Duathlon FAQs

 

Q1: When are the registration deadlines for any of the Strawberry Fields Events in 2012?
A: Online registration for the Triathlon & Duathlon events will close April 9, 2012, 9pm PST. Late registration may be available on the day before the event on April 21st, 2012 at the race site – this will only occur if the event does not sell out through our online registration.
Q2: What happens if an event sells out?
A: In the event of a sell-out, all entries received after the registration deadline dates will be automatically returned within 10 business days. Waiting lists may be established for some events.
Q3: Can I register on the day of the event for the Triathlon or Duathlon?
A: There will NOT be race day registration for either the Strawberry Fields Triathlon or Duathlon – please refer to question 1 for registration deadlines.
Q4: What if I register and then become injured or am unable to attend the race?
A: All entry fees are non-refundable; however, entries are transferable to another athlete as long as written requests via mail or email are received 30 days prior to the event in question. If an athlete/team is unable to participate in an event he/she has the following options:
1. Registration Policy: SFTD does not authorize refunds at any time, NO EXCEPTIONS. However, we do allow participants the option to transfer their event entry to another athlete or a different event (for example: Triathlon to Duathlon) 30 days prior to the Event Date in question.  Any remaining balance from an event transfer will not be refunded and any additional charges from an event transfer will be assessed at the time of the transaction.Please note: All requests to transfer MUST BE MADE IN WRITING OR VIA EMAIL TO ATHLETE SERVICES PRIOR TO 30 DAYS OF THE EVENT DATE IN QUESTION.  Contact our Registration Director through our CONTACT PAGE.  Any request for a transfer after this time will not be entertained and/or failure to show up for an event will forfeit your entry fees (NO EXCEPTIONS).  Cancellation of an Event Entry Instructions:Canceling on imATHLETE is super-easy.  Just follow the following steps:

  1. Go here:  http://www.imATHLETE.com/events/EditReg/EditReg_EditRegistration.aspx
  2. Enter your confirmation code (on the top of your emailed receipt)
  3. Click “Cancel”
  4. Follow the rest of the instructions, as directed

2. For MEDICAL or MILITARY SERVICE concerns, please see below:

Requests to transfer or cancel a registration due to medical conditions and military service will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Any requests received 30 days prior to event date will be considered; all other requests will be denied.
3. For Relay Teams Only:
A teammate may be replaced at no charge.  Athlete Services LLC must receive a written request with the new and old teammate’s information no later than 48 hours prior to event.

