Restless Triathlon FAQs

What is a triathlon?

A triathlon is an exciting three-sport race, which takes place in the following order: swim, bike, run.

What is a wave?

All athletes are placed in groups or “waves” broken down by age category. As the Restless Triathlon is in a pool 5/6 teams of 4 will start in each wave. Once these teams have finished their relay the next wave will start. Each wave has a staggered start time to ensure that the race course is not too busy and is therefore safe.

Are races timed?

Yes. Athletes are given a Velcro-strapped, chip-timing anklet in their pre-event race pack. The anklet is to be worn for the entire race and will be removed by volunteers upon crossing the finish line. Timing results are available after the race on the website. There will be one timing chip per team that is passed on as part of the bike and run transition.

What is a typical day?

Upon arrival, you will be directed to the registration area where you will pick up your race pack which includes everything you need for the day e.g. timing chip and race number. You will then drop your bike and helmet off in the Transition area and head to the swimming pool, ensuring you arrive 20 minutes before your wave start time. Each team member will take it in turns to complete their swim.

Once the 4th swimmer has completed their leg of the relay, the timing will stopped to allow all team members to get dressed. Once dressed, all team members will then go to the bike transition area and begin their bike legs.

Once the first 3 team members have completed their legs and the 4th runner is on the course they can go to the finish line to cheer their last team member over the line and collect their medals together.

Family and friends are encouraged to cheer athletes along, especially as they cross the finish line and receive their participant medals.

Please explain lap and loop counting.

Depending on your child’s age category and related race course distances, he/she will need to complete a certain number of laps in the Swim portion of the race and a certain number of course loops in the Bike and Run portions of the race.

Equipment and clothing

What clothing should my child wear?

Athletes start the race in their swimsuits. Once the swim is completed, the timing will be stopped to allow athletes to get changed into their bike/run gear.

What shoes should my child wear?

Normal running shoes are the only footwear permitted.

What kind of equipment does my child need to participate?

The only equipment needed is a bike and helmet for the Bike portion of the race. Bikes can be shared between team members as long as they are of similar height. However, every child must bring their own helmet.

When does my child need to wear his/her helmet?

Athletes must put on their bike helmets with chin straps fully buckled in the Transition area and wear them when in contact with their bikes. Helmets must be worn until the moment the athletes dismount their bikes and hand them to Volunteers to be placed in the Bike Drop area before staring the Run portion of the race.

Recommended: Water bottle, towel for Transition.

What bike can my child use?

The bike section is on grass so any bike can be used that is suitable for grass, but it must be road worthy. If you are unsure about the condition of your child’s bike, we recommend having it inspected by a professional bike shop.

Transition and Bike drop

What is the transition area?

The Transition area is located outside and near the exit from the pool where athletes go immediately upon completing their swim. It is a secured area in which athletes set up their equipment needed for the Bike and Run portions of the race prior to the start of the race.

Who is allowed in the transition area?

Only athletes and volunteers are allowed in Transition. Volunteers will assist athletes as needed during the race (i.e. tying shoe laces, buckling bike helmet chin straps, etc.).

What is in the transition area?

Athletes will keep their clothes and shoes for the bike and run sections by the pool as they will change here, not in the transition area. Athletes will also keep helmets with them by the pool so they can all have these on before their turn on the bike apart from the 1st team member who can leave this on the bike. All that needs to be in the transition area is therefore the bike.

What is the bike drop area?

The Bike Drop area is where athletes are directed by signs and Volunteers to dismount their bikes to begin the Run portion of the race. Volunteers take the bikes from the athletes and place them on racks where they will remain until athletes pick them up after the race. We recommend that you label your child’s equipment to avoid potential confusion when picking up after the race. Restless Triathlon is not responsible for any lost equipment.

What will my start time be?

Although we cannot give exact timings we will provide estimated wave start times.

Can I enter a mixed relay team?

Yes.

When will I receive my race number/chip?

You will pick up your race numbers and safety pins at registration on the day of the event. You will also receive your timing chip and instructions on how to wear it at registration.

Can I listen to music during the triathlon?

Unfortunately, for your own and other competitors safety it is not permitted to use any music system that restricts your hearing during the event.

Do I need a swim cap?

You may use your own swim cap if you wish, as long as it is noticeable in the water.

Do I need a pair of swimming goggles?

It is recommended that you use them, but it is your choice.

Can I use any stroke for the swim?

Due to the safety of other competitors back stroke, tumble turns and diving are not permitted during the swim.

Is drafting permitted during the triathlon?

Drafting is where you cycle close behind another competitor. This is not allowed as this is first and foremost a fun event, and it is also safer if children are not cycling too close together.

Cyclists must maintain a forward distance of 5 metres between each other at all times except when overtaking. It is the responsibility of the overtaken rider to drop back to maintain this gap. As this is many children’s first triathlon this is more for safety and will be sensibly looked at by stewards, especially in the younger years.

Will there be any water available during the run?

Yes, there will be one or more feed stations around the course serving water.

Are spectators encouraged?

Absolutely. This is a fun day out for family and friends and support can make all the difference to the children completing this challenge. The better the atmosphere the more fun the competitors will have so please come along.

Can I bring a dog?

While we love dogs they do not mix well with kids and bikes so unfortunately no dogs can come to the event.

British Triathlon Association license

The events are licensed with British Triathlon for insurance and safety purposes. We have paid for a day license as for you when you registered, as well as funding the event, so please really go for that £100 individual and £400 team fundraising target.

Safety tips

  • It is best not to have long laces in trainers. Ziploc laces are recommended as easy to do up and do not get caught in the bike.
  • When overtaking on the bike please call clearly and over take on the right. If you are cycling slowly please keep to the left to allow overtaking.
  • Some areas of the bike course has sharp corners so please slow down and be aware of those around you.
  • Do not change direction quickly.
  • If you do have a problem with your bike, such as a chain falling off, please call for a volunteer to help you.