Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ is designed to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding the Lake Minnetonka Triathlon. If you have a question that is not addressed, or you would like further clarification on a specific topic, please contact our team at info@lakeminnetonkatriathlon.com.
No, sorry. Our website, registration page, and waiver all state that transfers, refunds, and deferrals are not permitted. The reason for this policy is because funds raised go to our local charity partners: Interfaith Outreach and Community for the Commons. Thanks for your understanding!
You will receive three race numbers in your packet:
- Race Bib - your race bib can be fastened to the front, center of your shirt with four safety pins, or worn on a race belt. Your race bib should be worn throughout the run portion of the race.
- Bike Number - your bike number has a sticky adhesive backing to be folded over the top tube or the seat post of your bike. Your number should be visible from both sides of the bike.
- Helmet Number - your helmet number also has a sticky adhesive backing and should be applied to the front, center of your helmet.
*In addition to the three race numbers included in your packet, you will also have your race number and age marked on you at the Body Markings station on race day.
No, the Transition Area is on a first-come-first-serve basis on race day. Please be courteous of those around you when setting up by keeping your things close together. Also note that only racers are allowed in the Transition Area.
Yes, you must race in the Heat that you are assigned due to safety protocols and the way in which we time. Racers who do not go in their assigned Heat will be disqualified. Please note that we often have several Heats with the same color swim cap, so you'll need to pay attention to which Heat you are actually in and not just go because you see others with the same color swim cap.
Heats will be released approximately every 3-5 minutes, depending on Heat size, weather conditions, etc.
We do not have a minimum age requirement; however, the child and the parent/guardian(s) must be comfortable and confident in the child's abilities to race without outside assistance. This means the child must swim in the Heat they've been assigned; they cannot switch to a Heat to be with a parent, etc. If your child would like a Swim Angel assigned to them for the swim portion of the race, please contact our team at info@lakeminnetonkatriathlon.com. The parent/guardian must register and sign the waiver on behalf of the minor.
ABOUT: A Relay Team is made up of two or three athletes that compete as a team by breaking up the three legs of the race amongst them. Only one person is on the course at a time. There are three divisions for Relay Teams: all male, all female, and co-ed.
REGISTRATION: Pricing is for a team; however, each team member must register separately in order to sign the participant waiver. The first team member to register will be prompted to pay and set up the team, then additional team members will be able to join the team and will not pay.
PACKET PICK-UP: Only one member of the team needs to come to Packet Pick-Up to collect race bags, race numbers, one race chip, and one swim cap for the team.
RACE DAY: All members of the team should visit the Body Markings station on race day. Team members will hand off the race chip to one another in the Transition Area.
The Lake Minnetonka Triathlon is not USAT-sanctioned.
Wetsuit? - Optional. We recommend wearing a wetsuit for added warmth and buoyancy; however, wearing one is not required.
Goggles? - Yes, goggles are necessary for the swim portion. It will be very difficult to swim without.
Swim cap? - YES! You are required to wear the swim cap that you are given at Packet Pick-Up for the entire swim portion of the race. You should only take off your swim cap while in the water if you need help. If you do need help, take off your swim cap and wave it in the air. Taking off your swim cap during the swim portion will automatically disqualify you and you cannot continue with the rest of the race.
Bike Helmet? - YES! All participants are required to wear an ANSI or SNELL approved hard-shelled helmet throughout the full length of the bike portion of the race.
Pedal Straps/Clip-ins? - Yes, you may use pedal straps or clip-in cycling shoes, but you should be comfortable using them to avoid any accidents when trying to get out of the straps/clips.
Hydration Vest? - Yes, you may wear a hydration vest if you would like.
Sunglasses/Cycling Glasses? - Yes, many racers find that sunglasses are extremely helpful for the bike and run portions of the race. Make sure they fit you well so they don't fall off during the race.
Race Watch or Smart Watch? - Yes; however, we are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.
Headphones/AirPods? – Only during certain portions of the race:
- During the swim? – No, swimmers need to be able to hear any directions given by our water support team.
- During the bike? – No, bikers need to be able to hear any instructions given by volunteers and law enforcement (bad weather, accident ahead, etc.) and from other racers passing.
- During the run? – Yes, but you must still be aware of your surroundings and watch for other racers to avoid any collisions. We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.
What gear should I wear? See the section above on what gear you can and cannot wear. Wetsuits can be expensive and often are not something a beginner wants to invest in right away. You can either rent one or simply wear a swim suit or spandex shorts for the swim. The benefits of a wetsuit are that they provide warmth and some buoyancy; however, they can feel restricting or uncomfortable for someone who is not used to wearing one. As for the bike and run portions of the race, wear whatever you're comfortable in, whether that be a tri suit, tank top or t-shirt, and shorts. A shirt of some kind is required. You'll also want to make sure to bring your goggles, swim cap, towel, bike, helmet, socks, shoes, water bottle, race numbers, and race chip with you. Set it all out the night before so you are not scrambling the morning of the race.
What should I eat/drink? This is different for every individual, but you can click here for some helpful tips.
How should I train? There is not a one-size-fits-all training plan; however, we do have a few suggestions to prepare for race day:
- Practice open-water swimming prior to race day. Swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool! (And if you're planning to wear a wetsuit for the first time, make sure you practice with the wetsuit on!)
- Practice your transition (i.e. quickly taking off your wet suit, drying off, putting on socks, shoes, and helmet, etc.)
- Begin training a minimum of 12 weeks out
- Incorporate rest days in your training plan
What else should I know? Arrive early and walk the in and out chutes of the Transition Area so you know where they are in relation to your bike. Once the race starts, stay calm and have fun! The swim is often the most nerve-wracking portion of the race for first time triathletes. Just remember that you can hang back for a few seconds on the beach to let the majority of people in your Heat get ahead of you. You can also float on your back or hang onto a paddleboard/kayak/etc. if you need a break. Don't get too caught up on your time - enjoy the experience and be proud that you are trying something new!
If there is severe weather, the Race Director reserves the right to convert the triathlon to a duathlon (no swim portion of the race for safety reasons). If there is extreme weather, the Race Director reserves the right to cancel the event entirely. No refunds will be given.
Before the decision would be made to convert the race to a duathlon, or cancel it altogether, the Race Director would attempt to delay the event up to 45 minutes if weather patterns appear to be improving. The final decision resides with the Race Director, in consultation with the Excelsior Fire Department.
There is one water station along the run course and one station at the finish line. Most racers will bring a water bottle on their bike to drink along the bike course and while in the Transition Area.
The Clydesdale and Athena divisions are something that you can opt into, if you are a man weighing 220+ pounds (Clydesdale) or a woman weighing 165+ pounds (Athena). Even if you meet these weight requirements, you may still choose whether or not to opt into this division. We will not be doing weigh-in's and have an "on your honor" policy that racers who do not meet the requirements will not register as such.
