VTS 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 on August 14th is the designated 2010 Virginia Qualifier Race. The Top 3 resident amateur finishers will receive awards and are all invited to represent Virginia at the 2010 National Championship on October 10th in Mission Viejo, CA. Team Virginia will compete for individual and Fastest State Team awards.
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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 USAT 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 USAT website and download 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 USAT website and download 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: Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact us HERE.
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Random Race Photos
