Athlete Guide - Vernon

as of May 10, 2012

(note: changes may be made to this guide at any time)

Welcome to the 2nd Annual 2012 XTERRA VERNON.

The important race information contained within this document will be
crucial for ensuring a safe and memorable race experience for all XTERRA athletes.

Of particular note is the pre-race, equipment set up sequence. XTERRA Vernon takes place in Ellison Provincial Park.  In so, the park will be FULL of holiday campers and it is imperative that all participants respect the park and the campers.

I look forward to welcoming everyone in Vernon on June 17th  and thank you for your support of XTERRA Vernon.

Race Director:  Rob Swan-CriticalPerformance Endurance Sports

Pre-Race Bike Check
There is no Pre-Race bike check.Please note, it is your responsibility to ensure your bike is in a safe operating condition prior to race day.  There are many great cycling stores in the Okanagan that can go over your bike ahead of time or do so at home before arrival.  Some stores in Kelowna and Vernon with mechanics are:
Olympia Cycle-Vernon; Chainline Cycle-Kelowna; Fresh Air Concept/Experience-Kelowna and more.

Race Package Pick Up Schedule and Mandatory PreRace Meeting
Package pick up will take place at Ellison Provincial Park in Vernon on Saturday, June 16th from 5-7 pm only.  Pre-Race meeting for all athletes is on Friday at 6:30pm after you pickup your race package

For insurance reasons you must pick up your race package in person and show
picture I.D and must sign the waiver.  Youth athletes under 19 years on age must have a parent with them to sign the waiver.  No exceptions.  Also TriBC also does not recognize out of province provincial triathlon memberships so a Day of Race fee will be charge and MUST be paid in cash at Race Package Pickup(if it is NOT paid you can NOT race).

Late Package Pick Up
NO late package pickup.  You must pickup package and attend the pre-race meeting.  See above for details

Race Package Contents:
Your race package includes your race number, bike # plate, Zip Ties,  WET bag
and swim cap and limited sponsor products (early registration guarantees race swag). We recommend you pick up this package in advance of race day-see above, no race day package pickup.

Race Number
Must be worn on the FRONT for the run. Does not need to be worn on the bike.

Bike # Plate
Attach this to the handle bars/cables on the front of your bike using the zip ties provided. This is used to track your progress through our check points on the course.

Swim Cap
XTERRA Swim caps provided must be worn.

Directions to Race Site:
See map on website for directions.
The Ellison Provincial Park is located approximately 17 km south of Hwy 97 in Vernon.
From Vernon-Hwy 97, take 25th Ave. South, continue south on to Okanagan Landing Rd, which turns into Eastside Rd.  Turn into Park Rd at about 16km

Camping available on site but first come first serve.  See below for camp site reservations

https://secure.camis.com/DiscoverCamping/Home.aspx

Race Day Parking.  Park does not open gates till 7am
Parking will be allowed in the 2 visitor parking lots.  Stay right as you enter the park and your will see them about 1km down the road.  Be aware that the run route goes thru the parking lot so do not park in coned off areas.

Transition Setup Procedures.
Body Marking for all athletes will be down at transition and must be done before entering Transition. Transition will be open at 7am.

Body Marking
Your race number will be applied to both arms and calves. This can be done between 7-8:15am.

Mandatory Pre Race Briefing
Everyone must attend the pre-race briefing at 6:30pm on Saturday June 16th.

Swim Wave Starts
Wave starts spaced 10 minutes (subject to changes) apart in order to minimize congestion on the swim and bike courses. Life guards and kayakers will be on the course. Raise your hand immediately if you require assistance. You are permitted to rest while holding onto a kayak for as long as you wish as long as you do not make any forward progress.  Your safety is our # 1 priority.

Duathlon Starts
The Duathlon start will occur at the same time as the triathlon start depending on race distance (see time line for clarification).

XTERRA Race Rules and Triathlon Canada Rules

*Cyclocross bike are not permitted. You must have straight handlebars (no
drops) and either 26" or 29" wheels.
*NO ipods, headphones etc to be worn during the race at any time.
*Wetsuits use will be determined race day 1 hour before start, but will likely be allowed.
Shortcutting is NOT permitted and may result in disqualification.  All Athletes are required to stay on designated trails that are marked as the race course.  It is the Athlete's Responsibility to know the course.  Race Volunteers and officials are NOT responsible for telling you where to go. Lack of tape or barriers or signage on the course will NOT constitute an excuse for cutting the course for going the wrong way for going too far.  It is the Athlete's Responsibility to know the course prior to the race.  Please attend the Pre race meeting on saturday.
*Triathlon Canada rules will be in effect for this event!  As such, protests of any nature must be submitted, in writing, within one hour of the finsih time fo the person lodging the protest with the appropriate fee.  Saying somebody cut the course is insufficient-it must be written and described as accurately as possbile.  All protests will be investigated by TriBC officials.
*Dropping out- please notify a race official if you decide to drop out of the race.

Medical Care
Medical staff will be available to participants who may require medical attention.

Aid Stations
There will be three(3) aid stations on the course.  The first aid station is located near the transition area.  The second is located on the bike course a few hundred meters past the mountain bike trail parking lot up the start of the trails(this will be available for Full racers twice) and the third is located for the run at Eastside Rd.  Gatorade and water will be provided at all stations.  There will be NO GELS provided on course.  Please carry your own gels or nutrition of choice and plan your nutrition and fluid intake appropriately.  There will be NO TOLERANCE to littering anywhere along the course or in the park!  Discard your garbage at the aid stations only.   IF YOU litter you WILL be disqualified.  Taking care of the environment is our priority!!

Draw Prizing
Prizing from our generous sponsors will be done post race at awards ceremony. You must be present to win.  Prizes are still to be determined!

Race Course:
The Course is expertly balanced with open paved and dirt road, single and double track trails, hills, stream crossings and some tight, twisty sections that can only be best described as uniquely XTERRA.

Timing:
We are using CriticalPerformance Timing.  It is a manual system so you won't have to be bothered by wearing an ankle chip.  We have been using this timing system for 3 years and it is the best for gnarly trials!

Random Tips:
Consider bringing sunscreen, an umbrella, a chair, insect repellant, a towel, change of clothes and a cooler.  You will have access to your vehicle to retrieve whatever you need.

Rain or shine the race will go on(barring safety issues).  We are thinking MUD would be FUN!!!

Race Cutoff Times:

Due to restrictions of permits, race insurance and volunters crew, all particiants must complete the Vernon XTERRA Triathlon/Duathlon with 4:30 hours(or close).  We want everyone to finsih the race and will keep the course and aid stations open as long as possible, however, any competitors who are unable to complete the course with this time frame wil be stopped out of concern for fellow competitors, race staff, volunteers and members of the community who generously welcome this event to their roads and trails.  Thank you for participating in these cutoff time listed below.

Swim Cutoff Times:    9:55am (45 min after start of 1500m swim)
Bike   Cutoff Times:    10:55am  Lap 1
                                 12:00pm Lap 2
Run   Cutoff Times:    12:50pm  lap 1
                                1:40pm   FINISH

Race Day Timeline

Park opens at 7am; volunteers and athletes begin to arrive
7:15-8:15am - Transition/Body Marking Open
9:00am - Sport Triathlon and Sport Duathlon and Sport Team Events Race Start
9:10am - Full Triathlon and Full Duathlon and Full Team Events Race Start
2:30-3:00pm or earlier - "AWARDS"