General Questions
Q: What is your refund/roll over policy?
Q: What will the course be like?
Q: Where are the restroom facilities?
Q: How many racers will be competing in the triathlon and duathlon?
Q: Can someone hand me my glasses at the end of the swim?
Q: Do I have to get body marked at the race?
Q: If I didn’t make it into the race, can I still participate by using the course?
Q: I can't race. Can I give someone else my bib to race instead?
Q: What time is the awards ceremony?
Q: Where is the awards ceremony?
Q: How can I contact the Heart of the Valley Triathlon or the race director?
Q: What is your refund/roll over policy?
We do not offer refunds or transfers to another person. However, we understand that life happens. If something comes up and you can't make it to the race, we will roll your registration fee to the next year, or toward another Best in the West Event. Roll overs are based on the following schedule:
28 days (or more) from race day - 97% of registration fee
21-27 days from race day - 75% of registration fee
14-20 days from race day - 50% of registration fee
7-14 days from race day - 25% of registration fee
0-6 days - No roll over.
Requests for registration roll over or transfer to another race must be made via email: [email protected]
Q: What will the course be like?
A: Course descriptions and maps are available here. The bike course has not changed.
Q: Where are the restroom facilities?
A: There are portable toilets near the finish area. The locker rooms have ample toilets and showers and will be available before, during and after the race for all participants.
Q: How many racers will be competing in the triathlon and duathlon?
A: There will be around 150 competitors and teams in the triathlon and 20 competitors in the duathlon.
Q: Can someone hand me my glasses at the end of the swim?
A: Yes, but they will not be allowed in the swim exit chute and will have to stand behind the cones lining the run to transition. You are also welcome to stage your glasses on the table near the swim exit before you get in the water.
Q: Do I have to get body marked at the race?
A: Yes, body marking will be available on race day at the entrance to transition. This helps with transition security, as your body markings much match your bike number. You may not body mark yourself. If you have allergies to the body marking materials please let race officials know and we will find an alternative way to secure your numbers.
Q: If I didn’t register for the race, can I still participate by using the course?
A: No, anyone who is not officially entered in the event will be removed from the course. If you participate in the race without being registered and you cause an accident, you may be liable and subject to prosecution.
Q: I can't race. Can I give someone else my bib to race instead?
A: No. There are many reasons why we can not have transfers of race numbers. Foremost is safety. If you have further questions, contact the race director.
Q: Where is the awards ceremony?
A: The awards ceremony will take place at the Finish.
Q: How can I contact the Heart of the Valley Triathlon or the race director?
Email: [email protected]
Q: What will the course be like?
Q: Where are the restroom facilities?
Q: How many racers will be competing in the triathlon and duathlon?
Q: Can someone hand me my glasses at the end of the swim?
Q: Do I have to get body marked at the race?
Q: If I didn’t make it into the race, can I still participate by using the course?
Q: I can't race. Can I give someone else my bib to race instead?
Q: What time is the awards ceremony?
Q: Where is the awards ceremony?
Q: How can I contact the Heart of the Valley Triathlon or the race director?
Q: What is your refund/roll over policy?
We do not offer refunds or transfers to another person. However, we understand that life happens. If something comes up and you can't make it to the race, we will roll your registration fee to the next year, or toward another Best in the West Event. Roll overs are based on the following schedule:
28 days (or more) from race day - 97% of registration fee
21-27 days from race day - 75% of registration fee
14-20 days from race day - 50% of registration fee
7-14 days from race day - 25% of registration fee
0-6 days - No roll over.
Requests for registration roll over or transfer to another race must be made via email: [email protected]
Q: What will the course be like?
A: Course descriptions and maps are available here. The bike course has not changed.
Q: Where are the restroom facilities?
A: There are portable toilets near the finish area. The locker rooms have ample toilets and showers and will be available before, during and after the race for all participants.
Q: How many racers will be competing in the triathlon and duathlon?
A: There will be around 150 competitors and teams in the triathlon and 20 competitors in the duathlon.
Q: Can someone hand me my glasses at the end of the swim?
A: Yes, but they will not be allowed in the swim exit chute and will have to stand behind the cones lining the run to transition. You are also welcome to stage your glasses on the table near the swim exit before you get in the water.
Q: Do I have to get body marked at the race?
