Welcome to the 9th Annual TRI Clear Lake Triathlon, proudly hosted by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce! We are beyond excited for another incredible day of racing, and we hope you are too! We’re looking forward to the chance to meet all of you and to witness the energy and enthusiasm you bring to the event.
This year, we are thrilled to announce that TRI Clear Lake has once again been selected as the Iowa State Championship race! Being chosen for a second time is a true honor, and we couldn’t be more excited to host this prestigious event. It’s a reflection of the dedication of our athletes, volunteers, and supporters, and we know this year’s race will be one to remember.
Clear Lake is an amazing place to race, and we hope you enjoy all that our community has to offer From great places to stay, eat, and shop, to fun activities for before and after race day, you'll find everything you need right here We also encourage you to check out our fantastic race sponsors while you're in town!
We’ve planned a scenic and exciting route for this year’s race, and we can’t wait for you to experience it After the event, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to complete our post-race survey, as we’re always looking to improve and create an experience you’ll want to return to year after year.
And while you're out on the course, be sure to thank our amazing volunteers. Their dedication is what makes this race possible, and we truly appreciate all of their hard work in creating a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.
We’re looking forward to seeing you on race day! In the meantime, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Warm regards,
Your TRI Clear Lake Triathlon Team
Carrie Trish
Athlete Packet Pick-Up
RACE DAY RACE DAY
Athlete packet pick-up hours are Friday, May 23rd, from 4:00-7:00pm at Athletico Physical Therapy located at 7 S. 8th St., Suite C, they will also be providing the athletes with a pasta dinner, & race day in the Lakeview Room (backside of the Bandshell in City Park). If you do not check in during the designated athlete registration hours, you will not be permitted to race.
Please make sure to bring the following items with you to athlete registration: Photo ID NO ID, NO RACE!
Relay teams do not have to check-in as a team, but each athlete must check in to pick up their own packet, the last member of the team will be given the team’s race kit
Athletes under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent/guardian Photo ID required Athena & Clydesdale athletes will be required to weigh-in
Picking up someone else's packet is not allowed No exceptions
Body marking and timing chip pick-up are only available from 5:30 to 7:15am on race day. Please do not apply sunscreen or lotion until you receive body marking.
Athlete Number
Each athlete will be provided a custom race bib/number, as well as a bike number tag, helmet number tag and body marking You will not be allowed to remove your bicycle and/or gear from the transition area following the race without your bib number matching your bike number and body marking Please do not remove your bib until after the event, as it will identify you as an athlete
Transition Area
You must have a wristband to enter the transition area. Athletes will be allowed to start entering the transition area at 5:30am, no earlier! Each athlete must be registered, have body marking, and have their bike tag attached to their bike prior to entering transition. Body marking will be at either entrance to transition. Please be sure to arrive early enough to set your transition area as you prefer. Transition will close at 7:15am for race briefing and final instructions There will be a water station in transition near the run out
The transition area will be set up so that each rack will allow six athletes - three on each side and racks will be marked with race numbers If space becomes an issue, we do reserve the right to move your belongings in order to create room for all athletes If we are unable to find you, we may move your things for you You may not ride your bike at any time in transition
Transition will close at 1pm on race day, so you must remove your gear by that time. Thank You!
Aid Stations
RACE DAY RACE DAY
There will be one water-filing station inside transition near run out There will be two aid stations on the run course with both water and Powerade Those stations will be located across from Lady of the Lake near the start of the Olympic run lap 2 and at the run turnaround.
Athlete Number
The race will be officially timed by True Time Racing. Each athlete will be provided with an ankle chip for timing purposes. Prior to the start of the race, fasten the chip to your left ankle and do not remove it until you have finished the run course Volunteers will help you remove the chip at the finish line The chip must be worn at all times from the start until the completion of the race Any chip lost will result in a disqualification No chip = No time Should you lose your chip during the swim, there will be a volunteer to provide a replacement chip at swim exit
This is a USAT-sanctioned race Please allow approximately two weeks after the race for us to report finish times/places for Nationals We do this to allow time for any disputes to be brought forward regarding athlete times/places. All times will be available on the True Time Racing website at www.results.truetimeracing.com.
