Frequently Asked Questions

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No, sorry. Our website and registration page both state that transfers, refunds, and deferrals are not permitted.

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.

*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 Marshall. 

No, the Lake Minnetonka Triathlon is not USA Certified.

No, only racers and a select few volunteers are allowed in the Transition Area. 

If you’re concerned about your time in the Transition Area, practice before the race. Then on race day, arrive early and set out your clothes, shoes, towel, etc. so you know exactly where everything is.

No, as long as the child and their parent/guardian(s) are comfortable with their child swimming in the lake on their own, they can participate in our triathlon. If your child would like a swim angel or paddleboarder/kayaker assigned to them for the swim portion of the race, please contact the Race Director at info@lakeminnetonkatriathlon.com at least two weeks prior to race day.

No, you must race in the Heat that you have been assigned. If you do not follow these directions, your time will be disqualified.

Yes, although you will not be eligible to win any awards. You must wait for volunteers to give you the “go ahead” for the bike portion, as this option does not mean that you’ll be the first person out of the bike corral to start on the bike course.

Pedal straps? - Yes

Wet suit? - Yes, we strongly recommend wearing a wet suit as the lake can be a bit cold and wet suits helps with buoyancy; however, wearing one is not required.

*If you do not currently have a wet suit, but would like to purchase or rent one – please contact Gear West.

Swim cap? - YES! In fact, you are required to wear the swim cap that you are given the entire swim portion of the race. You should only take off your swim cap mid-swim if you need help. If you do need help, take off your swim cap and wave it around in the air. Taking off your swim cap during the swim portion will automatically disqualify you and you cannot continue with the bike or run portions of the race.

Life jacket or other floatation device? - Yes, life jackets and floatation devices are allowed; however, if you (or your child) needs one, you might not be ready to partake in a triathlon. If you are concerned about your swimming abilities, we can have a swim angel or paddleboarder specifically assigned to you to offer breaks along the swim course. You are also allowed to hold onto paddleboards/kayaks, but will not be allowed to get on one unless you want to quit the race, and then will be brought back to shore.

Bike Helmet? - YES! All participants must wear an ANSI or SNELL approved hard-shelled helmet throughout the full length of the bike portion of the race.

Headphones? – Only during certain portions of the race:

During the swim? – No, swimmers need to be able to hear any instructions given by volunteers and/or lifeguards.

During the bike? – No, bikers need to be able to hear any instructions given by volunteers and/or law enforcement along the course if anything were to happen (bad weather, accident ahead, etc.). Also, in some spots along the course, bikers may be sharing the road with vehicles. Although bikers have the right of way, they still need to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

During the run? – Yes; however, we are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

Race Watch or Smart Watch? - Yes; however, we are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

Yes, but this can be tricky. You would have to wear both timing chips, then hand off the correct timing chip to your relay partner. If you accidently hand off the wrong chip, the times will be flip-flopped and cannot be corrected. 

If you are planning to do this, please contact us prior to race day at info@lakeminnetonkatriathlon.com

No, this could be a potential safety issue.