DO THE DAM THING ATHLETE GUIDE
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19-24 9-12
MESSAGE from RACE COMMITTEE
On behalf of the Shawnee Mission Triathlon & Duathlon Race Committee, Johnson County Park & Recreation District, event volunteers, and our sponsors, THANK YOU for joining us for the 41st Annual Shawnee Mission Triathlon & Duathlon. We hope the Athlete Information Guide will help you to have a successful and enjoyable event.
We’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our dedicated volunteers and sponsors who are crucial to the success of our event.
While enjoying the race this weekend, please be sure to thank all of our volunteers, without them this event would not be possible. Stop by and chat with our sponsors – local businesses and their people play an important role in supporting the success of this community event for 41 years.
Please make sure that your family and/or support teams take a look at the Spectator Information section of the Athlete Information Guide and use it as a resource to help support you in your experience. For the most up-to-the-minute information about the event, please refer to our Facebook page.
We hope you have a fabulous race!
Shawnee Mission Triathlon & Duathlon Race Committee
RACE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
7.11.2025
10a - 6p
Packet Pickup
EliteCycling
10a - 6p
Registration
EliteCycling
10a-6p
Shopping
EliteCycling
SATURDAY
7.12.2025
1p - 5p
Packet Pickup
MillCreek
ActivityCenter
1p - 5p
Registration MillCreek
ActivityCenter
1p - 5p
Hair braiding by Kansas KIPS
Gymnastics Team MillCreek
ActivityCenter
SUNDAY 7.13.2025
4:30a - 6:25a
Park gates open Theatre in the Park ShawneeMissionPark
4:30a - 6:25a
Transition open ShawneeMissionPark
6:25a - 10:00a (approx.)
Transition closed
ShawneeMissionPark
6:30a
RACE START
TRIATHLON: BEACH
DUATHLON: MAIN PARK ROAD
There will be NO race day registration or packet pickup.
USAT COMPETITIVE RULES
Transition Rules
• Cycling is not permitted inside the transition area.
• ONLY athletes competing in the event are allowed inside the transition area. This includes before and after the event.
• Nudity or indecent exposure is forbidden.
Swimming Conduct
• Athletes may use any stroke to propel themselves through the water.
• Wet suits will be allowed IF the water temperature is at or below 78 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water temperature is between 78.1 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit, athletes may wear a wet suit but will not qualify for awards. No wet suits will be allowed if the water temperature is above 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
*PleasenotethatthiseventisNOTtypicallywetsuitlegal.
• All athletes must wear the official swim cap during the swim segment.
Cycling Conduct
• Athletes will follow traffic laws: passing ONLY on the LEFT and staying RIGHT except to pass.
• No personal audio devices or headsets allowed.
• Helmets must be securely fastened and fit properly at all times.
Running Rules
• The responsibility of knowing and following the course rests with each athlete.
• No personal audio devices or headsets allowed.
General Race Rules
• Race numbers must be displayed at all times. Swimmers must be clearly body marked, cyclists must display their bike numbers, and runners must wear their bib numbers.
Click here for a comprehensive list of the USA Triathlon competitive rules
PRE-RACE INFORMATION
ADDRESSES
PACKET PICKUP DAY 1
Elite Cycling
4563 Indian Creek Pkwy
Overland Park, KS 66207
RACE DAY PARKING
Theatre in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park 7710 Renner Road
Shawnee, KS 66218
ATHLETE BRIEFING
PACKET PICKUP DAY 2
Mill Creek Activity Center 6518 Vista Drive
Shawnee, KS 66218
RACE SITE
Shawnee Mission Park Marina 7900 Renner Road
Shawnee, KS 66218
All athletes are encouraged to watch the virtual athlete briefing which will be available on the website, social media, and in athlete pre-race emails. The Race Director will cover information including but not limited to: race day parking, transition, swim start, du start, finish line, results, and event safety measures. Please share this video with your family and friends that will be joining you on race day.
PACKET PICKUP
Per USA Triathlon rules, athletes must:
1. Show photo ID.
2. If you are picking up for another athlete, you must have a photo copy of their ID and written verification from the athlete that the individual picking up the packet is authorized to do so.
AdetailedversionofUSATriathlon’spacket pickuprulescanbefoundhere
PACKET CONTENTS
Race packets will include the following:
- Timing chip (number on chip may not match your race number).
- Race numbers: helmet sticker, bike tag, bib, safety pins.
