Are you a first-time NYC Triathlete? Maybe this is your first race ever! We've got you covered. Take a look below, and we bet we've got answers for all of your questions.

How far is the Nautica New York City Triathlon?

The Nautica NYC Triathlon is an Olympic distance race – 1500 meter swim in the Hudson (.9 mile), 40 kilometer bike on the Westside Highway (24.8 miles), and a 10k run across 72^nd Street finishing in Central Park (6.2 miles).

How difficult is the Swim?

Although times vary with wave number and skill level, the swim in the Hudson River is one of the triathlon world's fastest. A bag of Cheetos did 21 minutes.

Can anyone enter?

Yes. The race includes 30 professionals, 150 fast amateurs, and 3,000 regulars Joes just like you. The average finishing time is three to four hours. Easy breezy.

When does 2011 online registration open?

November 1, 2010 at 12:01 AM EST.  Details for the 2011 registration process can be found here.

How much is the 2011 entry fee?

$245 for an individual, $325 for a relay team, and $500 for the Champions Club.

When does 2011 registration close?

Registration for the 2010 triathlon sold out in 6 minutes.  As a response to the high demand the Nautica New York City Triathlon is switching to a 72 hour lottery for 2011 entry.  The lottery will open on November 1, 2010 at 12:01 am EST and will close on Novermber 3, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.  More details here. 

How do I register?

Go online to www.nyctri.com and sign up between November 1, 2010 and November 3 2010. For regular updates and entry reminders join our mailing list or become our fan on Facebook.

How do I know if I’m in?

All applicants will be notified via e-mail no later than 6:00 pm EST November 4 as to whether or not he or she won the opportunity for registration through the lottery.  If you are accepted through the lottery and go through the registration process on active.com, then you’ll get an immediate e-mail confirmation from Active. Make sure to check your spam filter and don't forget to print this email, as it'll get you a complimentary one-week membership at Reebok Sports Club/NY - West Side location. You can also confirm your entry here.

Do I have to pre-qualify?

No, anyone can enter. Fast, slow, beginner, stud – anyone.

Can I enter if I’ve never done a triathlon?

Sure, everyone has to start someplace. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!

How do I qualify as an Elite Amateur?

You’ll have to provide a link to the results of an Olympic distance race you’ve completed in the previous 12 months with a time under 2:15 for men and 2:30 for women. Entry is limited to the first 75 men and the first 75 women to enter. Just select the “Elite” category when you register.

What if I enter and I can’t compete?

Unfortunately there are no refunds once you complete your registration. However, you can defer to the following year and receive a guaranteed entry! Details here.

Do I have to be a member of USA Triathlon?

No, but you’ll save money on a one-day insurance fee if you are a member. And you get a cool magazine and a decoder ring! Become a USAT member here.

Do I have to live in New York?

No, the Nautica New York City Triathlon had entrants from 50 countries and 49 states. Are there no triathletes in West Virginia? Check out the NYC Tri Travel section for more information about hotel deals and what to do when you're in NYC.

Evidently I ask questions more frequently than the next guy. I still have some!

Technically that's not a question, but it's no problem, just email us.