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Frequently Asked Questions


GENERAL INFO

Who produces this event? The Auburn Triathlon is owned and produced by Bradventures LLC, of Auburn, CA. Event director Brad Kearns is a former national champion and #3 world-ranked professional triathlete. Brad has lived and trained in the Auburn area for 16 years and always dreamed of holding a triathlon on his favorite training courses. World’s Toughest Half in 2003 was the first-ever road triathlon event in the city of Auburn and the Auburn State Park.

The race has grown in reputation and popularity each year - evidence by our attendance figures:

  • 2003: 134 entrants
  • 2004: 295
  • 2005: 400
  • 2006: 475
  • 2007: 590
  • 2008: 625
  • 2009: 750

How do I get travel information for Auburn? Please visit the Auburn Information web page for details on Auburn food, lodging and driving directions. Air travel is served by the Sacramento International Airport, a 45-minute drive from Auburn and served by major rental car companies.

What is your plan for event photography? Professional event photographers from Facchino Photography will cover the Auburn Triathlon. You will be photographed exiting the swim, at two places on the bike, at two places on the run and crossing the finish line. It is imperative that you wear your race number on the front of your body and your cycling helmet number on the front of your helmet at all times during the event. This will ensure that your photograph can be properly categorized for easy ordering after the event.

Several days after the event, all photos will be posted from a link at the Auburn Triathlon web site. You can access your personal photo gallery by entering your race number and also review some general race photos (swim start, etc) on line. You can order easily on line and your photos will be shipped to you anywhere in the world.

Are your courses accurate? As Rodney Dangerfield would say to Dean Martin in Back to School when asked point blank if he did his own work when suspected of cheating (he hired Kurt Vonnegut to write his English paper): "I can't lie to you Dean...No!"

Our courses are accurately measured by onemillionrevolutions.org Google Earth satellite tool. However, there are slight deviations from the standard 'advertised' distances to account for safety and logistics factors on our routes. Most notably, we shorted the 40k bike turnaround to eliminate two trips through a busy signal intersection. Hence the "40k" course is 23.1 miles. Go ahead, try to set a PR anyway...I dare you!

Here are the exact route distances as mapped. Race organizers may revise existing mapped routes slightly each year based on unforeseen environmental circumstances and venue design modifications.

  • 3k duathlon: 1.81mi/2.91k
  • 5k: 3.07mi/5k
  • 10k: 6.18mi/10k
  • half-marathon: 13.18mi
  • 56mi bike: 55.32 miles
  • 40k bike:23.1 miles/37.2 k

What are the cutoff times on the course? We pledge to have the most generous cut off policy of any race in the sport! We want you to finish and we respect all athletes equally in their efforts. Obviously, there are some practical and legal issues to consider hand when it comes to cutoff times. After years of consideration and experience, we present the following:

We would like you to proceed at a finishing pace of 8 hours, 30 minutes for the World's Toughest Half and Long Course Duathlon events. The Sprint and International events take place inside the long race cutoff times, so cutoff pace is virtually irrelevant in the shorter events.

T1 SWIM to BIKE: While there is no formal cutoff time, we want everyone to start cycling one hour after final wave start or otherwise near the back of the field. We cannot support riders far behind the pack (for example, a hypothermic swimmer huddling in a blanket for 30 min, then mounting bike). If you are in distress in the water, we will pull you for your own safety.

T2 BIKE to RUN: The bike finish/run start cutoff time is 5:30 after the final wave start (~12:10pm). Past race splits indicate that many cyclists in the rear of the pack complete the 56-mile course in ~4:30. Please feel comfortable completing the route in this time span if you register for the complete event. We will open up intersections, pull volunteers and close aid stations on pace with this arrival time. It is likely that a small number of riders will fall behind this pace. You are welcome to continue, but must obey all traffic laws (observe stop signs and signal lights). At the designated cut off pace, we must pull our hard-working volunteers off the course after a long morning, and CHP/Auburn PD from intersection controls to appease the community and their traffic concerns.

The official race finish is 8:30 after the final wave start or ~3:15pm. We will give late starters a little cushion and send our sweep runners out ~20 minutes after cutoff. You must depart Mile 6.2 aid station at T2 by ~1:45pm (1:30 after run start cutoff). If you miss these cut-off times, we must remove your timing chip and disqualify you.