- Swim cap (must wear on race day).
- Race shirt
- Promotional items from sponsors
USAT KANSAS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
State championships will qualify the top 35% or top five (5) finishers in an age group (whichever is greater). You may only qualify for Olympic-distance Nationals by placing in the Olympic distance State Championship race or Sprint Nationals by placing in the sprint distance State Championship race. High School State Championships Exemption: All high school athletes who finish any of the State High School Championships will automatically qualify for Sprint-distance.
Any state championship that occurs after June 1, 2025 will qualify for BOTH 2025 AND 2026 USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships. The qualification criteria for 2026 USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships is subject to change from what it is for 2025. Click here to review the full 2025 qualification criteria for Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships.
Athletes do not have to be a resident of a state to win that state’s championship. Any age group athlete competing in an age group division is eligible to win any state championship.
RACE DAY PARKING
Gates to the Theatre in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park will openat 4:30am on Sunday, July 13th.
The ONLY access point to the park will be through the Theatre in the Park entrance. Parking attendants stationed at the Theatre in the Park will direct you to a designated spot, this is to ensure everyone has a parking space.
There is significant construction at I-435 and Midland Drive with nearly all on/off ramps closed. Please avoid this area.
A shuttle bus will be available. The bus will run from 4:30-6:20am and will resume after the last cyclist is off the course at approximately 10:00am.
Please keep in mind that if you have spectators coming to cheer you on, they will need to arrive prior to 6:15am in order to catch the bus down to the marina. Those arriving after this time will have to walk down.
Thank you for following the parking attendants directions and being kind when entering the park.
PARKING ADDRESS:
7710 RENNER ROAD SHAWNEE, KS 66218
PRE-RACE BATTLE BRAIDS
We understand that one of the biggest things athletes struggle with on race day is what to do with their hair so that their helmet will fit and be comfortable - BRAIDS are 100% the way to go!
Thanks to our wonderful group of volunteers, we are excited to host a battle braid station at packet pickup on Saturday, July 12th from 1p-5p as well as on race morning from 4:30a to race start! This is free to athletes with a suggested donation of $10. All donations will benefit the Kansas KIPS Gymnastics Team.
RACE IDENTIFICATION
PACKET CONTENTS:
RACE CATEGORY BODY MARKINGS
Ages 15-19, wear “15”
Ages 20-24, wear “20”
Ages 25-29, wear “25”
Ages 30-34, wear “30”
Ages 35-39, wear “35”
Ages 40-44, wear “40”
Ages 45-49, wear “45”
Ages 50-54, wear “50”
Ages 55-59, wear “55”
Ages 60-64, wear “60”
Ages 65-69, wear “65”
Ages 70-74, wear “70”
Ages 75-79, wear “75”
Ages 80-84, wear “80”
Athena, wear “A” Clydesdale, wear “C” Relay Team, wear “R”
Numbersbelowcorrespondwithpictureabove
1. Race Number Body Marking - Both Arms ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST GET MARKED AS YOU ENTER TRANSITION THRU BIKE MOUNT/DISMOUNT ON RACE MORNING.
2. Bib Number - Pinned Front Center on Shirt or on Race Belt (to be worn during running portions of race)
3. Bike Tag Number - Adhesive on Seat Bar Frame
4. Race Category Body Marking - Back Left Calf ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST GET MARKED AS YOU ENTER TRANSITION THRU BIKE MOUNT/DISMOUNT ON RACE MORNING.
5. Timing Chip Velcro Band - LEFT ANKLE Number on timing chip envelope may not match race number.
6. Swim Cap (not pictured) - Pre-designated swim cap color denoting heat (see “Heat Sheet” section).
RACE DAY INFORMATION
TRANSITION
Transition will open at 4:30am when the gates to the park open on race day and will close at 6:25am. Transition will reopen for athletes to remove their items beginning at approximately 10:00am. Please note these times may change. All athletes must be checked by staff before removing bikes/items from transition.
BODY MARKING
Body marking will be located at the bike mount/dismount area leading into transition. Please stop and get marked when you arrive at the park on event day. Please see the “RACE IDENTIFICATION” page for more information.
BIKE SUPPORT
Please visit the team from Elite Cycling on the southeast corner of transition near bike mount/dismount for any last minute mechanical support.