Personal Safety
While participating in TRI Clear Lake, you are ultimately responsible for your own personal safety. Race day swim practice will begin when rescue boats, kayakers, and lifeguards are in the water at approximately 6:45am If you so choose, you may get into the water ahead of time at the public beach area; however, no assistance from TRI Clear Lake, will be present
Also, please be careful on swim exit as the ramp may be slick.
Discontinue Race
If for any reason you are unable to finish the race, please inform one of our volunteers If you withdraw from the race during the swim portion and you want to continue with the bike and run portions, you may do so, but you must turn in your chip timer to the volunteer at the swim exit You will not get an official time for the race
USA Triathlon Officials
There will be USA Triathlon officials that will be on site to enforce rules. There is additional information regarding USAT rules on Pages 28-29 of this Athlete Guide.
START
END EVENT LOCATION
4:00pm 7:00pm Packet Pick-Up
Athletico - 7 S 8th St , Suite C
5:00pm 5:45pm Swim Course Open for Practice City Beach
6:30pm Youth Splash & Dash City Beach
7:00pm Race Briefing Transition
5:30am
5:30am
7:30am
7:45am
SCHEDULE SCHEDULE
PRE-RACE CHECKLIST PRE-RACE CHECKLIST
Bike Gear
Bike frame sticker
Helmet
Cycling shoes
Bike/tri shorts or tri race kit
Pump
General Items
Special foods or drinks
Extra shoes/flip flops
Necessary medications (inhalers, etc.)
Warm-up suit/warm clothes
Umbrella or rain gear
Timing chip band
Multi-tool kit
Electrical tape
Extra clothes
Recovery nutrition
Sunscreen
Swim Gear
Swimsuit or tri race kit
Race-issued swim cap
Goggles
Wetsuit or swim skin
Water bottles
Nutrition bag
Flat repair kit (tire, tube, tire levers, CO2)
Arm warmers or leg warmers
Light wind vest
Sunglasses
Run Gear
Run bib
Race belt
Socks
Running shoes with quick laces
Hydration belt or water bottle
Hat or visor
Transition
Towel or mat
Extra water bottle
Anti-chafe cream
Things to Know
USAT IA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP USAT IA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Clydesdale and Athena divisions must include the following age group increments: Clydesdale 39 and under, 40-59, 60+, and Athena 39 and under, 40-54, and 55+. Clydesdale and Athena divisions must be structured in a way in which athletes can still place in their respective five-year increment age group as to qualify for Age Group Nationals and be eligible for USAT annual rankings
Athletes from any state are eligible for state championship awards. Athletes may reside in a different state and still win awards for this state championship.
High School athletes may compete in the high school division if they are currently enrolled in high school and up to a period of six (6) months post high school graduation. High School athletes do not have to be a member of a high school club to be eligible
An athlete’s race age is the age of the athlete on December 31, 2025
Clydesdale and Athena Weigh-in Requirements
1. Clydesdales (males) must be 220 pounds or greater on race morning. Athenas (females) must be 165 pounds or greater on race morning. The weigh-in process will occur at chip pick-up on race morning located at chip pick-up.
2. The weigh-in process must occur no earlier than 24 hours prior to race morning. If the athlete weighs in at 5 or more pounds greater than the minimum weight requirement, they are not required to weigh-in again. If the athlete weighs-in at less than 5 pounds above the minimum weight requirement, they must weigh in again on race morning.
3. When completing the weigh-in process, participants should be wearing only the clothing they will be racing in, including but not limited to triathlon kit, watches and shoes. Other items such as race belts, nutrition belts, water reservoirs, or items that are easy to remove should not be part of the weight
4. Participants must meet or exceed the weights noted to be eligible for Clydesdale and Athena awards. If the participant does not meet the prescribed weight for their category OR they do not weigh-in on race morning, they are not eligible for Clydesdale and Athena awards. However, they will remain eligible for normal age group awards in their respective age group.
