WELCOME
Thank you for joining us for the 20th running of the Challenge NJ State Triathlon; not only one of the largest triathlons in the region (and nation) but one of the longest running events.
Race weekend is a family-friendly event and we encourage you to bring out your loved ones to enjoy and share with you this inspirational and unforgettable memory.
If this is your first triathlon remember just breathe and take in every extraordinary moment because we all know the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
Please remember when you are racing to thank a volunteer! They are donating their valuable time to make your dream come true and this race could not be possible without their continued support.
Thank you for being part of our family of triathletes!
Race Directors
Larry Redrow
Michele Redrow
WELCOME
Thank you for joining us for the 20th running of the Challenge NJ State Triathlon; not only one of the largest triathlons in the region (and nation) but one of the longest running events.
Race weekend is a family-friendly event and we encourage you to bring out your loved ones to enjoy and share with you this inspirational and unforgettable memory.
If this is your first triathlon remember just breathe and take in every extraordinary moment because we all know the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
Please remember when you are racing to thank a volunteer! They are donating their valuable time to make your dream come true and this race could not be possible without their continued support.
Thank you for being part of our family of triathletes!
Race Directors
Larry Redrow
Michele Redrow
EVENT SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JULY 19
PACKET PICK UP
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Health Expo/Packet Pickup Location: Finish Festival/Village
PRE-RACE MEETING
3:00PM
Location: Finish Festival/Village
SUNDAY, JULY 20
TRANSITION OPENS
5:45AM
No Race Day Packet pickup unless pre-reserved.
PRACTICE SWIM OPENS
5:45AM
Location: Boathouse Marina
TRANSITION CLOSES
7:15AM
Location: Boathouse Marina
SPRINT START | NEW START TIME
7:15AM
Location: Boathouse Marina
OLYMPIC START
7:30AM
Location: Boathouse Marina
SPRINT AWARDS CEREMONY
10:30AM
Location: Finish Festival
OLYMPIC AWARDS CEREMONY
12:00PM
Location: Finish Festival
FINISH FESTIVAL & BEER GARDEN
9:00AM - 12:30PM
Location: Finish Festival
EVENT SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JULY 19
PACKET PICK UP
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Health Expo/Packet Pickup Location: Finish Festival/Village
PRE-RACE MEETING
3:00PM
Location: Finish Festival/Village
SUNDAY, JULY 20
TRANSITION OPENS
5:45AM
No Race Day Packet pickup unless pre-reserved.
PRACTICE SWIM OPENS
5:45AM
Location: Boathouse Marina
TRANSITION CLOSES
7:15AM
Location: Boathouse Marina
SPRINT START
NEW START TIME
7:15AM
Location: Boathouse Marina
Location: Boathouse Marina
OLYMPIC START
7:30AM
Location: Finish Festival
SPRINT AWARDS
CEREMONY
10:30AM
Location: Finish Festival
OLYMPIC AWARDS
CEREMONY
12:00AM
Location: Finish Festival
FINISH FESTIVAL & BEER
GARDEN
9:00AM - 12:30PM
PACKET PICK-UP
SATURDAY, JULY 19
PACKET PICKUP OPTIONS
For an additional fee, you can pickup your packet on race morning. You may add this option on when entering or at a later date.
Note: there are limited slots each day for this service so please reserve when entering the race. If you have already entered and want to pick up your packet race morning (if slots are still available) simply go back to your myactivevents.com; choose Challenge New Jersey State Triathlon and add this option on.
You will pick up your race kit at the Information/Registration tent between 5:45 am- 6:45 am each day. Note: Olympic cannot pick up the morning of the sprint race.
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Race Day Pick up available for an additional fee, if you pre-reserve when entering the race.
You must have the ID of all team members if you are picking up someone else’s packet.
All members must sign the waiver PRIOR to coming to the expo. Please check your entry online and make sure all members have done so.
You cannot substitute a member without officially making that change prior to online closing or your team will be disqualified.