A: Yes, body marking will be available on race day at the entrance to transition. This helps with transition security, as your body markings much match your bike number. You may not body mark yourself. If you have allergies to the body marking materials please let race officials know and we will find an alternative way to secure your numbers.
Q: If I didn’t register for the race, can I still participate by using the course?
A: No, anyone who is not officially entered in the event will be removed from the course. If you participate in the race without being registered and you cause an accident, you may be liable and subject to prosecution.
Q: I can't race. Can I give someone else my bib to race instead?
A: No. There are many reasons why we can not have transfers of race numbers. Foremost is safety. If you have further questions, contact the race director.
Q: Where is the awards ceremony?
A: The awards ceremony will take place at the Finish.
Q: How can I contact the Heart of the Valley Triathlon or the race director?
Email: [email protected]
Swim Questions
Q: How do I change my swim time?
Q: How deep is the pool?
Q: What is the pool temperature?
Q: Is there an aid station at the swim start?
Q: Will there be a swim warm-up?
Q: Are spectators allowed in the pool?
Q: Is there a gear check at the swim start?
Q: Can I give my warmups/shoes to my friends/family?
Q: Can I use any stroke in the swim portion?
Q: Will I be disqualified if I hang onto the lane lines?
Q: Will the locker rooms be available?
Q: Can I change in the locker rooms between the swim and the bike?
Q: How do the waves start?
Q: How many people will be in each lane?
Q: Do I have to wear a swim cap?
Q: How will I know I have completed the 750 meters?
Q: It looks like it might be cold on race day, can I bring a towel and my jacket to put on before I leave the pool area?
Q: The run to transition is almost a quarter of a mile, what is the surface like and can I wear shoes?
Q: How do I change my swim time?
A: Email your new 500 yd swim time in the format mm:ss to [email protected], or click the link to "manage your registration" in your confirmation email and adjust your time as much as you'd like.
Q: How deep is the pool?
A: The pool depth of the inside 50 pool ranges from 4ft at one end to over 10ft at the other.
Q: What is the pool temperature?
A: The pool temperate is usually kept just below 80 degrees.
Q: Is there an aid station at the swim start?
A: No, but there is water available to athletes near the transition area.
Q: Will there be a swim warm-up?
A: Yes, there will be a designated warm up lane in the pool. Athletes are welcome to warm up in this lane at any time.
Q: Are spectators allowed in the pool?
A: Yes, there is a spectator area. Spectators will not be allowed on the pool deck from the swim exit point to the transition entrance. Spectators please exit through the main entrance and exit, do not follow your athlete when they are headed to transition.
Q: Is there a gear check at the swim start?
A: No. All gear you bring into the pool, you must take with you after the swim. Unless you are going to put them back on before transition, we recommend leaving all warmups in the transition area prior to your wave start. Some day use lockers are available in Osborn. The race and facility are not responsible for items left on the pool deck or in the locker room.
Q: Can I give my warmups/shoes to my friends/family?
A: Yes. If you have spectators at the race, you are welcome to give any gear you have to them.
Q: Can I use any stroke in the swim portion?
A: You may use any stroke that allows you to get from one end of the pool to the other, but can not use the wall or lane lines to pull yourself through the water.
Q: Will I be disqualified if I hang onto the lane lines?
A: No. You may stop and rest during the swim, however it is recommended that you rest at the wall.
Q: Will the locker rooms be available?
A: Yes, the locker rooms will be available from 6:00 am until 2pm. You may use the locker rooms after the swim portion before heading out to transition to the bike.
Q: Can I change in the locker rooms between the swim and the bike?
A: Yes, however, your swim time does not stop while you are changing. Also, you MUST re-enter the pool deck and exit the pool through racer exit to get your swim time and be able to re-enter transition.
Q: How do the waves start?
A: Swimmers will start in a designated order. This order is available on race morning when you get to the pool. Swimmers will be sent off 5 seconds apart. Your race time is based on your starting position. You must start in your correct position even if there is no one in front of you.
Q: How many people will be in each lane?
A: 4 people will swim in each lane.
Q: Is there passing? How do I pass or what if someone needs to pass me?
