What should I wear?
Most elite female triathletes do the whole event in their swimsuit. However, since 95% of the entrants are not elite we see lots of different ideas. Many women will throw on a running singlet or t-shirt after they exit the water, some pull on bike/aerobic shorts. If you require extra support during the run, we recommend you wear a bra or crop top under your swimsuit. About 50% will not put socks on but just wear their trainers sockless during the run.

Can I use a mountain bike?
About 35% will be using a mountain bike on the day. We recommend you get road tires (slicks) put on your wheels rather than knobby thick tires. This will make it easier to ride. If your bike is old please have it checked by a bike shop prior to the race as any bikes that are potentially unsafe will not be permitted.

Why do I have to pick up the day before?
At packet pick up you receive a race pack containing your race number, swim cap, T-shirt  and other goodies.  It is essential you get the correct race number and swim cap color for your age category.  If everyone waited until race day to pick up their packets, there would be extremely long lines and frustration. 

Why  are the oldest women starting last?
A staggered start to the Skeese Greets Women's Tri is required due to the physical size of the water start.  The staggered "waves" are divided into age categories with the youngest starting first.  We want everyone to be safe and a staggered start is a way to ensure this.  There are currently only 4 "waves" with 3 minute staggers per wave.  This means the last wave will start only 9 minutes behind the first wave. 

How is the water?
The swim is about as safe as an open water swim in triathlon can be. It's in a lake made especially for wakeboarding using a cable-tow. It's deep enough that you can't touch, but still very shallow. There is an island in the middle, so you are never more than about 10 meters from shore. There are no boats. We have lots of lifeguards, EMTs, and kayaks there to help.

Will wetsuits be legal?

We cannot say for sure. The water temperature is usually right around 78 degrees for this time of year.  The legal limit for wetsuits is 78. We'll check the temperature a few days before the event and have the information available at packet pickup.

Why does the triathlon start so early?
The triathlon is conducted on the roads around Comal and Hays Counties. Sunday morning is when the impact to residents and traffic is minimized.

How can I be sure that I'm registered?

First, you should receive a confirmation email from myraceregistration.com. Second, a confirmed participant list will be available shortly before the event.

Are there relays?

No. There is not a relay category at the Skeese Greets Women's Tri this year.  The distances are shorter than in 2007 when we had a relay division.  

Is there an Athena category?

No. There are only the overall and age group divisions.

What are the rules?

This event will follow USAT rules. You may view the full list of rules at www.usatriathlon.org.

What kind of equipment do I need to do a race?

There are a few bare essentials that you need to do a race. You will need a bike (anything that is road worthy will do. No need to have a high tech racing bike for your first triathlon), you must have an ANSI/Snell/CSA certified bike helmet (all bike helmets sold today are certified), you probably want goggles for the swim, you need a swim suit, running shoes of some kind, cycling shoes if you have clipless pedals on your bike. That's the bare minimum, really. You may want a hat for the run, sunglasses for the bike and run, a water bottle or two on the bike is a good idea as well. After that, things like wetsuits, fancy wheels for your bike, racing flats to run in, etc. are all extras.

What is USAT and why do I need a one-day permit?

USAT is the national governing body for triathlons and duathlons in the United States. A one-day license allows a novice athlete to compete in a USA Triathlon-sanctioned race without purchasing a full $39 membership. The $9 fee provides the athlete with excess accident insurance for that race only.   If you have a current yearly membership, then you do not need the one-day permit.

Is it better to join USAT or buy the one-day permit?

A one year membership to USAT is $39. Membership includes a subscription to USA Triathlon Times, annual ranking, discounts on merchandise and use of the USAT Travel Desk . Most importantly you don't have to pay an extra $9 at every USAT race for a one-day membership. If you're planning on doing 3-4 USAT races this year, the USAT membership pays for itself.

How do I join USAT?

USAT applications will be available at packet pick up. You must join before hand, or purchase a one day membership for $9. You can join online on the USAT site and bring the confirmation to packet pick up. 

How does chip timing work?

Each athlete will wear a "chip" that transmits data to the receiving antenna when the athlete crosses a timing mat. Run-Far Racing Services will utilize the ChampionChip system for the Skeese Greets Women's Tri.

Where do I wear the chip?

A neoprene strap is used to strap the chip to your ankle. You will be given a band when you pick-up your rental chip.

Where and when do I pick up my timing chip?

You can pick up your timing chip at the timing chip table on race morning at the race site.

Do I need to wear the chip for the entire race?

Yes, timing mats will be set up to record splits for each leg and transition. If you do not have the chip on when you cross the finish line you are not guaranteed a finish time.

Can I keep my chip?

No, the chips must be turned in at the end of the race. Volunteers will be at the finish line to help with removal.