For safety and liability reasons, we cannot allow under any circumstances proceeding on course after sweeps or cutoff times have been missed. We remain legally liable for your safety (regardless of pulling your chip), while you are unaccounted for in a remote state park. In years past, we have had athletes deliberately disobey race rules and sweeper requests to turn back. Hence, we must strictly enforce this policy and close the run course at the appropriate time.

Knowing the powerful desire to achieve your race goal, we can suggest that you cover your desired run distance off our race course for a personal, unsupported challenge. For example, if you backtrack through city streets on the roads used by the now closed bike course course, you can run to Ikeda's restaurant/market on Lincoln Way and Sylvan for a 7 mile course), or to Lake Arthur and back for a 13.1 mile course). Running on city streets, you pass gas stations, houses, stores and gain some measure of protection and supportner. The race organization is no longer liable for your safety because we will remove your chip and you have intentionally departed the race course.

SWIM

What are the wave starts? Athletes will start the Auburn Triathlon grouped by sex and/or age division and start the swim at 5-minute intervals. The respective events will start at times finalized on race weekend.

What is the swim course like? The swim course is in the beatiful and tranquil section at the extreme rear edge of Folsom Lake (furthest away from the dam) at Rattlesnake Bar park. You will swim a one-loop 1,500-meter course in a mini bay, where most of the course is visible from shore. 1.2 mile swimmers will round a more distant buoy at the first turn to account for their total distance. The 1.2mi turn buoy will be removed for the 1.5k swim start so a proper 1.5k course is presented. You will be monitored by kayakers and park ranger watercraft along the route. Slower swimmers may choose to start in the rear to avoid disturbance from attempted passings early in the swim.

What is the expected water temperature in Folsom Lake?

Historical averages on race day are as follows. The main variable is the level and timing of snowmelt from the Sierra that flows into the lake thru the American River. Wetsuits are mandatory, except in the Sprint triathlon. Temp range is likely 66-73.

  • May 31, '09: 73 degrees
  • May 18, '08: 71 degrees
  • May 20, '07: 70 degrees
  • May 20, '06: 68 degrees
  • May 20, '05: 66 degrees

Is there any current in the water? Not unless you are drafting a fast swimmer, like former Placer High School star Dave Seiler, then the #68th ranked butterflier in the world, who participated on the 2007 Auburn Celebrity Relay team.

Is Folsom Lake water clean? At Rattlesnake Bar Park in Folsom Lake, you will swim in one of the cleanest bodies of water of any triathlon anywhere in the world. Fed by the federally designated 'wild and scenic' North Fork of the American River, Folsom Lake water started its journey high in the Sierra as melted snow, steadily warmed by the sun beating down upon the deep, narrow Sierra river canyons. The entire length of the American River dumping into Folsom Lake runs through federal land (National Forest, BLM or State Park), with no human population residing anywhere near it to disturb the purity.

What are the considerations for a swimmer who gets in trouble during the event? You will be escorted throughout the swim by a series of kayakers who each cover a particular section of the course in a back and forth sweep pattern. Also in the water will be a power boat for quick evacuation is necessary. Trained EMT personnel and lifesaving equipment will be standing by at the swim start/finish area for the duration of the swim.If you encounter any difficulty, raise your hand and a kayak will paddle to you for assistance. You can hang on the side of the kayak to catch your breath without penalty.

What is the Auburn Triathlon mandatory warmup rule?

There have been an alarming number of deaths during triathlon swims in recent years. There has been much speculation and little certainty about the causes of these (non-drowning) deaths, with some experts suggesting the combination of cold water, open water/pack swim anxiety, a restrictive wetsuit and the sudden exertion at race start causing extreme cardiovascular and nervous system stress leading to fatality.

In the interest of athlete safety and alleviating the anxiety of the swim event, the Auburn Triathlon has a mandatory warmup period of 10 minutes before the start of your event. All athletes must spend some time warming up in the water acclimating the body and calming the nervous system to promote a safe, successful swim. Thank you for your consideration.