YOUR RACE PACKET WILL INCLUDE
Worn on the front and attach with race belt or safety pins (provided in your kit). Do not fold or alter race bib.
You will receive a bike sticker to be adhered (self stick) over the center bar or on seat post. Bike helmet number should be adhered to front of bike helmet.
Please place bike number on prior to arriving on site race day.
Provided swim cap must be worn during swim leg. Swim caps are latex
Secure your wristband prior to arriving on race day. You will not be allowed access into athlete restricted areas without wearing a wristband.
NO WRISTBAND = NO ACCESS
Timing chips will be provided at packet pickup. They are to be worn on your ankle throughout the race. We ask that you remove your chip at the finish line and place in provided receptacles. If you do not start the race, you are responsible for returning the chip to a NJ State Triathlon staff member or timing team member.
It is essential that we know where you are on the course at all times for your safety. If you lose your chip while on the course, please notify a timing official immediately after crossing the finish line.
SPRINT FAQ'S
The bike course will exit the park and is flat, fast and scenic. Sprint distance athletes will complete one loop.
Both the Sprint and the Olympic distance racers will follow a course that was laid out for the US Cross Country Championships and is flat, fast and offers plenty of shade.
OLYMPIC FAQ'S
The bike course will exit the park and is flat, fast and scenic. The Olympic distance will do two loops.
There is no bottle exchange on the Olympic course. All athletes must provide their own hydration supplies.
Both the Sprint and the Olympic distance racers will follow a course that was laid out for the US Cross Country Championships and is flat, fast and offers plenty of shade.
COURSE RULES & TIME LIMITS
SWIM
Mercer Lake is NOT a public swimming lake. Athletes may ONLY swim in the practice area on race morning from 6:45 AM until their wave start but must exit the water and start at the official swim start.
Olympic athletes are permitted to swim during the Sprint distance race
There will be a designated swim practice area to the north of the boathouse. The swim practice area will be manned by guards and you must be wearing your timing chip when you enter the swim practice area. All athletes will be checked in and out of the practice area via the timing chip.
Sprint
30 minutes after your wave start
Olympic
1h10min after your wave start
Once the last swimmer starts, the swim area will be sealed off and no one will be allowed to start after this time. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Swim Start – there is a self serve water station located at the swim start. Athletes may utilize this before and after the swim.
Historically 79+
Wetsuit Legal – is up to 78˚ Fahrenheit.
Wetsuit Optional but not eligible for awards 78.1˚ – 83.9˚.
Wetsuits Not Permitted – 84˚ or more.
-
Athletes must wear cap provided by CGI Racing.
-
Athletes must go out in the designated CGI Racing wave.
-
Time Trial Start with athletes going into the water every 5 mins. Olympic 4 mins.
-
Wet suits will be permitted according to USAT regulations.
-
Swimmers may hang on to a buoy, boat or a pontoon to rest without disqualification so long as they are not pushed or propelled in any way.
-
Relay swimmers tag off to team cyclists in the designated relay team area in the bike corral.
-
NOTE: Any athlete electing not to race must notify a timing official immediately.
-
Each athlete will be assigned a wave and you will line up for the start according to your wave. We will be doing a time trial start with athletes going into the water either six at a time, every thirty seconds (Sprint) , or five at a time every twenty seconds (Olympic).
Wave Assignments are included in the athlete guide approximately 2 weeks prior to race day.
Swim to Bike Transition
After the swim, you will be directed through the timing chutes to the swim to bike transition.
Public nudity is not permitted.
Personal nutrients are permitted if carried on you or your bike.
Please do not litter at any time and toss all trash in receptacles located throughout event.
BIKE
All bikes are racked on race morning.
Transition opens at 5:45 am for both distances. All athletes must be checked in to transition and SELF BODY MARKED by 7:10 am or you will not be permitted to race.
To enter the transition area, each athlete must have their race number affixed to their bike and helmet and their wristband on their wrist. Please do so PRIOR to arriving at transition.
Each entrant will have an individually numbered bike rack on which to rack their bike (will correspond with your bib number). Please make sure to store your gear under and near your bike and out of the way of your fellow competitors.