Participation-and Performance-Based Scoring
Each individual athlete will be scored in their respective age group based on their finish among all athletes within their age group in each race. Relay events will not count toward a club team score
1st place = 10 points, 2nd place = 9 points, 3rd place = 8 points, etc.
Top 10 scores in the club count toward the club competitive score. Each additional score the club tallies is worth a .25 (1/4) participation point. Top 10 club finisher points are added together along with each participation point for the overall team score.
Tie Breakers: In the case of the tie, each of the tied teams best age group finishers will be counted. The team with the most 1st place finishes will win the tie breaker. If there are no first-place finishes by either team, the most second place finishes will break the tie, etc.
Only multisport events will be counted towards the team score (excludes open water swim and run-only races). All adult clubs will be competing against all other adult clubs and they will not be separated based on gender. Each club member will be scored within their respective category and age group. Since athletes are awarded points based on the place earned in their respective age group and gender, this gives all clubs an opportunity to win, regardless if they are an all-female club, an all-male club or mixed-gender club
SERVICES OFFERED ON RACE DAY SERVICES OFFERED ON RACE DAY
Race Day:
Athletico Physical Therapy will be offering post race stretching free of charge to participating athletes. They will also be at the swim transition to help if needed, as well as at the Splash and Dash swim Friday night for assistance. A waiver will need to be signed by a parent if the athlete is under the age of 18.
The Athletico Team will be in LIME GREEN shirts for easy visibility.
Watch for the Athletico Team at the Finish Line Party for water and a free koozie!!
EVENT & PARKING EVENT & PARKING
Physical Address of Race
205 Main Avenue, Clear Lake, IA 50428
Spectator Information
Parking - There will be ample parking in downtown Clear Lake. There are several city parking lots and side streets. See next page for parking map.
Encouragement - Spectators are great encouragement for athletes throughout the course. It’s important that you be a good spectator on race day. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you are ready to cheer on your athlete.
Respect the course - For your safety and that of the athletes, do not stand or walk on any part of the course. Be prepared - Food and water stops are for race participants only, make sure you bring your own snacks and drinks or money to support our local businesses downtown.
Come prepared for the weather - Bring sunscreen, lawn chairs, and a head cover.
Know their times, know the course - To spot your athlete during their race, know his or her mile times and know the course. Decide where you want to be to cheer on your athlete, then plan ahead to be there at the appropriate time.
Make signs - Signs help motivate athletes and break up the monotony of the race for them.
Spotting your athlete - Know exactly what your athlete is wearing on race day. It will make him or her easier to find in the crowds of people.
Have a finish line plan - Create a plan with your athlete for where to meet after the race.
Bicycle and Recovery of Gear
POST-RACE POST-RACE
Following the race, you must be wearing your athlete bib in order to enter and claim your bike and gear from the Transition Area. If you are unable to personally claim your bike and gear, a family member or friend should have your bib. Please make every attempt to pick up your bike/gear yourself. Our volunteers will be very strict on who is allowed to enter the Transition Area. Also, please be courteous to your fellow athletes.
Food and Beverage
Athletes will receive complimentary food and beverages as soon as they cross the finish line.
Finish Line Sponsor
Medals
Finish Line Food Sponsor
Each athlete at the finish line will receive a finisher medal and finisher gift.
Prizes
The top male and female athletes will be awarded the following prizes:
1st Place Overall - Custom TRI Kneado Handheld Massage Gun
2nd Place Overall - Custom TRI Sublimated Yoga Mat
3rd Place Overall - 40 oz. Custom TRI Tumbler
Relay - 1st Place Overall Award—(Sprint & Olympic)
Awards Ceremony
The Awards Ceremony will be at the Bandshell in City Park. Don’t miss out on claiming your award! The top three finishers in each category: 1st place will receive a gold custom metal award, 2nd place a silver custom metal award and 3rd place a bronze custom metal award. If you cannot attend the awards ceremony, you may pick up your award at the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (205 Main Avenue, Clear Lake) between 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday. Race results and photos will be posted on our website www.clearlakeiowa.com/events/tri-clear-lake, and posted on our Facebook page.