BIKE

What is the course like? The bike course offers a very challenging climb from Folsom Lake (el. 466') up to Auburn (el. 1,300') in the first six miles. Almost all of this climbing is at a mild grade, but with one section of steep switchbacks lasting one mile. When you reach mile 6 at Maidu Drive in the Auburn neighborhoods, your proceed through Auburn residential areas (minimal elevation changes), with Sprint course finishing at mile 8. At mile 10, Int'l athletes will start climbing for 1.5 miles to the edge of town, then proceed along freeway frontage with minimal elevation change for five miles. Max elevation on the course is 1,705'. The 8-mile return portion features one killer climb, the "LeMond Walked" hill, .4 miles at 12% grade, at mile 19, and 350' of elevation loss.

The World's Toughest Half and Auburn Duathlon 56-mi course will test all of your skills, as it offers flats, long climbs, short steep climbs and roller coaster sections. This ride is universally regarded as very tough, perhaps the World's Toughest, and very beautiful. You climb up to 2,435' elevation in the Sierra and face significant climbs both coming and going. Total elevation gain is ~6,000'. This is a safe course taking place almost entirely on rural roads with minimal traffic - only four signal lights outbound and again homebound on the 56-mile course, all controlled by CHP or Auburn PD.

Less experienced riders can feel comfortable that despite the hilly terrain, there are no dangerous descents or extremely steep climbs requiring extraordinary gearing. There is one railroad crossing that is very smooth. In the unlikely event that you are delayed by a train, record your arrival and departure time and we will subtract your delay from your official finish time. Official rules be damned, this is what Brad says and it stands!

When you approach the busy intersections in the City of Auburn, a comprehensive traffic control and auto detour plan will be enacted to ensure the safety of your ride and minimal inconvenience to residents of the community who offer such tremendous support for the event. Please exercise extreme caution when passing through busy police-controlled intersections. Police are there to ensure your safety but motorists cannot be trusted completely. Athletes in past events displayed unsafe riding behavior by not slowing down into aid stations and busy intersections. This is a long day on a hilly, challenging course so please exercise good judgement when encountering traffic or other riders.

Road bike or time trial bike? Due to the constantly varied course terrain, a road bike is the clear choice. You will spent plenty of time in the aero position, on the long gradual up and down grades along the western slope of the Sierra, so be sure to have aero bars on your road bike.

What is the road surface like? The roads are well-paved the whole way, with most of the route on superior pavement and some sections of slightly inferior pavement. All considered, the road surface will be very pleasant and safe. Special thanks is due to long-time participant Kevin Taber, Placer County Public Works Director, who facilitates custom paving and patching projects every spring along the route to maximize rider safety and enjoyment.

How severe is the climbing? The setting for the ride in the Sierra foothills guarantees plenty of climbing both on the outbound and return portion. The major sustained climb is from Folsom Lake to Auburn (mile 0-6, rising from 466' to 1,300' at average 2.7%). There is a sharp 1.2-mile climb from the Bear River to Placer Hills Rd. And we musn't forget the LeMondwalked climb (so named for the 3x Tour de France champ who once trained in this area and, according to legend spraypainted on the road years ago, once had to walk up this hill) at mile 50 - .4-mile grind at 12% grade. The final bike aid station at the top of the climb will ease your pain...

What is the traffic control plan? The roads will be open to traffic. Most of the route takes place on lightly traveled frontage roads along Interstate-80. CHP and Auburn City police will be stationed at major intersections along the route to close them to traffic and allow athletes to pass freely. Near the end of the ride in the City of Auburn, we will close a portion of Lincoln Way so cyclists can proceed without cars on the road through the downhill intersection at Highway 49 and Lincoln Way.

It is highly recommended to ride with great care and caution when approaching any intersection, even it is closed to traffic. Single-file riding at all times is mandatory and USAT no-drafting rules will be in effect during the event. Vehicle traffic should not impede your race in any way, but it is crucial to remember that you are traveling on open roads at all times and keep your eye out for vehicles.

What is the location and content of the aid stations? Click Here for Aid and Support details

Where is a good place for my family/friends to watch the bike ride?This is a fantastically spectator friendly race! Spectators can jump onto I-80 eastbound from Auburn and catch good action at numerous spots along the route. Click Here for complete details for how spectators can enjoy their day in Auburn.