Aquabike Athletes
You may enter at the top of the finish chute so you can finish with the other athletes to collect your medal.
Sprint will close at 11:15 am
Olympic will close at 12:00 pm
The bike course will exit the park and is flat, fast and scenic.
*The courses are said to be some of the fastest in the nation so please ride with caution.
Sprint is one loop. Olympic is two loops.
Headsets are not permitted at any time at the event.
There is no bottle exchange on the Olympic bike course. All athletes are to prepare accordingly with their own hydration supplies.
You cannot check in your bikes until race morning.
Hart’s Cycles will provide all SAG services. SAG Vehicles SAG will be provided on both courses.
Note: SAG is for assistance only. Athletes need to know how to change their own tires, etc. SAG will not transport athletes back to transition area.
-
Each competitor is responsible for having his/ her bike in proper working condition. You must have bar end plugs on your bike to race.
-
All cyclists are responsible at all times for their own safety and for compliance with traffic laws on the cycling course and are solely responsible for the consequences of any infraction.
-
Cyclists are expected to heed directions and instructions of race officials.
-
ALWAYS ride on the right side of the road. Crossing the center line is not allowed. Take care making corners at high speed. They will be swept, but use caution just in case.
-
HELMETS are required during the bike race. They must be on your head with chin strap fastened securely any time you are on your bike before, during and after the race. This violation is grounds for disqualification.
-
No individual support vehicles or assistance by anyone is allowed.
-
NO DRAFTING OFF ANOTHER BICYCLE or motor vehicle is allowed.
-
ABSOLUTELY NO RIDING IN THE TRANSITION AREA.
-
You MUST have bar ends (plugs) on your bike – all bikes will be checked after transition is closed. Failure to have bar ends (plugs) will result in your bike being removed from the transition area and your disqualification.
-
You are free to walk any part of the course including transition.
RUN
Aid stations are located every 1 – 1.5 miles on the courses.
Aid Station Swim Start – Self –serve and stocked for pre-race so athletes can hydrate prior to race.
NUUN and water will be on every water station.
Honey Stinger will be provided on water station 2 (Sprint) and water stop 5 (Olympic).
Will be located at
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*1.5 miles for the Sprint course
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*2.5 & 3.25 miles for the Olympic course.
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*Finish Line
Gu will be offered at water stop 2 on the Sprint course and water stop 5 on the Olympic course.
-
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Sprint Course Closes @ 11:30 AM Olympic Course Closes @ 1:00 pm
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Sprint distance – You must finish within 2:15 of your swim start time. Olympic distance you must finish within 4:30 of your swim start time.
-
No headphones, cell phones, or devices of any kind that play music.
-
Always use respect when coming through the finish line chute and be aware of your surroundings.
-
Emergency conditions may occur during race. Please pay attention to your surroundings for indication of the need to clear the course or take other instructed action.
-
Do not litter or hand trash to volunteers. Place all trash in receptacles at each aid station.
-
All participants not meeting the cutoff time limits of any or all courses will be disqualified and, if they continue, will assume all risks and must adhere to local traffic laws. Any participant who is still on the course past the respective cut off time will be directed back to the transition zone.
-
COURSE RULES & TIME LIMITS
SWIM
Mercer Lake is NOT a public swimming lake. Athletes may ONLY swim in the practice area on race morning from 6:45 AM until their wave start but must exit the water and start at the official swim start.
Olympic athletes are permitted to swim during the Sprint distance race
There will be a designated swim practice area to the north of the boathouse. The swim practice area will be manned by guards and you must be wearing your timing chip when you enter the swim practice area. All athletes will be checked in and out of the practice area via the timing chip.
Sprint
30 minutes after your wave start
Olympic
1h10min after your wave start
Once the last swimmer starts, the swim area will be sealed off and no one will be allowed to start after this time. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Swim Start – there is a self serve water station located at the swim start. Athletes may utilize this before and after the swim.
Historically 79+
Wetsuit Legal – is up to 78˚ Fahrenheit.