Lost and Found
All items found will be stored at the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (306 Main Ave., Clear Lake) for 30 days following the race. If not claimed within 30 days, items will be donated to the local One Vision General Store. You can call us at 641-357-2159 or email us at trish@clearlakeiowa.com.com to verify if we have your lost item(s).
City Beach is a perfect fit for our swim course. Athletes will enter the lake on the south end of the beach, and exit at the boat ramp. Olympic athletes will start first followed by Sprint. Olympic-tiered swim waves* will begin at 7:30am as follows: Para triathletes, Males 39 & under, Females 39 & under, Males 40+, Females 40+, and Athena/Clydesdale & Relays. The same tiers will be used for Sprint athletes. Athletes will exit at the boat ramp and make their way to the Transition Area on the road right at swim exit. * Final swim waves are subject to change.
Wetsuits will be allowed per USA Triathlon rules. Water temperature will be posted race day at chip timer pick-up.
Be aware that the ramp may be slick at swim exit.
If you lose your timing chip during the swim, please see our volunteer at swim exit for a new chip.
If you withdraw from the race during the swim portion and you want to continue with the bike and run portion, you may do so but you must turn in your chip to the volunteer at the swim exit and you will not get a time for the race.
There will be a 1 hour time limit for the Olympic swim.
BIKE COURSE BIKE COURSE
Sprint: 12.5 Miles • Olympic: 25 Miles
The bike course is relatively flat and fast. It showcases scenic prairies, the lake, and marshes. Law enforcement and volunteers will be staged at high-traffic and caution areas. Athletes will head out of transition on South Shore Drive. The course includes turns and the portion beyond State Park will be open to public traffic. Road and trail hazards will be identified, but caution is advised throughout the course. CPSC-approved helmets are required of all participants. Sprint Course = 1 loop. Olympic Course = 2 loops. The course is closed between transition/bike out to State Park. A penalty tent will be located just before bike dismount. If an official shows you a card on the course you must stop in penalty tent for your penalty time. Time penalties are listed on page 29.
Sprint: 3.1 Miles • Olympic: 6.2 Miles
RUN COURSE RUN COURSE
The run boasts a scenic route on North Shore Drive while encountering some light rolling hills. Highlights on this route include running by the historic Lady of the Lake and the legendary Surf Ballroom. The race will finish at the downtown lakefront. There will be two aid stations on the route. Please note that the roads will be open to public vehicle traffic during the race.
Sprint Course = 1 loop
Olympic Course = 2 loops
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD REFEREE A MESSAGE FROM
Welcome to this USA Triathlon-sanctioned event. You are racing under the USAT Competitive Rules. In order to minimize misunderstandings on race day, I hope you will take the time to read the following summary of the Position Violations, which you know as the drafting rules
I have reduced the Position Rules to the following concepts, which everyone can remember:
Ride on the right side of your lane
Keep three bike lengths between yourself and the cyclist in front of you
Pass on the left of the cyclist in front, never on the right
Complete your pass within 15 seconds. If passed, you must drop completely out of the zone, to the rear, before attempting to re-pass.
Remember you are racing in a USA Triathlon sanctioned event and there are USAT-certified referees on the course to ensure fairness in the competition. There will be NO WARNINGS if you commit a foul during competition. Triathlon is an individual event and you must take personal responsibility to understand the rules and avoid penalties. At the end of the race all citations by the marshals are reviewed by the head referee who then decides if a penalty should be assessed. The head referee’s ruling is final in the case of Position Violations and there are no protests or appeals of Position penalties. Marshals commonly cite the following violations:
Position– riding on the left side of the lane without passing
Blocking – left side riding and impeding the forward progress of another competitor
Illegal Pass – passing on the right
Overtaken - failing to drop back three bike lengths before re-passing
Drafting – following a leading cyclist closer than three bike lengths and failing to pass within 15 seconds
Though Position Violations carry a time penalty for first offense, two citations will result in an additional penalty and if you are cited for three violations, you will be disqualified. Be sure to check the penalty sheet before you leave the race site and have a chat with the head referee if you have any questions.