Where is a good place for my family/friends to watch the run? There are a few excellent vantage points on the run easily accessible by auto and foot. See Spectator Tips for details.

Will there be auto, bicycle or pedestrian traffic on the course? The boat launch at Rattlesnake Bar will be closed to recreational boating, swimming, wakeboarding and banzai double-barrell aerial acrobatic water skiing during the swim. Due to heavy boat traffic on other days, including day before race, open water swim practice is not recommended. Consider the Auburn Triathlon training weekend a month prior if you want to get swim course experience.

The bike course is open to vehicle traffic. Detailed traffic control plan is discussed in the bike FAQ’s. Only one mile of the 10k course is open to traffic (Maidu Dr), but it's very minimal with zero homes on the section. The paved roads in the State Park on the latter portion of the run (leaving Maidu Dr and entering park gate) are entirely closed to auto traffic.

REGISTRATION

Do I have to qualify to enter the event? NO, but your credit card does. We also highly recommend that you train to prepare for the event. Unless your name is Tim Hill of Truckee, national masters cross country skiing phenom. In which case, just show up Friday and borrow a wetsuit.

What is the cutoff number of entrants? The Auburn Triathlon will accept the first 1,000 entrants combined for both events. We will accept another 20-30 entrants if they grovel, offer a bribe or know someone important like Pete Kain, Tim Sheeper, Gordo Byrn, Nicole DeBoom, Gina Kehr or Robin Wright Penn.

When is the entry deadline? There is no posted deadline to enter the event, but fees increase on Jan 1st and again on April 15th. Please enter early to ensure the best value.

Do I get a refund if I can’t race? Bradventures attempts to strike a balance between the harsh "No Refunds" policy customary in the endurance world and a respect for the costs involved in accommodating for no-shows and late registrations. If you can't participate for any reason, you will recieve a credit (less $40 processing fee) into the following year's Auburn Triathlon. Please inform us by April 15th to be eligible.

Can I transfer my entry to another athlete if I choose not to race? You must contact Bradventures in advance of the event to transfer entries. Any athlete attempting to race under the name of another athlete will be disqualified and escorted to Pelican Bay maximum security state prison, where you will do hard time (females: Chino, CA Women's Colony). For liability insurance purposes, USA Triathlon Federation rules and to ensure the safety of all athletes, Bradventures LLC must have accurate personal information for every athlete.

Do I get a discount if I do your race frequently? Bradventures aims to emulate the incredibly generous discounts offered at other races for frequent participants. Here is an excerpt from a popular California event named after a non-domesticated floral plant:"$15.00 discount for participants who have competed 15 + years at Wildflower."

Here is our deal:

  • $10 off for past entrants. $15 off for any twice-participated athlete, 3x = $20 off; 4x = $25 off; 5x = $30 off; 6x = $35 off; 7x = $40 off; 8x = $50 off + 30 second head start in swim and T1 from the comfort of your own vehicle, parked right on the boat ramp!
  • Auburn Triathlon participant for 15+ years: Free entry, free hotel, free food for your entire stay in Auburn...and you get a 1-minute head start for the swim!

PRE-RACE


Can I practice on the Auburn Triathlon courses prior to the event? You can swim in Folsom Lake at any time, but it is recommended you use caution any time you swim in open water. On busy weekends, boat traffic is heavy and swimming is not recommended. Always swim with a partner and choose a time and location that minimizes the risk of encountering motorized traffic. The bike and run courses are beautiful training routes. Please visit the Training on the Course link for details. Please email if you have any further questions about training on the course.

TRAINING


What is the average training volume of a long course event participant? A survey of entrants in the 2000 Hawaii Ironman showed average weekly training volumes of 11,300 meters swimming, 232 miles cycling and 48 miles running. Eeek! This is an amazing training load for someone with a career, family or other responsibilities. (Can you say 'obsessive/compulsive'?). While there is a vast difference of opinion on how to best prepare for an event as daunting as the Auburn Triathlon, there are some important training guidelines that are universal for all athletes.1. You must approximate the challenge of the event in training
2. You must avoid overtraining, burnout, injury and illness to have a successful event. These two tenets seem mutually exclusive! Indeed it is a difficult balance to prepare your body for a full-day event and not get overtired in training.