Athlete Services LLC
1223 Wilshire Blvd. #988
Santa Monica CA 90403Any request after this time or failure to show up for an event will forfeit your entry fees. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
Q5: What if I register and then a natural disaster occurs and/or the race is canceled?
A: Due to permits, acts on the part of city officials, police orders and unexpected acts of nature, we reserve the right to make last minute changes, remove segments of the race course and sometimes cancel the entire event. We reserve the right to make such changes in order to ensure your safety and/or comply with city officials, county lifeguards and police. SORRY, THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS.
Q6: Can I transfer my registration to another athlete?
A: Yes, please refer to Q4 – please read entire section carefully!
For more information, please visit our duathlon rules and regulations regarding registration, or contact our Registration Director via our event contact page.
Q7: Once I have submitted my online registration form, can I make changes to my information?
A: Yes, your registration information can only be edited by emailing the Registration Director via our event contact page. All requests MUST BE received via email 14 days prior to the Event Date in question in order for any participant registration information to be edited/revised/updated or changed.
Q8: How do I know that my registration has been processed and I am entered in the event?
A: All registrations are processed on-line thru ImAthlete.com. For online registrations: you will be sent an email receipt and event confirmation. Please keep a copy for your records and bring to packet pick-up. To confirm your race status, go here and view the up-to-date participant list. When registering online through ImAthlete.com, you have the option of paying with a credit card or mailing in a check. If you have special registrations needs, please email our Registration Director via our event contact page, and we’ll do our very best to work with you!
Q9: Is it mandatory to pick up my race packet?
A: Yes! Your race packet includes your official race bib, timing chip, swim cap (unless you are registered for the Duathlon event), bike stickers, and transition bracelets. You must have these items in your possession and follow the instructions given in order to race.
Q10: Can someone else pick up my race packet on my behalf?
A: No. Each registered participant MUST pick up his/her own race packet. In order to receive your race packet you MUST have the following items and present them at the event site REGISTRATION/PACKET PICK-UP:
a. Strawberry Fields Triathlon 2012 waiver. NOTE: All individuals who have pre-registered have signed our online waiver. Some individuals and relay participants may have to sign additional waivers at packet pick-up.
b. Valid state or country I.D.
c. USAT annual membership card or proof of 1–Day USAT membership status through our online registration.
YOU MUST CONFIRM YOUR ONLINE RESERVATION THROUGH IMATHLETE.COM AND PRINT OUT YOUR EVENT CONFIRMATION RECEIPT. PLEASE BRING THIS WITH YOU TO REGISTRATION/PACKET PICK-UP!
Q11: Can I receive my race packet in the mail?
A: No. Race packets will not be mailed out. All participants must pick up their packets in person at race packet pick-up at the Strawberry Fields Triathlon and Duathlon registration area. For special groups or clubs with specific needs, please contact the Registration Direction via our event contact page.  All arrangements MUST be made prior to April 9, 2012.
Q12: When is race packet pick-up?
A: For the triathlon and duathlon events: race packet pick-up is Saturday, April 21st, from 12:00pm – 5:30pm (with late registration available if event is not sold out) and Sunday, April 22nd, from 5:30am – 6:50am (all packets MUST be picked up by 6:50am). There is NO LATE REGISTRATION on RACE DAY!
Q13: Where is race packet pick-up?
A: For all events, the race packet pick-up is at the official race site in Oxnard Park Beach in Oxnard, CA, just 50 miles north of Los Angeles County. Please visit parking and directions. A map of race day parking is available as well.
Q14: Is online registration safe?
A: AthleteServices LLC’s website and the official registration website ImAthlete.com are safe and secure
Q15: What if I still have a question regarding registration?
A: Please contact the Registration Director via our event contact page and allow 24-48 hours for a response.
Q16: Do I need to wear a wetsuit?
A: We highly recommend that you wear a wetsuit.  The average water temp is between 58-63 degrees.
Q17: Where do I rack my bike on race day?
A: On race day, go directly to registration and check in and pick up your race packet.  It will have all the necessary items you will need for the race. You must enter the transition area through the main entrance and be checked in by a SFTD official. You MUST have your racer ID bracelet on, your bike in good in good working order, and an approved bike helmet. Once inside, volunteers will guide you to your corresponding bike rack place (look for either your race number or starting wave).
Q18: What if one of my relay team members cannot make it?
A: Relay registration packets will not be given to teams missing members at registration check-in. All members must be present and sign all race and USAT waivers (if not already signed online), no exceptions. Each team will have one chip that will be passed from relay team member to member for each leg of the race. The relay team’s bike must be on the bike rack until the swimmer tags the biker, and you must trade the chip at your team’s position on the bike rack.
Q19: What are wave starts and when do I start my race?
A: Because there are so many athletes and safety is a priority, we assign athletes into wave starts based on their age group or division. There will never be more then 150 participants in a wave start and the official order will be announced the day before race day. Note that each wave will go off approximately every 3-5 minutes after the official start of the race.
Q20: What happens if I can’t finish the swim?
A: You will have to notify a lifeguard and or a SFTD official and you will be disqualified from the event; you will have to turn in your timing chip and race number. If you choose to continue, you may do so at your own risk, and you will not receive a finishing time. Note: this situation applies to all parts of the events.
Q21: What happens if I get injured?
A: There will be EMS on site as well as our own medical response team. Find a SFTD official, volunteer, or look for the medical tent in the expo area.
Q22: Additional race course questions?
A: Most additional questions are addressed on the website, and we can sum up with this statement: this is an OPEN RACE COURSE and you will have to obey ALL traffic laws, lifeguards and peace officers at all times – no exceptions! As for the most commonly violated rules, please review the USAT rules.