Wetsuit Optional but not eligible for awards 78.1˚ – 83.9˚.
Wetsuits Not Permitted – 84˚ or more.
-
Athletes must wear cap provided by CGI Racing.
-
Athletes must go out in the designated CGI Racing wave.
-
Time Trial Start with athletes going into the water every 5 mins. Olympic 4 mins.
-
Wet suits will be permitted according to USAT regulations.
-
Swimmers may hang on to a buoy, boat or a pontoon to rest without disqualification so long as they are not pushed or propelled in any way.
-
Relay swimmers tag off to team cyclists in the designated relay team area in the bike corral.
-
NOTE: Any athlete electing not to race must notify a timing official immediately.
-
Each athlete will be assigned a wave and you will line up for the start according to your wave. We will be doing a time trial start with athletes going into the water either six at a time, every thirty seconds (Sprint) , or five at a time every twenty seconds (Olympic).
Wave Assignments are included in the athlete guide approximately 2 weeks prior to race day.
Swim to Bike Transition
After the swim, you will be directed through the timing chutes to the swim to bike transition.
Public nudity is not permitted.
Personal nutrients are permitted if carried on you or your bike.
Please do not litter at any time and toss all trash in receptacles located throughout event.
BIKE
All bikes are racked on race morning.
Transition opens at 5:45 am for both distances. All athletes must be checked in to transition and SELF BODY MARKED by 7:10 am or you will not be permitted to race.
To enter the transition area, each athlete must have their race number affixed to their bike and helmet and their wristband on their wrist. Please do so PRIOR to arriving at transition.
Each entrant will have an individually numbered bike rack on which to rack their bike (will correspond with your bib number). Please make sure to store your gear under and near your bike and out of the way of your fellow competitors.
Aquabike Athletes
You may enter at the top of the finish chute so you can finish with the other athletes to collect your medal.
Sprint will close at 11:15 am
Olympic will close at 12:00 pm
The bike course will exit the park and is flat, fast and scenic.
*The courses are said to be some of the fastest in the nation so please ride with caution.
Sprint is one loop. Olympic is two loops.
Headsets are not permitted at any time at the event.
There is no bottle exchange on the Olympic bike course. All athletes are to prepare accordingly with their own hydration supplies.
You cannot check in your bikes until race morning.
Hart’s Cycles will provide all SAG services. SAG Vehicles SAG will be provided on both courses.
Note: SAG is for assistance only. Athletes need to know how to change their own tires, etc. SAG will not transport athletes back to transition area.
-
Each competitor is responsible for having his/ her bike in proper working condition. You must have bar end plugs on your bike to race.
-
All cyclists are responsible at all times for their own safety and for compliance with traffic laws on the cycling course and are solely responsible for the consequences of any infraction.
-
Cyclists are expected to heed directions and instructions of race officials.
-
ALWAYS ride on the right side of the road. Crossing the center line is not allowed. Take care making corners at high speed. They will be swept, but use caution just in case.
-
HELMETS are required during the bike race. They must be on your head with chin strap fastened securely any time you are on your bike before, during and after the race. This violation is grounds for disqualification.
-
No individual support vehicles or assistance by anyone is allowed.
-
NO DRAFTING OFF ANOTHER BICYCLE or motor vehicle is allowed.
-
ABSOLUTELY NO RIDING IN THE TRANSITION AREA.
-
You MUST have bar ends (plugs) on your bike – all bikes will be checked after transition is closed. Failure to have bar ends (plugs) will result in your bike being removed from the transition area and your disqualification.
-
You are free to walk any part of the course including transition.
RUN
Aid stations are located every 1 – 1.5 miles on the courses.
Aid Station Swim Start – Self –serve and stocked for pre-race so athletes can hydrate prior to race.
NUUN and water will be on every water station.
Honey Stinger will be provided on water station 2 (Sprint) and water stop 5 (Olympic).
Will be located at
-
*1.5 miles for the Sprint course
-
*2.5 & 3.25 miles for the Olympic course.
