Frequently Asked Questions

Road Closures

Q: What roads are going to be closed on race day?
A: Buttrick will be closed from Ada Drive to Grand River Drive so you will be fine to turn right onto Grand River Drive and get to Ada Moorings entrance. Also, there will be officers directing traffic at every traffic light and intersection.

Swim Portion

Q: Are we swimming in a river?
A: Yes! The portion of the Thornapple River we are located at resembles a lake; therefore, the current is minimal.

Q: What should I expect in terms of water temperature?
A: Historically, the Thornapple River is in the mid-70's. Last year, it had a 10 degree jump in one week, and was recorded at 72 degrees on race day.

Q: Will there be only 1 heat for the swim starts for each of the distances?
A: No, there will be multiple waves for the swim start, depending on race age and distance.

Nutrition/Aid Stations

Q: What will be offered at the aid stations for the run and bike portion for the Half Iron? For the bike will aid stations be on both sides of the road or just the right side?
A: For the Half-Iron distance, fuel in the form of liquid and gel along with water will be offered at the run. Liquid fuel (no gel) and water will be offered at the bike. Aid stations will be available both out and back on the course.

Run aid stations are every 1.25 miles and 15 miles on the bike (bike aid stations are only on the 1/2 Iron distance)

Q: Will food be available after the event?
A: Yes, additional fuel and food will be available post-race near the finish line.

Olympic and Sprint distances will have water available at aid stations.

Q: How far apart are the run aid stations?
A: Aid stations are every mile on the run course.

Q: On the bike portion will there be someone there to "exchange" water bottles or do you stop and fill up?
A: Volunteers will hand you a bottle running like a crazy person to keep up with you while you grab it. The bottle exchange is located at approximately mile 10 on the bike.

Transition Area

Q: Are bike racks in transition pre-assigned or first come, first serve?
A: Bike racks will be assigned by bib number.

Q: How far will we be running to get our bikes?
A: Approximately 25 yards from swim to transition.

Q: Where will the transition area be located?
A: Bike racks will be staged on Buttrick between Thornapple and Grand River Drive.

Q: Can we drop off our bike the day before the race?
A: Due to road closure constraints, we cannot stage until the morning of the event.

Q: Will there be security in the transition area?
A: Yes, security personal will be posted at all entrances into transition. No spectators will be allowed into transition and all athletes race and bike numbers will be checked ensure security of equipment.

Packet Pick-Up

Q: Is registration still available in person at the packet pick-up today?
A: Yes, registration will be open. You will still need to bring a valid form of identification (drivers license, etc.)

Q: Can I pick up my packet on race day?
A: Yes, we strongly advice you not to, as it is going to be hectic, and we want you to be in your best form on race day.

Q: I will be out of town on packet pick-up, can someone else pick up my packet for me?
A: No, per USAT regulation, only you are able to pick up the packet, as we check your ID. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTION TO THIS.

Wet Suits

Q: Is there a list of approved wet suits put out by USAT?
A: The new regulation, which falls under Article 4.4 Wetsuits of the USA Triathlon Competitive Rules, states: "Effective January 1, 2013, any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than five millimeters shall be disqualified."

Q: What kind of wetsuits do we have to wear, sleeveless or with sleeves?
A: The type of wetsuit is not mandatory but depending on water temp, we recommend with sleeves!

Q: Where can we rent wetsuits?
A: You can rent a wetsuit for $30.00 (on average) at these locations: Striders & Gazelle Sports.
*We recommend you renting the wetsuit at least one week before the race, so you are able to give it a test drive, and get used to the feel swimming in it. If you would like more information on wetsuits, check out beginnertriathlete.com.

Q: Any suggestions on preventing neck irritation from the wet suit?
A: Try Body Glide or other such products.

Awards

Q: Will there be awards for everyone?
A: Yes, everyone shall receive a finisher's medal at the end of the race! Those who place 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their age group will receive an additional award. Those who place 1st, 2nd or 3rd overall will receive cash prizes.

Q: I couldn't make the awards ceremony, will they be mailed to us, or will we have to pick them up somewhere?
A: Awards will be announced at the awards ceremony after each distance. You do not have to wait for the ceremony. Please make sure you pick your award up by the end of race day, as we will not be mailing them or having a pick-up spot.

Q: Is the prize purse awarded to overall top 3 individuals of each distance?
A: For every race distance under each age group a prize purse will be awarded to the top 3 individuals.

Results

When will the results be posted?
A: Results will be posted on our website, under the tab 'Results', within 24 hours end of race.

Will there be online tracking of the racers?
A: We hope to have this great feature at future races, but as of right now, we do not!

Parking

Q: Where can we park?
A: Athletes and spectators can park at the below locations. There will be trolleys available every 15 minutes to pick you up and drop you off at the 'Athlete Drop Off' area.
• Amway
• Vitale's Parking Lot
• Bank Parking Lots
• Parking lot past Grand River Drive

Area & Location

Q: I am not from the area- where in Grand Rapids is the race location?
A: The race is actually located in the village of Ada and flows into Cascade just 10 minutes east of Grand Rapids. You can find partner hotels on our site under lodging and maps under 'about the area' tab.