A: Yes, passing is allowed. Athletes will circle swim in the counter-clockwise direction. To pass, it is recommended that you tap the person’s feet in front of you. They should then “pull over” at the next wall allowing you to pass safely. We do not recommend mid-lane passing as this will likely result in a head on collision with another swimmer.
Q: Do I have to wear a swim cap?
A: No but it is encouraged to help the lap counters identify you.
Q: How will I know I have completed the 500 meters?
A: There will be a volunteer lap counter at the end of each lane. When you have one lap (50 meters) to go, they will signal you with a red lap counter sign. That signal means it is time to get out when you reach the next wall. Our volunteers do their best to be accurate with their counting, but sometimes with 4 swimmers in a lane things can get a little crazy. We recommend that you also count your laps. 2 heads are better than 1!
Q: It looks like it might be cold on race day, can I bring a towel and my jacket to put on before I leave the pool area?
A: Yes you can towel off and put on clothing, but your swim time will not stop until you exit the pool area. Please do not block other racers from exiting the building. Do not leave anything on deck as you can not leave and come back in during the race.
Q: The run to transition is far, what is the surface like and can I wear shoes?
A: The surface is pavement and sidewalk. It will be swept on race morning, so it should be free of rocks. You are welcome to wear shoes from the pool to transition.
Q: How deep is the pool?
Q: What is the pool temperature?
Q: Is there an aid station at the swim start?
Q: Will there be a swim warm-up?
Q: Are spectators allowed in the pool?
Q: Is there a gear check at the swim start?
Q: Can I give my warmups/shoes to my friends/family?
Q: Can I use any stroke in the swim portion?
Q: Will I be disqualified if I hang onto the lane lines?
Q: Will the locker rooms be available?
Q: Can I change in the locker rooms between the swim and the bike?
Q: How do the waves start?
Q: How many people will be in each lane?
Q: Do I have to wear a swim cap?
Q: How will I know I have completed the 750 meters?
Q: It looks like it might be cold on race day, can I bring a towel and my jacket to put on before I leave the pool area?
Q: The run to transition is almost a quarter of a mile, what is the surface like and can I wear shoes?
Q: How do I change my swim time?
A: Email your new 500 yd swim time in the format mm:ss to [email protected], or click the link to "manage your registration" in your confirmation email and adjust your time as much as you'd like.
Q: How deep is the pool?
A: The pool depth of the inside 50 pool ranges from 4ft at one end to over 10ft at the other.
Q: What is the pool temperature?
A: The pool temperate is usually kept just below 80 degrees.
Q: Is there an aid station at the swim start?
A: No, but there is water available to athletes near the transition area.
Q: Will there be a swim warm-up?
A: Yes, there will be a designated warm up lane in the pool. Athletes are welcome to warm up in this lane at any time.
Q: Are spectators allowed in the pool?
A: Yes, there is a spectator area. Spectators will not be allowed on the pool deck from the swim exit point to the transition entrance. Spectators please exit through the main entrance and exit, do not follow your athlete when they are headed to transition.
Q: Is there a gear check at the swim start?
A: No. All gear you bring into the pool, you must take with you after the swim. Unless you are going to put them back on before transition, we recommend leaving all warmups in the transition area prior to your wave start. Some day use lockers are available in Osborn. The race and facility are not responsible for items left on the pool deck or in the locker room.
Q: Can I give my warmups/shoes to my friends/family?
A: Yes. If you have spectators at the race, you are welcome to give any gear you have to them.
Q: Can I use any stroke in the swim portion?
A: You may use any stroke that allows you to get from one end of the pool to the other, but can not use the wall or lane lines to pull yourself through the water.
Q: Will I be disqualified if I hang onto the lane lines?
A: No. You may stop and rest during the swim, however it is recommended that you rest at the wall.
Q: Will the locker rooms be available?
A: Yes, the locker rooms will be available from 6:00 am until 2pm. You may use the locker rooms after the swim portion before heading out to transition to the bike.
Q: Can I change in the locker rooms between the swim and the bike?
A: Yes, however, your swim time does not stop while you are changing. Also, you MUST re-enter the pool deck and exit the pool through racer exit to get your swim time and be able to re-enter transition.
Q: How do the waves start?
A: Swimmers will start in a designated order. This order is available on race morning when you get to the pool. Swimmers will be sent off 5 seconds apart. Your race time is based on your starting position. You must start in your correct position even if there is no one in front of you.
