AlbanyTri 2024: Heat Assignments & Info
Race day is this Sunday 22 September 2024! Here is some important info to help you get ready for the big day. On your mark…. Get set… Read this post! 👀
Can’t make it? Let us know!
If you or your child has registered but cannot participate this year, please let us know if you can’t make it! This will help us finalize the heats to deal with a slight oversubscription in some of the heats. We can give you credit towards next year’s event.
Final Heat Assignments
Visit this Google spreadsheet (updated 9/20) to view your heat assignment (heat number and start time) for starting the swim portion of the race, in heats of 20 swimmers. Use the tabs at the bottom of the page (desktop) or top of the page (mobile) to view the assignments sorted by heat number or athlete name/team name. Relay team members are listed in a separate tab. Can’t find yourself in the spreadsheet? Let us know ASAP!
Lingo notes: Heat number starts with MC = main course, or SC = short course. Chip # corresponds to the timing chip that you will receive in your race packet (see packet pickup info below).
Your final, official heat number and start time will also be printed on your packet and bracelet that you will wear at the event, but it’s a good idea to make a note of it now. In one or two cases, the “final final” heat assignment could change, so be sure to confirm it on your actual race packet!
Heat start times: The Short course heats (“SC1, SC2, SC3…”) start at 8:00am with subsequent heats every 10 minutes. The Main course heats (“MC1, MC2, MC3…”) start at 9:15am with subsequent heats every 15 minutes. Arrive at the outdoor pool 5-10 min before your heat starts, and pick any open lane as swimmers from the previous heat exit the pool (first come, first served). Feel free to warm up in the indoor pool (~85ºF) or in the outdoor pool (~80ºF), but be sure to be in the water and ready to go at the west side of the pool deck at your heat start time! 🏊🏻
When to arrive at the event: On Sunday, aim to arrive at the Albany Aquatic Center at least 1 hour before your start time, possibly earlier if you are new to the triathlon business. The registration area will open at ~6:45am and will be located in front of the Aquatic Center along Portland Ave. First time triathletes should arrive a little earlier to allow for more prep time and an easier time finding a spot in the correct zone of the transition area.
Packet Pickup Saturday at Road Runner Sports
You’ll receive your race packet at packet pickup packet pickupSaturday 9/21/24 between 1–4pm at Road Runners Sports in Berkeley. Bring your packet with you on race day! Race packets can also be picked up on Sunday morning, but pick them up on Saturday to avoid waiting in line. You may pick up packets for family & friends. Bring some proof of ID for yourself and the folks your picking up for.
At packet pickup, you can also chat with the organizers, review the course map, and get a discount on in-store purchases. Saturday pickup also provides the AlbanyTri more income from Road Runners!
Timing chip and bracelets: The race packet contains a velcro strap with your timing chip labeled with your chip number, as well as two security bracelets. Put these things on before you leave the house on race day morning, or when your receive them at the event, where a volunteer can help you put them on.
- Timing chip (velcro) goes on your LEFT ANKLE.
- One security bracelet goes on your wrist (right or left).
- Other security bracelet goes on the top tube of your bike.
The timing chip must be returned at the end of the race. There will be a volunteer collecting chips after you cross the finish line. You will be charged $50 if we don’t receive your chip!
Relay teams: One timing chip is used by all members of a relay team. The packet will include four (4) wrist bands, one for each team member’s wrist and one for the bike’s top tube. The relay team captain should pick up the packet and distribute the chip and wrist bands to team members on race day morning. Check out the relay team section of our FAQ for how to transition between relay team members during the race. In the transition area there will be a space designated for relay teams — relay team members should be in this area while waiting for their other team members on the course.
Beat-A-Triathlete
To enhance fundraising, use our Beat-A-Triathlete form to pledge to donate an extra dollar amount (up to a limit) for everyone that can beat your time at this year’s Albany Community Triathlon. Relay teams can also register for this challenge.
You can specify how much you’re willing to donate for each person that beats your finish time, and what your total donation limit is (if any). You also decide the size of the field you want to compete against: all participants, all men, all women, just the members of your 10-year age group bracket, or another group specified on the form. Step up to the challenge! 💪🏼
AlbanyTri Website for extra info
Review our FAQ and course map before race day to get familiar with this race. First-timers should especially review our tips for bike lap counting, one of the more challenging aspects of this course. Main course athletes will complete 12 laps on the bike clockwise around the park and high school, which will be slightly over 10K if you’re using a GPS tracker. Short course athletes do just 3 laps on the bike (2.5K). The run portion of the race is three laps (main course) or 1 lap (short course) run on the sidewalk counter-clockwise around the park/high-school.
Transition area is for athletes only. We need to keep transition area clear and secure as possible. It can get hectic with some athletes competing while other athletes are arriving and setting up. There will be separate areas for SC, MC, and relay teams. It’s OK for a parent to accompany a small child in the transition area, but definitely avoid bringing family pets 🐶.
Racers: have a safe, fun, and invigorating time on race day! Reward our sponsors with your patronage, and thank our volunteers & organizers for enabling this event to run smoothly!
Albany Community Triathlon 