Q: What is the order of events for the race weekend? What do I do first?
A: First, you must view the Mandatory Athlete Briefing video and review the resources listed on the Athlete Guide webpage prior to race weekend.
Second, attend Packet Pickup on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 10:00am – 5:00pm with your photo ID. All athletes MUST sign the USAT waiver upon entry, then proceed to the race kit pickup tent to retrieve your packet. Included will be: a wristband that corresponds to your associated Transition group (this must stay on at all times throughout the weekend), your assigned swim cap, bike/helmet numbers, and run bib.
Third, proceed to the Timing Chip tent to pick up your timing chip and strap – all athletes must have this in order to have their race timed!
Next, visit the Ask a Coach booth for specific race questions, attend a Course Talk (highly encouraged!), grab your drawstring goodie bag and a race T-shirt, visit the official merch tent and our sponsors and vendors.
Finally, you must check your bike into Transition Saturday, September 30th during Packet Pickup/Bike Check-in hours at Riverside Park on the soccer fields at 101st St. There is no bike check-in on race day.
Transition opens Sunday morning at 5:30am and closes at 7:20am. Be sure to secure your timing chip secured to your left ankle and bring your clear plastic clothing bag to place your shoes/sandals, clothes and any other things you bring with you to the swim start on the pathway from transition to the start area. Note: these items dropped at the start will be transported to the Finish line for athletes to pick up after the race.
Duathlon athletes and the Relay cyclists and runners will remain WITHIN Transition (before it closes 7:20am!) for the start of their race.
Packet Pickup/Bike Check-in Info
Q: Is the Hudson safe?
A: Yes, the Hudson is safe and clean. Water quality testing is done regularly. It is a tidal river so you swim with the current. It’s also salt water, so we don’t recommend you drink it.
Q: What is the expected water temperature in the Hudson River?
A: Approximately in the high 60s (degrees Fahrenheit). Per our race rules, wetsuits are permitted below 78 degrees Fahrenheit and will be required when the water temp is below 60.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Are wetsuits allowed?
A: You may wear your wetsuit when the water temperature is 78 degrees F or below. Temperatures 78.1 degrees F or higher, wetsuits are not permitted.
Q: What if I don’t have a bike or I can’t bring my bike?
A: You can rent a Cannondale bike from Unlimited Biking, learn more here. If you have any questions about the bike rental program call 212-749-4444 or email sales@unlimitedbiking.com.
Q: Can I ship my bike to the race?
A: Yes! Our partner offers bike shipping from select areas throughout the U.S. Learn More
Q: Where do I park?
A: Click here for parking options.
Q: How do I get from transition to the swim start?
A: All athletes will follow the path from Transition to the Swim Start. Duathlon athletes and Relay cyclists and runners will remain at Transition to start their race.
Q: What do I do with my shoes and shirt once I get to swim start?
A: Each participant will receive a clear drawstring bag labeled with your name and race number when you pick up your race packet. Place your shoes/sandals and clothes inside the bag and take it to the corresponding clothing truck at Swim Start.
Q: Is there a lost and found?
A: NYC Triathlon staff scours the Swim Start area, Transition areas, and Finish areas for anything left behind. Please contact NYC@TriathlonMajors.com after the race if you lost anything and hopefully we’ll have it. All lost and found items not claimed within one week of race day will be donated.
Q: Is there a warm up swim or ride on Sunday morning?
A: No, neither one will be allowed. Bikes may not be removed from Transition once you have checked your bike in. Athletes will not be allowed to enter the Hudson River until the start of their wave.
Q: What do I have to do before I check my bike into transition?
A: All participants must attend Packet Pickup to pick up their race items. Your bike number will be inside your race packet which you will attach to your bike on the crossbar or seat post. No bikes will be allowed in Transition without a bike number. No bikes will be allowed out of Transition without a bike number and the athlete wearing a wristband and corresponding race number.
Q: Can my secretary/friend/teammate/doorman/nanny pick up my race packet?
A: No! Only the athlete can pick up his or her packet.
Q: What if I cannot attend Packet Pickup/Bike Check-in?
A: All participants MUST attend Packet Pickup and sign the required USAT waiver and all bikes MUST be checked into Transition on Saturday, September 30th. There will be overnight security in Transition. There will be NO bike check in on Sunday morning. If your bike is not in Transition Saturday then you don’t race. Questions? Email us.
Q: How do I know that I’m in the right race category?
A: Unless you’re a Pro, a Paratriathlete, or a REALLY fast amateur, chances are your appropriate race category is Age Group. Your Age Group is determined by your “race age,” which is not necessarily your current age. “Race age” is the age you will be at the end of the current year (12/31/2023). So, if you’re 39 but have a birthday in January, you’ll race with 39 year-olds. If you’re 39 and your birthday is in September, you’ll be with the 40 year-olds.
Q: How many water stations are on the run course?
A: Five, plus one at the Finish. Subject to change.
Q: Do I have to wear the wristband given to me at Packet Pickup?
A: Yes, all participants are required to wear the wristband until Sunday afternoon when your bike is removed from Transition. Race staff will put these on your wrist as you pick up your packet. This will serve as your identification for entering Transition Sunday morning and ensure that only you can remove your bike from Transition.
Q: Do I have to wear the swim cap?
A: Yes, the official race issued swim cap must be worn. The color given to each athlete is specific to your wave, so you cannot switch colors, you cannot switch waves, you cannot switch anything.
Q: How do I get from the Finish back to Transition to get my bike?
A: Athletes may take our free shuttle service from Central Park West at 66-67th St. back to Transition at Riverside Park from 12:00pm – 4:00pm on race day.
Q: What is the best place for spectators to watch the race?
A: There are many areas along the course where spectators can catch the action and cheer on their family and friends racing. Learn more about the course.
Q: What cool stuff do I get for entering and finishing?
A: First, you get to do the Triathlon in the greatest city in the world. Not many swim in the Hudson on purpose but you can! No one rides their bike on the West Side Highway but you will! All finishers receive a very cool finisher’s medal, a participant t-shirt and an athlete goodie bag.