Q: How many people will be in each lane?
A: 4 people will swim in each lane.
Q: Is there passing? How do I pass or what if someone needs to pass me?
A: Yes, passing is allowed. Athletes will circle swim in the counter-clockwise direction. To pass, it is recommended that you tap the person’s feet in front of you. They should then “pull over” at the next wall allowing you to pass safely. We do not recommend mid-lane passing as this will likely result in a head on collision with another swimmer.
Q: Do I have to wear a swim cap?
A: No but it is encouraged to help the lap counters identify you.
Q: How will I know I have completed the 500 meters?
A: There will be a volunteer lap counter at the end of each lane. When you have one lap (50 meters) to go, they will signal you with a red lap counter sign. That signal means it is time to get out when you reach the next wall. Our volunteers do their best to be accurate with their counting, but sometimes with 4 swimmers in a lane things can get a little crazy. We recommend that you also count your laps. 2 heads are better than 1!
Q: It looks like it might be cold on race day, can I bring a towel and my jacket to put on before I leave the pool area?
A: Yes you can towel off and put on clothing, but your swim time will not stop until you exit the pool area. Please do not block other racers from exiting the building. Do not leave anything on deck as you can not leave and come back in during the race.
Q: The run to transition is far, what is the surface like and can I wear shoes?
A: The surface is pavement and sidewalk. It will be swept on race morning, so it should be free of rocks. You are welcome to wear shoes from the pool to transition.
Bike Questions
Q: Are there aid stations on the bike course?
Q: Will there be bike technicians available for assistance on race day?
Q: If I break down on the bike course will there be any assistance offered?
Q: Is there a mountain bike division?
Q: Can I use a tandem or recumbent bike in the race?
Q: Do I have to get my bike inspected?
Q: Is drafting allowed?
Q: Can I wear headphones?
Q: Are there aid stations on the bike course?
A: No. Please come to the race with a full water bottle and an extra, if you think you'll need it. Water is available near the transition area for filling up your water bottle prior to the race.
Q: Will there be bike technicians available for assistance on race day?
A: Yes. A Bike tech will be located near the transition area.
Q: If I break down on the bike course will there be any assistance offered?
A: Yes. A SAG vehicle (usually a truck) will be circling the course throughout the race that will pick you up and return you to the transition area. If you break down, please move off the course to the side of the road and inform a course marshal or policeman. They will assist you in locating the SAG vehicle.
Q: Is there a mountain bike division?
A: No. Unfortunately, there are not enough participants in the race for a separate division.
Q: Can I use a tandem or recumbent bike in the race?
A: No, unfortunately we do not have room in the transition area for these styles of bikes and they do not meet USAT rules. Sorry!
Q: Do I have to get my bike inspected?
A: No, but it is highly recommended. Many people experience technical problems on race day that could have been easily avoided if the bike had been inspected prior to the race. In order to avoid disappointment on race day, we urge all competitors to have their bikes inspected no more than three weeks prior to the event.
Please contact your local bike shop for additional information.
Q: Is drafting allowed?
A: No. You must keep at least 3 bike lengths between you and the next athlete at all times. Once you enter this drafting zone, you are expected to complete the pass with in 10 seconds. You may not enter the draft zone and then back out of it, you must pass or you may receive a drafting penalty.
Q: Can I wear headphones?
A: No. This for your safety.
Q: Will there be bike technicians available for assistance on race day?
Q: If I break down on the bike course will there be any assistance offered?
Q: Is there a mountain bike division?
Q: Can I use a tandem or recumbent bike in the race?
Q: Do I have to get my bike inspected?
Q: Is drafting allowed?
Q: Can I wear headphones?
Q: Are there aid stations on the bike course?
A: No. Please come to the race with a full water bottle and an extra, if you think you'll need it. Water is available near the transition area for filling up your water bottle prior to the race.
Q: Will there be bike technicians available for assistance on race day?
A: Yes. A Bike tech will be located near the transition area.
Q: If I break down on the bike course will there be any assistance offered?
A: Yes. A SAG vehicle (usually a truck) will be circling the course throughout the race that will pick you up and return you to the transition area. If you break down, please move off the course to the side of the road and inform a course marshal or policeman. They will assist you in locating the SAG vehicle.
