What are the general event rules?

• The WIN for KC Women's Triathlon is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. As such, all rules, waivers, and conditions required by USAT apply.
• You are required to be a member of USAT. You can get more information on the benefits of membership and sanctioning or purchase an annual membership at USAT Website. If you don't have or want an annual membership, a single-day membership can be purchased for $10 when you register.
• For the purpose of awards and USAT standings, you will be placed in a specific age group, determined by your age on December 31, 2008. Go to the Race Info page for a list of the age groups.
• Annual USAT members will be REQUIRED to provide a USAT membership card AND photo ID to pick up her packet. No exceptions. Once registered, you may not transfer your entry to someone else. These are USAT sanctioning rules. If you purchased a single-day USAT license during registration, you will not get, nor will you need to provide a USAT membership card. However, you still need to present a valid photo I.D.
• You MUST pick up your own packet. No exceptions will be made.
• You are required to wear the swim cap provided by us.
• CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certified helmets are required to be worn and buckled for the bike portion of the event and at any other time you are on your bike in the park.
• Drafting on the bike is not permitted; USAT referees will be monitoring the course and giving time penalties for violations. See the USAT competitive rules for clarification.
• Radios, headphones, MP3 players, iPods, and CD players are not permitted on the course. This is for your safety. A violation may result in a variable time penalty.
• Wet suits may or may not be allowed. We will follow USAT rules on wetsuit usage and make an announcement the week prior to the race. If the water temp is below 78 degrees, wetsuits will be allowed. Above that, there are specific restrictions. See the USAT website for more info.
• Baby joggers and bike trailers will not be permitted.
• Bike racks will be provided in the transition area.

Where is Packet Pickup? Packet pickup will be held at two locations. 1) Epic Bike and Sport, North Kansas City on August 6th from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. 2) Ward Parkway Mall, Kansas City on August 8th from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The Ward Parkway Mall is located at 8600 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114. I'm not sure where you will be coming from but if you take I-435 from any direction in Kansas City, you can exit State Line Road and head North. The mall will be on the right (east) side of State Line a few miles down. You can use the entrance next to the Starbucks and packet pick-up will be right inside those doors. .

Note: You are the only person that can pick up your packet. You must be there in person. Under no circumstances will you be allowed to pick up a packet for another person. This is a USAT rule. Please. DON'T. EVEN. ASK. If you do, the registration volunteers will be forced to explain all of this to you again.

I live out of town, can someone else pick up my race packet? No. No one can pick it up for you and you cannot pick up someone else's packet. If you need to pick up your packet the morning of the race, please contact the race director (info-at-winforkctri-dot-com).

Photo ID: ALL athletes are required to show photo ID to pick up their packet and race number. NO ID, NO PACKET, NO EXCEPTIONS. This includes team participants. Youth athletes without an ID must be accompanied by a parent/guardian with a photo ID.

Will there be another Novice Forum? Yes. We'll be hosting a question and answer session for first-time triathletes on Friday night before the race at the packet pickup location: Ward Parkway Mall. You do not need to sign up to attend. More information will be posted on the Forum closer to the race.

Do I need to check in the morning of the race? Yes. Everyone must check in at the registration area at Sailboat Cove the morning of the race even if you've already picked up your packet. First, female volunteers will draw your race number on your arms, legs and hands with a large permanent marker. You will also pick up your timing device (chip) that will be secured around your ankle. Make sure to listen to the public address announcer when you get to the race site for important updates and announcements.

How will the race start? The Swim will start in a time-trial fashion: one racer every 3 or 4 seconds. You will be seeded in the time-trial start according to the estimated swim time you enter when you register (please be as accurate as possible). There will be no open heat this year.

What if it rains or there is road construction? We reserve the right to alter the course distances, delay the start time, or cancel the race entirely in the event of dangerous weather or other unexpected complications. (However, we will not cancel the event just because of rain.) Refunds will not be given in case of race-day cancellation. Sorry.

What is your refund policy? We've all been there: You sign up for a race and something comes up and you can't make it. Unfortunately, we just can't give full refunds if you can't do the race. Nor can we give refunds if the race is canceled on race day. There are just too many costs associated with insurance, equipment rental, park fees, staff, food, and the coveted race shirts.

To be fair, we're willing to give you a refund, minus $5 administrative fee (plus the USAT single-day fee if you've paid it already) until two weeks before the race. After that, there are no refunds.

If we cancel the event on race day due to the threat of severe weather or other emergency, you can still pick up your race bag and shirt. However, you won't get a refund and we won't be sending shirts in the mail after the race.

What timing system will be used? End: Result Timing will be using a chip timing system. Chips will be distributed the morning of the race. Anyone not returning her chip at the conclusion of the race will be charged an $85 recovery fee. View Race Results Here.

Is the event open to team competition? Yes. The race is open to two- or three-person teams competing in a relay style. The only team division will be Female (of course).

How old does a youth have to be? The race is open to young women who are 12-17 years of age on 12/31/08. Youth participants must also be annual members of USAT. USAT no longer offers a single-day membership for youth. Visit the USAT website for more information on getting a youth annual membership.

What's up with the Transition Area and why can't my family help me set up? For safety and security reasons, no one except registered participants, official volunteers, and approved media will be allowed in the transition area. No family or friends are allowed inside the transition area at any time before, during, or after the race. Volunteers and security personnel will be posted to ensure the safety and security of everyone's gear and equipment. You will be assigned a specific bike rack, but placement on each rack is on a first-come, first-served basis. A Transition Area Map is available on the Map page. When you arrive at the race site on race day, please go to the registration area first. You will not be allowed into the TA before you have been body-marked.

What awards will be given? Awards will be given for the top three female finishers overall, top three in each age division, and for the top three teams. All participants registering before July 25 will be guaranteed a T-shirt. That's when we place the order and it's just too hard to predict how many last-minute sign-ups we'll have.

What will be given away as door prizes? A drawing for door prizes will be held for all registered participants before the award ceremony. You must be present to win! We'll have cool gear and products from our sponsors including Garmin GPS products, Epic Bike and Sport gear and gift certificates, memberships, Hammer Gel, etc.

Will photos be available? Yes! Thomas Photographic Enterprises will be shooting the event. You can visit their site after the race and purchase prints of your favorite moments. Contact info will be included in your race bag. Thomas Photographic.

What if my bike is stolen? While we make every attempt to secure the transition area, we are not responsible (nor will USAT event insurance provide coverage) for lost or stolen bikes or equipment. Please contact your insurance agent to add your bike and equipment to your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.

Where can I park? Parking will be available just outside Sailboat Cove/Bauman Park. However, you will need to purchase a $6 parking permit during packet pickup or when you enter the park the morning of the race. Once inside the parking area, participants and spectators will not be able to leave until triathletes are off of the bike course.

What lodging is available? Check Travelocity or your favorite travel site for lodging info in Smithville or near the KCMO Airport.