If you have questions about the Splash & Dash, please read through the FAQs below. If you have further questions, please contact Amy Leach by email or telephone at 715-233-0615.
About the Event
Registration forms must be mailed in. Print one from this website [http://www.maacswimming.com/] and mail it to the address on the form.
Checks only for payment of registration fee.
Registrations must be received by July 20, 2011, and only 100 entrants will be registered.
No. Registration will close July 20, 2011. However, if the race is not full by race day we will accept same day registrations. Check the website to see if the race is full. The cost of same day registration is $30 per child and $60 per family. Please note that late registrants will not receive a t-shirt.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the event is encouraged to contact Suzanne Bilse.
The MAAC Splash and Dash Triathlon will be held in the traditional triathlon format of swim, bike and run. Children will complete each sport in that order. Age-based waves (heats) will determine the starting time for your child. He/she will swim in the Menomonie High School pool, then head immediately to the Transition Area, which will be located in the parking lot south of the school.
The Transition Area is kind of like “home base.” Here, your child will select a parking space in the morning for his/her bike and also put his/her helmet (required), shoes, towel and any clothes next to his/her bike. After completing the swim, your child will go to the Transition Area and retrieve his/her bike, bike helmet, clothes, and shoes and then proceed to the bike course. Volunteers will be available in the Transition Area to assist your child with tying shoes, etc.
After your child finishes the bike leg, he/she will return to the Transition Area, find his/her bike rack and park their bike. Then, they will take off on the run course. The race finishes when they cross the finish line.
Just as in an “adult” triathlon, each child will be assigned a race number, and he/she will wear that on the front of their body during the run portion of the event Your child will also be “bodymarked” a triathlon tradition of writing each participant’s race number on his/her arms and legs.
All bikes are allowed, as long as they are in safe, working condition. All participants must wear a bike helmet during the bike portion.
Cars should park in the main parking lot of Menomonie High school. This parking lot is located on the east side (in front) of the school. From there, participants can bring bikes up to the parking lot transition area on the south side of the school. Check-in will be located just outside the pool entrance.
Photos will be taken and posted to the MAAC website. These photos will be free to download directly from the website.
Every young participant will receive a certificate of participation. Overall awards will be given to the top three finishers in each gender, level and age group.
Race Day Information
Each participant is required to bring:
- Swimsuit, bike, bike helmet (required), biking and running clothes and shoes
- Optional items: goggles, swim cap, kickboard, sunscreen, water bottle
At check-in each participant will receive: a race number on their arm and leg, and a program listing start times for each participant.
Yes, swim vests and kick boards are allowed. Arm floats and other floatation devices are not allowed. Your child may also stop and hold on to the lane lines or the side of the pool when necessary. There will be lifeguards on duty.
Most participants need a towel, water bottle, clothes, socks, shoes and bike helmet. Volunteers will be available to assist athletes in transition with tying shoes, buckling bike helmets or any other needs.
In triathlon, the swimming apparel (swimsuit) is worn the entire event. After the swim, the participant goes to his/her bike rack in the transition area, where their bike, helmet and clothes are waiting for them. Some athletes choose to do the whole race in simply their suit (using a race belt to attach their bib number); others put on a t-shirt after the swim; and others put on a tshirt and shorts after the swim. Whatever you choose, it should be something that you (your child) feels comfortable wearing during the bike and run. Please note that changing clothes (nudity) is not permitted in the transition area. If your child wants to change out of their swimsuit before the bike portion of the race they need to use the designated locker rooms.
For children 8 years old and under: Parents are allowed to help their child in the transition area and can bike with them along the route. We ask that parents are respectful of other participants along the race route. There will be a separate place for parents to park their bikes.
For parents of children over 8 years old: Parents will only be allowed in the transition in the morning before the event begins to help set up their athlete’s bike and run items. Once the event begins, the transition area will be closed to all family and friends. Only athletes and volunteers will be allowed in the T-area during the event. Volunteers will be available to help tie shoes, buckle helmets and direct the kids where to go. Family and friends can connect with the athlete after they have crossed the finish line.
The event will take place if it is raining. However, if there is severe weather, the triathlon will be delayed until the severe weather has passed. If the severe weather is forecast to last all morning, the triathlon will be canceled and an announcement will be made. There are no refunds due to inclement weather.
Each participant will be provided with water and fruit after the race. There will also be a concession stand selling food and beverages before, during and after the race.
Yes. The bike race takes place on streets through the River Heights neighborhood (see bike route map). There will be volunteers and officials spread along the course to ensure the safety of the participants.
There will be a brief awards ceremony once official times have been tabulated.