Tris4Health. Athletes first.
Huntington Bank Grand Rapids Triathlon

Quick Answers

Answers for race day and beyond.

The details athletes ask most, gathered in one place.

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Packet pickup is at the race venue inside Ada Park (1116 Buttrick Ave SE). Packet pickup and expo will be held under the park pavilion. Parking will be available in the Ada Park lots at the entrance off of Grand River Dr.

As this is a USAT-sanctioned event, you must show a copy or picture of your ID in order to pick up your packet.

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Packet Pickup (morning*), Ada Park Pavillion. *Super Sprint & Sprint distances only. **Parking on-site.

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Packet Pickup (afternoon*), Ada Park Pavillion. *Olympic & Half distances. **Parking on-site.

In the event of an emergency or the need of Tris4Health to communicate important information on event-day, please stay tuned to Tris4Health’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, your email, and venue PA announcements.

How does the swim start work?
We use a self-seeded time-trial start for each swim. Find the signs that match up with your target pace or finish time, and you’ll be all set!

Do I need to wear a swim cap?
Yes, this helps lifeguards do their job. If you have a latex allergy, you may use your own silicone cap.

What do I do if I need assistance during the swim?
We will have plenty of safety boats and lifeguards on the water. If you need help, raise your arm to attract the attention of our swim safety team. You are welcome to stop and hold onto a boat or kayak at any time, as long as it does not help with forward propulsion.

What are the rules surrounding the use of wetsuits?
84+: No Wetsuits
78.1 – 83.9: Wetsuits can be worn, but the athlete will not be eligible for awards.
70.6 – 78: Wetsuits optional
60.6: Wetsuits mandatory

Can we enter the water prior to the start of the race?
Yes, you will have some time to get into the water before the first swim wave of the day starts. Once the first race has begun, you WILL NOT be able to enter the water.

Can we practice the swim course prior to the event?
Yes, but unlike previous years, the preview event will take place the day before the race, not the week before.

Are disc wheels permitted?
Yes

Can I listen to music on the bike?
No! Headphones are not permitted.

Will there be SAG support on the bike course?
Yes, but we recommend that all athletes be able to repair a puncture and carry the tools to do so, as we cannot guarantee how quickly SAG will reach you. Our great SAG partners will be available in the transition area race morning if you have any last-minute issues.

How many aid stations will there be on the bike course?
There are no aid stations on the Super Sprint, Sprint, and Olympic courses. The Half course features two aid stations that the athletes will hit 4x (miles 14.5, 27, 29, and 41.5).

Is the bike course open to traffic?
Yes! Please obey all road rules and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

Is drafting allowed?
No, and we will have officials on course looking for it!

Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes, you need to wear a helmet. If you do not, we will pull you from the course and disqualify you.

Can I listen to music on the run?
No, music is not allowed. You can get DQ’d. Talk to people, maybe you’ll make a new friend.

Do I need to display my number?
Yes, you must wear your bib number on the run.

How often will I see distance markers?
Distances are marked (approximately) every mile.

How many aid stations are there on the run course?
We have five aid stations in total, each covering both sides of the road. They are spaced out every 1 to 1.5 miles.

Is the course open to traffic?
No, this is considered a soft closing. Through traffic is not allowed, but residents can get to and from their houses, so you will see some cars.

Does each member of the relay team have to be present at packet pickup?
No. One person can pick up for all members, but will need to show a copy of each relay member’s ID (a photocopy or photo is acceptable).

How does the chip exchange work?
We have a relay chip exchange coral located in the transition area. The receiving team member waits here for the chip handoff.

Can a person do more than one leg of the relay?
Yes. One individual can do two of the relay legs.

Can you mix male/female teams?
Yes, relays are gender neutral.

Can all team members cross the finish line together?
Yes, we are a family-friendly finish and encourage the team to celebrate their finish together.

Swim – 9:30 am
Bike – 12:15 pm
Run – 3:30 pm

The post-race area will be hopping with Larry Crabbe on the mic, music, finisher medals, food, a beer tent, and great vibes.

Post-race food will feature Pepsi products along with: bananas, oranges, cookies, bagels, pastries, and more. Gatorade will also be distributed at the finish line.

Due to security and other race logistics issues, we cannot stage until the morning of the event.

Each aid station will have water and Gatorade Endurance to fuel.

Run aid stations will have a selection of fruit and salty snacks.

This event is held at Ada Park in Ada, Michigan.

1116 Buttrick Ave SE
Ada, MI 49301

We will be running trolleys FREE of charge all day on race day. Please park in the designated areas and ride to the start line. Trolleys will stop by every 10 minutes.

Equipment is not allowed on the shuttles. Athletes can drop off their gear at the Athlete Drop-off shown on the map, where volunteers will watch it, then park and return by shuttle.

Road closures will go into effect Sunday morning from 4 am – 5pm and will impact Thornapple River Drive (from River St south to Cascade), Buttrick Ave (from Thornapple River Drive to Grand River), and Grand River (from Buttrick to Old Oak Hill Drive).

This is considered a soft-closure as residents will be able to use the roads, but through traffic will not.

Plan your weekend.

See the race-weekend schedule from packet pickup through the finish.

RACE WEEKEND →