AID STATIONS
All aid stations along the run course will have both water and Gatorade available as well as minimal first aid. There will be one water station near transition where athletes will be able to fill their own water bottles. The aid station on the bike course will only have water and minimal first aid. Athletes will need to stop in order to refill their water at this station.
SAFETY
Unattended bags, outside of transition, will be checked by JCPRD Park Police and moved to the information tent. For the safety of everyone at the event, please ensure that you are not leaving any bags unattended outside of the transition area.
WEATHER
In the case of inclement weather or other unforeseen factors that may threaten the safety of the participants, JCPRD reserves the right to alter, eliminate portions and or modify the event. If the starting time of the event is delayed, the JCPRD race management team will update participants through a public announcement system, if available, at the event and the Rain Out line at 913-686-6030 ext, 16. The JCPRD race management team will determine when the event has returned to acceptable conditions. The event can be delayed, but the park must be open to the public by noon (12pm). The JCPRD race management team can only delay until it is no longer possible for the race to be completed before the park must be reopened. If conditions have not improved or JCPRD deems the course unsafe, the event will be canceled with no refunds. There will be no rain date or rescheduling of this event.
RACE DAY INFORMATION
TIMING & RESULTS
Your timing chip is inside your race packet. Please wear your timing device on your LEFT ankle throughout the entire race. If you forget or lose your chip, please check in with the race management staff under the white information tent in the northwest corner of the marina parking lot. Results will be streamed live on the mtecresults.com website and app.
Download the Mtec Results app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to track participants, view post race results, and stay up to date on event information. Once downloaded, open the app and search for Shawnee Mission Triathlon or find Shawnee Mission Triathlon under the list of upcoming/recent events. When viewing a participant, you can opt into real time tracking notifications by tapping the heart in the top bar.
AWARDS
Awards will be presented to the top 3 overall male and female athletes in each race. The top three males and females in each age group/division within each race will also receive an award. Teams will receive awards for the top 3 overall in each race. Podiums will be available for photos. Please listen for announcement regarding award ceremony time.
POST RACE FOOD
PHOTOS
Please enjoy the refreshments near the finish line courtesy of Kona Ice, HyVee, and Hiland Dairy. All athletes will receive one free Kona Ice. If you’d like to purchase more, please plan accordingly.
There will be multiple photographers on site. Photos will be available in the app no later than the Monday following the race. Click here to access our photo site.
RACE SHIRTS
If you need to exchange your shirt size, please visit the white information tent in the northwest corner of the marina parking lot AFTER the race to see if there are extra.
TRANSITION
• BIKE RACKS ARE NOT LABELED WITH INDIVIDUAL RACE NUMBERS. RACK YOUR BIKE ANYWHERE ON THE RACK WITHIN YOUR RACE NUMBER RANGE SHOWN ON THE INSIDE AISLE.
• 8 BIKES PER RACK.
• ALL TEAMS RACK TOGETHER ON 1A & 2A.
BIKE MOUNT/DISMOUNT
OLYMPIC TRIATHLETES / VIP
OLYMPIC TRIATHLETES
OLYMPIC TRIATHLETES
OLYMPIC TRIATHLETES
OLYMPIC TRIATHLETES
OLYMPIC TRIATHLETES
LONG COURSE TRIATHLETES
LONG COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SUPER SPRINT TRIATHLETES
TEAMS TEAMS
OLYMPIC TRIATHLETES
OLYMPIC TRIATHLETES
LONG COURSE TRIATHLETES
LONG COURSE TRIATHLETES
SWIM ENTER
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SHORT COURSE TRIATHLETES
SUPER SPRINT TRIATHLETES SUPER SPRINT TRIATHLETES DUATHLETES DUATHLETES
HEAT SHEET
START TIME (APPROX.)
EVENT GENDER SWIM CAP COLOR
6:30AM OLYMPIC WAVE MALE GREEN
6:35AM OLYMPIC WAVE FEMALE PINK
7:12AM LONG COURSE WAVE MALE LIGHT BLUE
7:15AM LONG COURSE WAVE FEMALE LIGHT PURPLE
7:37AM SHORT COURSE WAVE MALE ROYAL BLUE
7:42AM SHORT COURSE WAVE FEMALE YELLOW
7:47AM SHORT COURSE TIME TRIAL MALE ORANGE
7:57AM SHORT COURSE TIME TRIAL FEMALE SILVER
8:22AM SUPER SPRINT TIME TRIAL MALE & FEMALE PURPLE
• Relays will start along with the individual triathletes within their event distance.