-
*Finish Line
Gu will be offered at water stop 2 on the Sprint course and water stop 5 on the Olympic course.
-
-
Sprint Course Closes @ 11:30 AM Olympic Course Closes @ 1:00 pm
-
Sprint distance – You must finish within 2:15 of your swim start time. Olympic distance you must finish within 4:30 of your swim start time.
-
No headphones, cell phones, or devices of any kind that play music.
-
Always use respect when coming through the finish line chute and be aware of your surroundings.
-
Emergency conditions may occur during race. Please pay attention to your surroundings for indication of the need to clear the course or take other instructed action.
-
Do not litter or hand trash to volunteers. Place all trash in receptacles at each aid station.
-
All participants not meeting the cutoff time limits of any or all courses will be disqualified and, if they continue, will assume all risks and must adhere to local traffic laws. Any participant who is still on the course past the respective cut off time will be directed back to the transition zone.
-
CYCLING VIOLATIONS
• Ride on the right side of your lane.
• Keep three bike lengths between you 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, at least 3 bikes to the rear of the person who passed you, before attempting to re-pass.
• Passed athletes must be seen making immediate and constant rear progress out of the drafting zone to avoid a DRAFTING call.
• Illegal Position or Blocking – riding on the left side of the lane without passing.
• Illegal Pass – passing on the right.
• Overtaken - failing to drop back three bike lengths after being passed and before re-passing.
• Drafting – following a leading cyclist closer than three bike lengths and failing to pass within 15 seconds.
• Race Numbers are to be worn at all times. They may not be altered in any way.
Remember you are racing in a USA Triathlon sanctioned event and there are trained 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 officials 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.
Three violations result in a disqualification
MANDATORY SELF BODY MARKING
Athletes will be required to SELF body mark PRIOR to arriving on race day. You will not be permitted into transition unless you are body marked. Please do not add for any special markings or additional markings to your self body marking.
1. Magnum or King size Sharpie suggested.
2. Clearly (and large) write your assigned race number on your upper right and upper left arms, upper right and left thighs as well as your left hand.
3. Additionally mark the back of you left calf with your age (as of 12/31/24) if you are racing in the Age Group division or with you race division if you are racing as a Clydesdale, Athena, Aquabike, First Responder (FR), or Relay.
4. Please no fancy designs or additional markings on your body.
RELAY TEAMS
All relay team members will have access to the Transition area.
Bikes must be in the transition area by the time transition area access closes at 7:10 am.
Relay teams must pass the timing chip to their teammates at your bike rack spot in the Transition area.
*PLEASE DO NOT WAIT IN CENTER AISLES
On race day, enter the transition zone and wait at your assigned team bike rack.
The timing chip must be passed during each transition, from swimmer to biker to runner.
Do not start before your teammate has reached your bike rack to pass the chip or you will be disqualified.
EMERGENCY INFO
911 Command Center is located at the Finish Line behind the medical tent.
Please update your emergency contact information if
needed at Registration.
It is imperative that you have a clear communication plan with your family prior to coming to the race. Be sure to share your race plans, bib number and race emergency contact info with your family and friends.
In the event of an emergency your emergency contact will be called.
If you don’t start the race, please turn your chip in at the timing tent (located at the finish line); so we can record your choice to not race.
RACE DAY PARKING & TRAVEL
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get in the park on race day.
Free parking is available at the race location at Mercer County Park. You may enter either from the Hughes Rd entrance or the Old Trenton Rd park entrance.
Once inside the park, you will follow the Parking signage that will direct you where to park within the Park.
The parking is most congested from 6:15 AM – 7:00 AM.Spectators may come and go after the race has started but be advised traffic will be heavy, expect delays getting into the park.
SPECTATOR INFO
If you have family or loved ones who decide they will come to the race we urge you to have them respect the rules of racing.
The best part about the NJ State Triathlon – You can view your athlete on many great spots along the course without leaving the main event area. You can see the swim start within walking distance of the main transition area; bike in and out; run out (sprint); run out and mile 3 (olympic).