Q: Is there a mountain bike division?
A: No. Unfortunately, there are not enough participants in the race for a separate division.
Q: Can I use a tandem or recumbent bike in the race?
A: No, unfortunately we do not have room in the transition area for these styles of bikes and they do not meet USAT rules. Sorry!
Q: Do I have to get my bike inspected?
A: No, but it is highly recommended. Many people experience technical problems on race day that could have been easily avoided if the bike had been inspected prior to the race. In order to avoid disappointment on race day, we urge all competitors to have their bikes inspected no more than three weeks prior to the event.
Please contact your local bike shop for additional information.
Q: Is drafting allowed?
A: No. You must keep at least 3 bike lengths between you and the next athlete at all times. Once you enter this drafting zone, you are expected to complete the pass with in 10 seconds. You may not enter the draft zone and then back out of it, you must pass or you may receive a drafting penalty.
Q: Can I wear headphones?
A: No. This for your safety.
Transition Questions
Q: Who can access transition?
Q: When will I be able to access the transition area?
Q: Does transition close?
Q: Can I use decorations (balloons, etc.) to indicate where my things are in the transition area?
Q: How do I get my bike and gear out of transition after the race?
Q: Can I ride my bike from the bike rack out of transition?
Q: Who can access transition?
A: Only athletes are allowed in transition. Security personnel will be monitoring the entrances.
Q: When will I be able to access the transition area?
A: The transition area located next to Osborn Aquatic Center. Athletes will be able to enter transition as early as 6:30am on Monday morning.
Q: Does transition close?
A: No, but we recommend having your transition set up complete at least 15 minutes prior to your wave start.
Q: Can I use decorations (balloons, etc.) to indicate where my things are in the transition area?
A: Yes, but only as long as they do not interfere with other participants being able to easily and safely access their equipment. We reserve the right to remove any materials that will interfere with the safety and security of our competitors and their equipment. Balloons are discouraged.
Q: How do I get my bike and gear out of transition after the race?
A: After the race, please show your body marked number and bike number to transition security in order to remove your bike from transition. All equipment must be picked up by 1:30 p.m. We will not be responsible for any equipment not claimed after that time.
Q: Can I ride my bike from the bike rack out of transition?
A: No! You must walk or run with your bike until reaching the mount line outside of transition. This is for your safety and the safety of other athletes.
Q: When will I be able to access the transition area?
Q: Does transition close?
Q: Can I use decorations (balloons, etc.) to indicate where my things are in the transition area?
Q: How do I get my bike and gear out of transition after the race?
Q: Can I ride my bike from the bike rack out of transition?
Q: Who can access transition?
A: Only athletes are allowed in transition. Security personnel will be monitoring the entrances.
Q: When will I be able to access the transition area?
A: The transition area located next to Osborn Aquatic Center. Athletes will be able to enter transition as early as 6:30am on Monday morning.
Q: Does transition close?
A: No, but we recommend having your transition set up complete at least 15 minutes prior to your wave start.
Q: Can I use decorations (balloons, etc.) to indicate where my things are in the transition area?
A: Yes, but only as long as they do not interfere with other participants being able to easily and safely access their equipment. We reserve the right to remove any materials that will interfere with the safety and security of our competitors and their equipment. Balloons are discouraged.
Q: How do I get my bike and gear out of transition after the race?
A: After the race, please show your body marked number and bike number to transition security in order to remove your bike from transition. All equipment must be picked up by 1:30 p.m. We will not be responsible for any equipment not claimed after that time.
Q: Can I ride my bike from the bike rack out of transition?
A: No! You must walk or run with your bike until reaching the mount line outside of transition. This is for your safety and the safety of other athletes.
Timing Questions
Q: How does chip timing work?
Q: When is my timing chip activated?
Q: Where do I wear the timing chip?
Q: If I lose my chip, will I be timed for the race? Can I get another chip?
Q: Do relay teams share one chip?
Q: Who is doing the timing?
Q: What if I accidentally forget to turn in my timing chip at the end of the race?
Q: How does chip timing work?
A: The assigned timing chip is encoded with the athlete's name, race number and wave start. The chip is attached to a strap and placed on the ankle. A scanner is located in the blue mats positioned at each transition (swim/run 1 finish, bike start, bike finish, run start and run finish/finish line.) This scanner reads the chip and records the time as each athlete steps on the mat.