• Wave starts will be broken into groups of 50 athletes and will go off approximately every 2-3 minutes until all athletes in that distance are in the water.
• Time trial format will have swimmers entering the water two at a time, every three seconds.
• Time trial swimmers line up based on 100 meter pace time - signs will be posted on the beach.
• Your time starts when you cross the timing mat just before you enter the water.
DUATHLON
Duathletes will start on the main park road north of transition at the GREEN start flags.
Start time: 6:30AM
SWIM COURSE MAP
Shawnee Mission Triathlon & Duathlon Swim Courses
Athletes
BIKE COURSE MAP
There is a new roundabout on the south side of the park near mile 1.75. On race day, cyclists will follow the cones and MERGE TO THE LEFT SIDE of the road in order to take a left through the roundabout. Please ensure that you slow to a manageable speed for this sharp left turn.
Please note that going through the roundabout this way is ONLY permitted on race day when the park is closed for this event. Riding incorrectly through the roundabout any other time will not be allowed.
RUN COURSE MAP
COURSE SIGNAGE
COURSE
DUATHLON SUPERSPRINT TRIATHLON TRIATHLON SHORTCOURSE TRIATHLONLONG OLYMPICTRIATHLON ORANGE PURPLE YELLOW GREEN BLUE
ATHLETES WILL FOLLOW THE ARROW COLOR LISTED ON THEIR RUN COURSE.
ARROW COLOR WILL MATCH BIB COLOR.
GARMIN CONNECT RUN COURSE MAPS
Duathlon First Run
Super Sprint Triathlon
Short Course Triathlon/Duathlon Second Run
Long Course Triathlon
Olympic Course Triathlon
CLUB CHALLENGE
How it works: Multisport athletes are some of the most competitive people out there, so adding a competition INSIDE of a competition was a no brainer! Clubs will compete against each other to earn the title of Champion Club.
Awards: The Club with the most points will be crowned the champion and will have their Club’s name and year engraved on the large traveling trophy. Trophy will remain with Champion Club until the next event. Champion Club will also win 2 complimentary entries into the following year’s event. And of course, the Champion Club will earn the bragging rights that they’ve conquered the Dam Hill. The Club with the second highest score will receive 1 complimentary entry into the following year’s event.
Point Summary: Clubs receive one point for each member that competes in the event (participation point) as well as FIVE points for each member that volunteers (volunteer participation points). Relay participation points are detailed below. In addition to these points, Clubs earn points for members finishing in the following places.
Individual Triathlon/Duathlon
Relays – one participation point per person competing on the relay, depending on relay size this could be 2 or 3 points. All relay members must be a part of the Club to earn these points. Overall
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
THANK YOU
If you thought that your athlete was the only one going to get a workout on race day … you might want to think again. Spectating and cheering is not for the faint of heart in the triathlon world. There is going to be a lot of excitement on race day so embrace it and take it all in. We’d like to encourage you to join your athlete at packet pickup and/or orientation and scope out the course so you know where the best vantage points are. We highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing a chair, sunscreen, and water. Know what your athlete is wearing so you don’t miss them on the course.
As a spectator, you have the important job of cheering on ALL participants! It is no secret that athletes will become tired along the course, but that’s where YOU step in to keep them going! We can’t thank you enough for encouraging all of our athletes on race day.
DOWNLOAD THE MTEC APP
Download the Mtec Results app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to track participants, view post race results, and stay up to date on event information. Once downloaded, open the app and search for Shawnee Mission Triathlon or find Shawnee Mission Triathlon under the lists of upcoming/recent events. When viewing a participant, you can opt into real time tracking notifications by tapping the heart in the top bar.
FREE CHEER SIGNS
PARKING/SHUTTLE
Stop by the white information tent in the northwest corner of the Shawnee Mission Park marina parking lot to pick up a free cheer sign and personalize it for your athlete! Signs will be available at both packet pickups as well as on race day.
Spectators and athletes will ALL park at the Theatre in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park. You may either walk down to the marina or take the shuttle bus. The bus will begin running at 4:30am and run until 6:20am. It will resume after the last cyclist is off the course around approximately 10am. If you choose to walk, please stay on the trails once you reach the main park road to ensure the safety of both you and the athletes.
COFFEE & KONA ICE
SAFETY
Golden Grounds Coffee and Kona Ice will be available for purchase before, during, and after the event.
