Gladstone Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kids triathlon?
Triathlons are one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and kids triathlons are a vital part of this trend. There is no better way for any child to experience the benefits of a healthy lifestyle than focusing on daily exercise and good nutrition. Every triathlon consists of (4) major components: Swim Course, Bike Course, Run Course and Transitions. Age group of the participant determines race distances.
How many participants will be in the Gladstone Kids Triathlon?
There will be approximately 200 participants in the race.
What are the age groups and distances of each course for the event?
Ages 6,7 & 8:
Swim Course: 50 yards
Bike Course: 1.5 miles
Run Course: 0.25 miles
Ages 9,10,& 11:
Swim Course: 100 yards
Bike Course: 1.5 miles
Run Course: 0.5 miles
Ages 12,13,& 14:
Swim Course: 200 yards
Bike Course: 3.0 miles (2 laps)
Run Course: 1.0 miles
How do I register for the event?
Registration can be done at Gladstone Community Center, or online.
How much does the event cost?
Early Bird Registration by 5/21/2018:
$40.00 First Child
$35.00 Additional Sibling
Registration after 5/21/2018:
$55.00 First Child
$50.00 Additional Sibling
Registration Deadline: Friday, June 8, 2018. Registrations will not be accepted day of event.
What is packet pick-up/course orientation night?
Friday, June 8, 2018, is packet pick-up/orientation night from 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM. During this time you will have your bike and helmet checked and certified for the race by Epic Bike and Sport. Athletes and parents will also receive a packet with all the information that is needed for the race, including race bib number. We will have a race representative in the room to answer any last minute questions before race day.
What should my child wear for the race?
We require a swimsuit plus a shirt to which you will attach your child's race number, as well as a pair of athletic shoes. Some participants choose to bring a towel to dry off in the transition area after swim and before bike. Remember that all changing of clothes will be done in transition area.
What time should I show up race morning?
Transition Area will be available 7:00 AM - 8:45 AM on race day morning. All participants are expected to be checked-in, bike and other items in transition area and in the Natatorium ready to start race by 8:45 AM. Transition area will close on race day at 8:45 AM.
After checking in your bike, proceed to the transition area and bike racks. Racks are marked for the 3 different age groups. Hang your bike in the appropriate rack and setup your gear (towel, shoes, helmet, etc) on the ground in front of or beside your bike keeping your gear close to your bike to allow room for all participants.
No one will be allowed entrance back into the transition area until the last participant has finished.
What do I need to bring on race day?
Checked and Approved Bike
Checked and Approved Helmet
T-Shirt with Race Bib Attached
Running Shoes
Swim Suit
Goggles (optional)
Towel (optional)
Where and when does participant receive timing chip?
On race morning after participant has checked in, and put their bike in transition, they will need to enter the Natatorium. In the Natatorium there will be a table set up where each participant will be fitted with a timing chip. This timing chip will be around the participants ankle.
Are personal music devices allowed for participants (i.e. ipod)?
No, participants are not allowed to wear or use any personal music devices on course. This rule is enforced to help ensure safety of our participants so that they can hear any instruction given to them on course.
How does the Swim portion of the race work?
The swim course takes place in the Gladstone Community Center"s Natatorium. Participants will start one at a time with approximately 5 seconds between swimmers. Their race time starts as soon as they cross the timing mat that is located at the start of swim. Participants will "snake" swim each lane. A "snake" swim is when participants swim the length of the pool and move over a lane and swim back in the next lane. Once the age group determined distance is swam, participants will exit the natatorium and make their way to the transition area. Lifeguards will be on duty during the event to ensure safety of participants.
Are swim aids allowed?
We do not allow any type of flotation device during the swim. Swimmers are allowed to hold on to the lane lines or edge of pool during swim if they are having difficulties. Pool will be staffed with lifeguards for safety.
Are swim goggles allowed?
Participants may wear goggles during the swimming portion of the event.
How does the bike portion work?
The entire bike course is closed to traffic by Gladstone Public Safety and monitored by teams of volunteers. All participants must have a bike checked for safety as well as wear an approved bicycle helmet. Helmet must remain snapped entire portion of bike race.
While in the transition area, bikes must be walked to the mount/dismount area. This is to maintain safety in transition area.
Athletes must return their bikes to the same location they started. Bikes cannot be dropped on the ground in the transition area resulting in a safety hazard for other athletes. Bikes must be hung back on racks when in transition area.
What bicycles and helmets are approved for event?
All bikes and helmets will be checked and approved for race during Packet Pick Up/Orientation Night, Friday, June 8, 2018. Please ensure that you bring both your bike and helmet on that evening. Representatives will check to make sure both are in safe racing condition. Helmet must remain snapped entire portion of bike race
Are training wheels permitted?
Training wheels are not allowed during race, because they are typically not built to handle bike rides of this distance and can break or lose parts. This creates a safety hazzard for the rider and for other children on the course.
How does the Run portion of the race work?
The entire run course is closed to traffic by Gladstone Public Safety and monitored by teams of volunteers. Run distance will be determined by the age group. Run course will change with age groups. All age groups will run 1 lap.
How does the Run portion of the race work?
The entire run course is closed to traffic by Gladstone Public Safety and monitored by teams of volunteers. Run distance will be determined by the age group. Run course will change with age groups. All age groups will run 1 lap.
Can I accompany my child on the course?
There are many areas available for you to watch your child in each portion of the race, but we ask that spectators stay off of the race course. We will have teams of volunteers on the course to direct and ensure the safety of the participants.
How can I support my child during race?
Shout and scream! We want you to make as much noise for not only your child, but all participants as they cross your path of view. Bring cowbells, air horns or anything that will help race participants hear your enthusiasm for their efforts.
Will there be water on course for participants to stay hydrated?
There will be water stations spread throughout the bike course, run course, transition area and finish line for participants.
Where do I park for event?
Participants are asked to park in the Gladstone Community Center main parking lot, located on the east side of the building.
Raining or inclement weather on event day?
This event is a rain or shine event unless race conditions are deemed unsafe. Please come prepared for possible rainy conditions.
In the event that thunder, lightning, tornado watch or warning, or any other unsafe weather conditions are present the following Inclement Weather Policy will be followed:
Inclement Weather Policy:
In the case of inclement weather or other unforeseen factors that may threaten the safety of the participants, the Gladstone Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts staff reserves the right to alter or eliminate portions or the entire event.
If the starting time of this event is delayed, Gladstone Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts staff will determine when the course or portions of the course have returned to acceptable conditions. Until this decision has been made, participants will be informed on 30-minute intervals of the event status. The event can be delayed no later than 10:00 AM. If conditions have not improved by 10:00 AM, the event will be cancelled with no refunds. There will be no rain date or rescheduling of this event.
Refund Policy?
There will be no refunds for entry fees for any reason. Entry fees cannot be transferred to other participants or applied toward future events. Should you decide not to race for whatever reason, the NO REFUND POLICY above applies. In addition please understand that no race items will be mailed prior to or after event including participant packets, event shirt or any other amenity. In addition these items will not be held for participant to pick up at a later date.
How do I know my child"s race results?
Final event results will be posted on Gladstone Community Center"s website by 12:00 PM on Monday, June 11, 2018.
For more information about the Gladstone Community Center call (816) 423-4200 or click here to contact us.