Course Description
The event consists of a 750m swim commencing and finishing at Forster Keys Reserve, a 20km bike leg and a 5km run leg (See course maps for details).
Note that registration for the Sprint Triathlon is at Forster Main Beach, not at Forster Keys Reserve.
Swim Course 750m
The course will be a 1 lap clockwise rectangular shaped swim in the sheltered waters of Forster Keys with a deep water start.
The depth of the water varies throughout and there is very little tidal current. As you near the swim finish, swim as close to the shore as possible prior to standing. There will be many trained personnel along the Swim Course (surf rescue on rubber duckies and rescue boards) to assist you in case of any medical emergency while you are in the water. If you experience difficulties during the swim and require assistance, raise your arm. You may use a float or stationary craft to support yourself to regain composure before continuing and not incur a penalty. If you obtain other assistance rules provide that you will be disqualified from taking further part in the race.
WET SUITS: The Triathlon Australia appointed Technical Delegate will take the water temperature 24 hours before race start and the reading will be displayed at Registration on Saturday afternoon. The water temperature will be taken again on race morning and the wearing of wet suits will be conditional upon water temperature. The temperature of the water should be in the vicinity of 22°C. If, however, the temperature is well below this due to freak conditions it is possible the swim could be shortened. Wet suits and an additional cap/s are advisable in such conditions. Wet suits may be checked for acceptable thickness and illegal flotation inserts. Wet suits which do not meet Triathlon Australia acceptable standards in this regard may result in disqualification after the swim.
SWIM START: There will be a minimum of two (2) wave starts commencing at 2:00 pm and separated by up to five (5) minute intervals. Swim caps will be colour coded according to each wave. Details of your wave start grouping will be issued at Saturday Registration and available again at race start. After a race brief in Transition, you will be called to the start area and grouped into your wave. You should ensure you assemble according to your swim cap colour and move to the start line without undue delay. You must not move beyond the start line. You will have sufficient time for a warm up before being called back to the line.
N.B. Technical Officials will monitor competitor behaviour during the swim. Breaches of rules will result in a three minute time penalty prior to entering the bike compound area.
Bike Course 20 km
The bike course will take athletes along King George Pde, Cape Hawke Dr and Panorama Cr. The course is best described as mostly flat to undulating with only a couple of inclines.
After exiting the water, athletes will run up the shute to the bike compound (transition). Change marquees will be located in the compound for those athletes wanting to fully change into cycle attire. Athletes must use the change marquees and not make a full change of clothing in the open compound. Athletes will exit transition at the northern end and cross the official start line, marked on Elizabeth Pde, and commence the bike leg. They must walk their bike within the compound and only mount after crossing this line.
Athletes will ride along Elizabeth Pde for a short distance and then turn left onto King George Pde. At The Lakes Way roundabout athletes will continue through onto Cape Hawke Dr, and after 1km turn left onto Panorama Cr then right back onto Cape Hawke Dr. From here athletes will continue along Cape Hawke Dr until they reach the turnaround point which will be positioned near The Lakes Way roundabout. At this point athletes will complete the first of four (4) laps of Cape Hawke Dr & Panorama Cr. On completion of the fourth lap they will return to transition via King George Pde.
Run Course 5 km
The run course is a 5 km two (2) lap, flat course mostly on Forster Keys Reserve.
The finish arch and recovery area will be positioned near the northern end of transition.