Please do not drive on the bike course it can be very unsafe and most of the course is closed to traffic.
It is imperative that you have a clear communication plan with your athlete prior to coming to the race. Be sure to share their race plans, bib number and race emergency contact info with your family and friends.
911 Command Center is located at the Finish Line behind the medical tent.
If you would like to inquire about an athlete you can only do so with their BIB number.
In the event of an emergency, the emergency contact will be called.
Please arrive early – parking is heaviest from 6:15am – 6:45 am.
GPS: Hughes Road and Paxson Ave, Hamilton NJ
Participants, Family & Friends can all use Live Tracking to share in the excitement. On race day, spectators can get status of participants in real-time using the Live Tracker & Leaderboard. Details such as time, pace, position on the map and estimated finish will be instantly available! This will also be where you can find the official race results with times and division places.
You can view your results two ways
Athlete Tracking will be available on 7.14.25
USAT EXCESS MEDICAL COVERAGE POLICY
The athlete excess medical coverage protects each participant for the day of the event at USAT sanctioned races, camps and clinics.
When athletes purchase a USAT annual license or one day permit, a portion of those fees cover the cost to provide them with excess medical insurance. This coverage only extends to their participation in an USA Triathlon sanctioned event and is only available after the injured party has filed with any primary insurance policies. A deductible does apply for this excess coverage.
If an athlete is injured while participating in a USA Triathlon sanctioned event the following steps must be followed:
1. Race Director completes an incident report form. The race director is obligated to report the incident to USA Triathlon. No medical claim can be filed with insurance until this report is completed. You can find the incident report form by emailing sanction@usatriathlon.org for a copy of the form. The signed document should be returned to USAT immediately.
2. Athletes must file with their primary healthcare provider (i.e. United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, traveler’s insurance, etc.).
3. Athlete completes a medical claim form. For serious incidents or for athletes requesting coverage, either the race director or USAT can provide them with a medical claim form. The medical claim form along with all explanation of benefit documents should be sent directly from the athlete to the insurance company as indicated on the claim form. Please email sanction@usatriathlon.org for a copy of the form.
4. Athletes will pay a deductible and fifty U.S. dollars) to $1,000 (one thousand U.S. dollars) out of pocket and possibly more for uncovered expenses.
5. Coverage limitations. Be advised that coverage may not apply to each and every claim. Additionally, coverage only extends to participants that have purchased an USA Triathlon annual license or one-day permit and were injured through participation in an USA Triathlon sanctioned event.
Please email questions to Event Services
Athletes treated at the medical/EMT triage for minor, non life threatening conditions will not be billed for any services. However if the medical team decides in their professional opinion an athlete needs priority, life saving treatment services will be billed directly to the athlete. Such treatments include but are not limited to IV, medical transport, etc.
Capital Health Systems will be the medical team on race weekend under the direction of West Windsor EMS.
RACE DAY CHECKLIST
Don’t forget the important stuff—race day comes fast, and being prepared makes all the difference! We’ve put together a handy Race Day Checklist to help you stay on track and ready for everything from transition setup to the finish line. Take a few minutes to review it and make sure you’ve got everything you need for a smooth, successful day at the Challenge New Jersey State Triathlon.
FAQS
If you drop out it is crucial that you turn your chip in at the timing tent. It is important that we know where you are on the course at all times.
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Sign-in to myevents.active.com with account you used to register
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Find your registration, press Change category
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Review and update Participant information
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Sign Waivers & agreements, press Continue
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Review cart, provide payment if needed, press Complete
After 7/15 You must make all changes on site either Friday or Saturday.
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Sorry no refunds, transfers or deferrals at this time.
No only you are permitted to pick up your packet.
You must be in transition prior to its closing at 7:10 am or you cannot race.
A.Results are available shortly after you cross the finish line.
The Age Group breakdown is as follows:
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18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+
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Elite; Athena; Clydesdale; Relay; First Responder
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USAT AGING UP
You will race in the Age Group corresponding with your USAT age, which is your age at the end of the year on December 31, 2025.
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