Where can I get some expert advice and guidance for how to prepare properly for Auburn Triathlon? Event promoter Brad Kearns, former national champion and #3 world-ranked professional triathlete, offers a unique, holistic multisport coaching program. Brad emphasizes leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle while pursuing peak performance - a refreshing departure from the robotic, dial-a-workout coaching prevalent in the triathlon world today. Visit Brad's Personal Coaching page for details or at the very least order a copy of his comprehensive book advocating a sensible, healthy, fun approach to endurance sports called Breakthrough Triathlon Training.

SUPPORT

Is there a bike shop nearby? There are three great bike shops in Auburn, details provided on the Auburn Info link.

Can you recommend some good local alternative healers and massage therapists? Chiropractic/Acupuncture: Dr Darin Gregorian of Parkhill Chiropractic in Auburn. 530-885-6975 offers premium chiropractic and sports injury care. As an official event sponsor, he will offer Auburn Triathlon entrants a FREE comprehensive evaluation!

Dr. Rich Lichti, an excellent general practicioner/sports medicine doctor and the Auburn Triathlon Medical Director, practices in Rocklin, CA. 916-624-0300. Please consider Dr. Lichti for an MD who is knowledgable and sympathetic to athlete peak performance medical care needs.

Dr. Richard Belli, Applied Kinesiologist/Chiropractor. 916 482 4150. Dr. Belli is an associate of noted endurance coach and author Dr. Phil Maffetone. He has treated world class triathletes like Brad Kearns, Mike Pigg and Wendy Ingraham for a variety of performance, dietary and bio-mechanical related issues. He is located near downtown Sacramento and will offer discount to all Auburn International Triathlon participants.

Dr Bill Wright offers excellent Acupuncture services in Auburn, including allergies, fatigue and other peak performance issues. 530-886-8927.

Village Acupuncture in Roseville - Dr Noriko Nagano and her staff are fantastic acupuncture practicioners to assist with a variety of maladies and promote peak performance. Off I-80 and Douglas Blvd exit. (916) 786-0695

Massage Therapy: Pathways to Health - Massage Therapy center where you can get drop-in or short notice appointments. Pathways is located on Lincoln Way right off the I-80 Lincoln Way freeway exit (on the bike course at mile 53.5). As official race sponsor, they are happy to extend a special discount to Auburn Triathlon participants. (530) 888-6534.

MEDIA


What media will be covering the event? Locally, journalists from the Auburn Journal, Auburn Sentinel, Sacramento Bee and the Gold Country Media network of community newspapers will cover the event. Nationally, the event will be covered by Inside Triathlon and Triathlete magazines. On line, Xtri.com, trifuel.com and others will cover the event.

Legendary local photographers like Michael Kirby of the Auburn Journal and Colfax Record and Kurt Bertilson of Sierra Digital Services will be shooting pitcures. Kurt also produces spectacular video highlights and interviews from race day footage.

AWARDS


What are the age group awards and divisions?
Age Group Male and Female:
19&U
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60+ (five year increments will be formed beyond 60+ if there are sufficient entries. If not, individual winners will be recognized at five-year increments, but award depth will be limited)
Relays – Coed, All Male, All Female.

Awards go 3-deep in each event. Must have five participants or teams in a division to pay full depth.


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 RACER COMMENTS

 

Gina Kehr, 4th place Hawaii Ironman finisher in 2006, tuned for for '07 with a victory in the Int'l distance event.

Sweden's Clas Bjorling - 2006 men's champ and 13.1-mi run course record holder (1:21). 3rd in 2004, 2nd in 2005 and finally victory in 2006!


Andrea Ivan and Angie Weinberger (below) completed their sixth consecutive World's Toughest Half events in 2008!


2004 and 2005 Champion Nicole DeBoom cruises to victory on the running trails of the Auburn State Park.


2000 Triathlon Olympic Gold Medalist Simon Whitfield made his professional long course debut at the 2005 World's Toughest Half.


Want to Volunteer?

Experience the passion and excitement of triathlon first hand by supporting these athletes on race day! Email or call 530-888-9911 for details, or complete and return this Signup Form.


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