Athletes must be careful to step directly on the mats at each transition. In addition, an athlete who starts in any wave after the first swim wave begins, must take care not to step on a mat in or around the transition area accidentally as he/she waits for their wave to begin as this will start their time early.
Q: When is my timing chip activated?
A: Your timing chip is activated when you step across the first blue mat. For the swim, your time is started based on your wave start time in the pool, but can accidentally be started by stepping over the mats before your start time. We will have volunteers helping to direct you away from the mats.
Q: Where do I wear the timing chip?
A: The timing chip is placed on a strap. This strap must be worn on your ankle. We recommend the left ankle to avoid any potential problems with your bikes drive train. Also, to bumping the chip on your opposite ankle, it is best to secure the strap so the chip is on the outside of your ankle.
Q: If I lose my chip, will I be timed for the race? Can I get another chip?
A: If you do not have a chip for the race, you will not be timed. If you lose your chip prior to the race start, see race personnel at the transition area. They will direct you to timing to get a replacement chip. Each timing chip is very valuable. A replacement fee of $30 will be the athlete's responsibility
Q: Do relay teams share one chip?
A: Yes. The chip is your baton for the race. You hand it off in transition when you tag your team mate. The chip goes on your left ankle.
Q: Who is doing the timing?
A: Best in the West Events
Q: What if I accidentally forget to turn in my timing chip at the end of the race?
A: Participants who fail to return timing chips and timing tags within 30 days of the event will be charged a $75 fee.
Timing chips are normally collected at the finish line and sometimes at transition areas for teams. If you ended up retaining your timing chip or timing tag, please return it in a PADDED envelope to:
Best in the West Events
PO Box 765
Corvallis, OR 97339
Please include a slip of paper with your first and last name and the name of the event the chip was used for.
Q: When is my timing chip activated?
Q: Where do I wear the timing chip?
Q: If I lose my chip, will I be timed for the race? Can I get another chip?
Q: Do relay teams share one chip?
Q: Who is doing the timing?
Q: What if I accidentally forget to turn in my timing chip at the end of the race?
Q: How does chip timing work?
A: The assigned timing chip is encoded with the athlete's name, race number and wave start. The chip is attached to a strap and placed on the ankle. A scanner is located in the blue mats positioned at each transition (swim/run 1 finish, bike start, bike finish, run start and run finish/finish line.) This scanner reads the chip and records the time as each athlete steps on the mat.
Athletes must be careful to step directly on the mats at each transition. In addition, an athlete who starts in any wave after the first swim wave begins, must take care not to step on a mat in or around the transition area accidentally as he/she waits for their wave to begin as this will start their time early.
Q: When is my timing chip activated?
A: Your timing chip is activated when you step across the first blue mat. For the swim, your time is started based on your wave start time in the pool, but can accidentally be started by stepping over the mats before your start time. We will have volunteers helping to direct you away from the mats.
Q: Where do I wear the timing chip?
A: The timing chip is placed on a strap. This strap must be worn on your ankle. We recommend the left ankle to avoid any potential problems with your bikes drive train. Also, to bumping the chip on your opposite ankle, it is best to secure the strap so the chip is on the outside of your ankle.
Q: If I lose my chip, will I be timed for the race? Can I get another chip?
A: If you do not have a chip for the race, you will not be timed. If you lose your chip prior to the race start, see race personnel at the transition area. They will direct you to timing to get a replacement chip. Each timing chip is very valuable. A replacement fee of $30 will be the athlete's responsibility
Q: Do relay teams share one chip?
A: Yes. The chip is your baton for the race. You hand it off in transition when you tag your team mate. The chip goes on your left ankle.
Q: Who is doing the timing?
A: Best in the West Events
Q: What if I accidentally forget to turn in my timing chip at the end of the race?
A: Participants who fail to return timing chips and timing tags within 30 days of the event will be charged a $75 fee.
Timing chips are normally collected at the finish line and sometimes at transition areas for teams. If you ended up retaining your timing chip or timing tag, please return it in a PADDED envelope to:
Best in the West Events
PO Box 765
Corvallis, OR 97339
Please include a slip of paper with your first and last name and the name of the event the chip was used for.