To ensure the safety of everyone, we ask that you cheer athletes on from behind the fenced areas and be cautious the entire time you’re at the event. The finish line is on the north side of the main park road, meaning you’ll need to cross the road where cyclists are riding. Please be sure to only cross the road at the crosswalk. We ask again, that you exercise the highest level of caution as you do so.
TRI913 is an inclusive program that will develop character both mentally and physically through fun, educational, and community focused curriculum. At TRI913, our mission is simple: To inspire and empower youth of all ages to believe in themselves and recognize that they can achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Through the sport of triathlon, we aim to build confidence, perseverance, and teamwork, helping each athlete realize their full potential—both in and out of the race. Whether they’re taking their first steps into the sport or competing at a high level, we’re here to support them every step of the way! We believe that by fostering a strong, positive mindset, our athletes can break through any barriers and unlock their greatest achievements. Together, we’re not just training for races—we’re building character, leadership, and a lasting belief that anything is possible!
What to bring to the event: RACE DAY CHECKLIST
General
☐ USAT membership card
☐ Photo ID
☐ Registration confirmation
☐ Directions to venue
☐ Course map
☐ Money
☐ Race uniform
☐ Race numbers and timing chip
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Anti-chafing product
☐ Extra clothes
☐ Watch
Transition Gear
☐ Towel(s)/Transition mat
☐ Water bottle(s)
☐ Gels/energy bars and drinks/salt tablets
Swim Gear
☐ Swim cap
☐ Goggles
Bike Gear
☐ Bike
☐ Helmet
☐ Bike shoes
☐ Bike gloves
☐ Tire pump
☐ Spare tube(s)
☐ CO2 cartridges
☐ Tools
☐ Bar-end plugs
Run Gear
☐ Running shoes
☐ Hat/visor
☐ Race number belt
☐ Socks
TEAM CECILIA AWARD
The Team Cecilia Spirit of Multisport Award
This award seeks to recognize individuals who exemplify the positive spirit of the sport through acts of sportsmanship, leadership, and their efforts to grow a more diverse and inclusive multisport field.
IN HONOR OF CECILIA NIEMANN
Cecilia had an infectious smile and bright eyes that brought a joyful light to everyone around her. Despite having Cerebral Palsy, which impacted her physical and verbal abilities, as well as caused significant health challenges, she lived an active, adventurous, and full life. She refused to be defined by her limitations, and instead spent her life displaying her abilities to family, friends, and community to promote change and inclusion for ALL. Over the years, Cecilia completed countless road races, half-marathons, marathons, and triathlons. Her multisport debut came in 2013 at the Open Options Shawnee Mission Triathlon & Duathlon setting the stage for inclusion in Kansas City area races. While breaking down barriers, Team Cecilia enjoyed years of being welcomed, and often recruited, to participate in most of the area’s triathlons.
2025 RECIPIENT: JILL LEIKER
There would be no Team Cecilia without Jill Leiker. When Cecilia was diagnosed with CP, I read about the Hoyts and found hope that “some day” my baby girl and I could race together along with our entire family of runners and triathletes. Once I was strong enough to race with her, I contacted every tri race director with a race that was within an hour’s drive of the KC metro. I was either flat out ignored or told “no” by everyone EXCEPT Jill. Jill said let’s meet and see if we can figure this out because JCPRD is for all its community members, even those with differences in abilities. She was a relentless partner in helping make SMP Tri paratriathlete and assisted triathlete-friendly. She opened the gates to inclusive racing in the KC metro, while giving Cecilia (and many others with disabilities) the opportunity to become an included part of her community. Thanks to Jill’s strength and fearlessness to overcome a challenge, Cecilia and many others were welcomed and even personally invited to race in most of the races in and around the metro.
2025 RECIPIENT: TAMMY MERCADO
If there ever was someone who put others first in multisport and in life, it’s Tammy Mercado. She shows up for people in big moments and in small moments. Whether having kind words or taking time to show someone a new skill or pulling a needed supply out of her Mary Poppins bag of tricks, if there is ever a person we want in the trenches with us, it’s Tammy Freaking Mercado. She walks the walk both in the training and racing she does and in her steadfast leadership. She brings people and the community along with her on her endurance adventures helping build good people and athletes of all levels > she welcomes everyone into the fold and I can think of no one more deserving of this award :). She is the absolute bomb!!
SPONSORS
