Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions? We've got answers to those most commonly asked.
"What is a Course Talk and Why are they so important?"
Course talks should be attended by all participants. The talks will focus on our wave starts, course 
conditions and maps, rules, T1 and T2 procedures and most important answer any of your questions. The times for the Course Talks are at 6:00 pm on Friday and 10:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm on Saturday. There will also be a Newby Clinic at 5:00 pm on Friday and 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday. Download the schedule for locations here.
"What are the wave start times for the race?"
Waves starts will be posted the week before the race.
"What is the water like for the race?"
Heal the Bay has tested the water at the race site, and has given it an A+ rating, the highest we have seen it in the 10 years of the Los Angeles Triathlon."
"What does it mean that the Los Angeles Triathlon is "USAT Sanctioned" and why do I have to pay $10 to become a one-day member? "
A: USAT, or USA Triathlon, is the national governing body of the sport of Triathlon. Sanctioning an event through USAT means the race is provided insurance for its athletes, race coordinators, and volunteers.
As a sanctioned triathlon, all athletes are required to either be an annual USAT member or purchase a one-day membership pass. If you are currently a USAT member please make sure to bring your proof of membership when you pick up your packet. If you do not bring this proof, you will be charged for the one-day membership fee. If you are not an annual member, you will need to purchase a one-day membership (to insure you as a Triathlete) before you are able to pick up your packet. One-day membership costs $10, and will be collected when you pick up your registration, if you have not already paid it online.
"What do I need to bring to the expo?"
- T2 bag (running gear). You will bring your T2 equipment to the Health and Fitness Expo, and we will take it from there. We will set up the second transition area (bike to run) by bib number, so you will be able to find your gear easily when you bike in. You will be given a luggage tag to attach to your bag which corresponds with your bib number. NO ONE is allowed inside T2 before the race.
- If you are NOT a member of USAT (USA Triathlon), you must bring $10 to purchase a one-day membership, if you have not already done so during online registration.
- Questions/concerns. There will be one course talk on Friday (6:00 p.m.), and two on Saturday (10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.) for you to ask any and all questions about the course, and about the race in general. There will also be two "Newbie Clinics" hosted by Lloyd Taylor (owner of Triathlon Lab): Friday at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
"How do the transition areas work?"
A: Because the Los Angeles Triathlon is a point-to-point course, there are two separate transition areas. T1 is in Venice (swim to bike) and T2 is in Downtown L.A. (bike to run).
You will bring your T2 gear to the Health and Fitness Expo on either Friday, October 2nd or Saturday, October 3rd. From there, we will take your T2 bag and set it up for you, according to bib number, in the transition area. NO participants will be allowed in T2 before the race. You will be responsible for setting up your T1 gear on the morning of the race. T1 will open at 5:00 a.m., and will be set up by waves, not bibs. In your T1 area, you will have everything you need to get on your bike and ride to Downtown L.A. When coming from the swim, stuff EVERYTHING into your T1 bag. We will pick up your bags and bring them down to the finish line for you to pick up after your race. Please note: What is not in your bag will not be returned to you.
We will have signs clearly marking T1 bag pick-up at the finish line, and you (and only you) will be able to get into T2 to retrieve your bike after the race.
"When does online registration close? Can I still register after that?"
A: Online registration through Active.com will close at midnight on Thursday, October 1st.
You can still register for the race on Friday and Saturday at the Health and Fitness Expo at the Marriott Marina Del Rey. There will be NO race-day registration.
Click here to register today!"
"My bus route is on your course. Will there be a detour?"
Metro Bus Detours on Race Day
General Information
- Most commonly violated rules 2008 USA Triathlon
- Guide to Triathlon Basics
- Guide to Triathlon Etiquette
- Swim Tips from Southern California Aquatics
- Discoveries of a first-time triathlete, by George Wolfe
- Discoveries of a first-time triathlete #2, by George Wolfe