Make sure your helmet is a CPSC-approved model. All helmets legally sold in the US are CPSC approved but if you purchased your helmet in a different country, it might be illegal for use in sanctioned events.
While on your bike, always have your chinstrap securely fastened - before, during and after the event! The chin strap rule is easy to follow, so don’t forget – that’s a DQ!
Wear your race numbers, don’t leave your trash on the course, and don’t carry or use any portable audio devices
Remember to treat other athletes, volunteers, and officials with courtesy and consideration Failure to do so is called Unsportsmanlike Conduct and you will be disqualified
All that being said, I hope you have a great race, lots of fun, and achieve all your goals
Only helmets approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may be used in USAT sanctioned events. Helmets must be worn at all times while on your bike. This means before, during, and after the event.
Penalty: Disqualification
Chin Straps:
Chin straps must be fastened at all times when on a bicycle DO NOT unbuckle your chin strap unless you are off your bicycle
Penalty: Disqualification on the course; time penalty in transition area only
Unauthorized Assistance:
No assistance other than that offered by race and medical officials may be used Triathlons and duathlons are individual tests of fitness
Penalty: Time penalty
Transition Area:
All equipment must be placed in the properly designated and individually assigned bike corral The wheel of the bicycle must be down on the side of the assigned space All participants must return their bicycles to an upright position in their designated bicycle corral No person shall interfere with another participant’s equipment or impede the progress of another participant All bar ends must be solidly plugged No participant shall bring ANY glass containers into the transition area.
Penalty: Time penalty or disqualification
Drafting:
Drafting--keep at least three bike lengths of clear space between you and the cyclist in front. If you move into the zone, you must pass within 15 seconds.
Position--keep to the right hand side of the lane of travel unless passing. Illegal Pass-- cyclists must pass on the left, not on the right.
Blocking--riding on the left side of the lane without passing anyone and impeding other cyclists attempting to pass. Overtaken--once passed, you must immediately exit the draft zone from the rear, before attempting to pass again.
Penalty: Time penalty
Course:
All competitors are required to follow the prescribed course and to stay within all coned lanes Cutting the course is an obvious violation and going outside the course is a safety issue Cyclists shall not cross a solid yellow center line Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws at all times
Penalty: Referee's discretion, time penalty or disqualification
Unsportsmanlike Conduct:
Foul, harsh, argumentative or abusive language or other unsportsmanlike conduct directed at race officials, USA Triathlon officials, volunteers, spectators or fellow athletes is forbidden
Penalty: Disqualification
Headphones and Telephones:
Headphones, headsets, Walkman's, iPod, mp3 players, or personal audio devices, etc are not to be carried or worn at any time during the race Telephones may be carried, but must be stored out of sight, and in the “off” position A participant may only use the phone when dismounted, off course, and not making forward progress.
All athletes are required to wear race numbers at all times during the run. Numbers must be clearly visible at all times. Numbers may not be altered in any way that prevents a clear identification. DO NOT transfer your number to any other athlete or take a number from an athlete that is not competing.
Penalty: Time penalty for missing or altered number, Disqualification and one year suspension from membership in USAT for transferring a number without race director permission Wetsuits:
Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion, provided, however that participants who wears a wetsuit within such temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards Above 84 degrees, wetsuits are prohibited Abandonment:
All personal equipment and belongings taken out onto the course must stay on the athlete the entire time No garbage, clothing, etc shall be thrown on the course
For a complete list of rules, please refer to the most up to date USA Triathlon Competitive Rules at: http://www.usatriathlon.org/about-multisport/rulebook.aspx
TRI Clear Lake Presented by
Title Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Mile Marker Sponsors
Clear Lake Rotary
CL Athletics & Wellness Center
Bank Iowa
Katelyn Nicholson Nutrition
Hygeia Wellness & Tanning Spa
Man Cave Cuts
Clear Lake Family Dentistry
MBT
Rachel Smith Books
TriByKnight Triathlon
Surf Ballroom
The Cardinal @ 173 Livonia’s Coffee Bar Starboard Market
