Most HFP events allow for you to pick up your race packet the day before the event. Check website for details. This is highly recommended to avoid long lines which can occur if you wait to pick up your packet on race day. There are a few HFP events that require you to check in the day before and do NOT allow for packet pickup on race day. Again, check the website for all the details on packet pickup. It is recommended that if you are picking up your race packet on race day to arrive at least 90 minutes in advance or more to avoid any delays. HFP events start on time! If you arrive late we will not delay the start for ANY reason.

The race packet bag will have your race t-shirt, race number (must be worn during the run), swim cap, bike bib#, safety pins for the race number, sponsor goodies, water bottle, and more race information. If you need a map of the race course visit the HFP race trailer. The course maps a usually sitting on a table next to the registration window.

On race morning at a triathlon or duathlon one of the first things you’ll want to do is get in line for body marking. Volunteers mark your race number, age, and what division you’re in on your calves. This let you know who you’re passing or who is passing you during the race. Body marking is usually done outside the transition area where you keep your bike and gear during the race.

All HFP events have EMS units on site with trained EMT’s available to assist you in case of injury or emergency you may have. HFP’s longer events have medical tents staffed with EMT’s, nurses and doctors. There is not penalty for a medical evaluation, however, if you require IV’s or other extensive treatment you will be withdrawn from the race. Please make sure you notify an HFP Racing staff member of your injuries and update status if possible.

After you get body marked make to pick up your chip timing bracelet from the chip tables in the race registration area. It’s very important to get the correct chip timing bracelet or you will not be scored in the event. Wear the chip timing bracelet on you ankle ONLY. Not on your wrist. It will only work on your ankle. If for some reason you don’t finish the race, make sure to turn in your bracelet or you will be billed $95.00 for the replacement.

Refer to HFP’s website for detailed course information and maps. All bike courses will be marked with large arrows painted on the road, and orange cones (at intersections). Mile marks are painted on the roads every 5 miles. Keep to the far right at all times while on the bike, except when passing. HFP hires police to work intersections to give participants the right-a-way. Bike course are “controlled” to traffic but not “closed” to traffic. A “controlled” to traffic course means may be on the course during the race. Police will stop all traffic at intersections to give participants the right-a-way. It is your responsibility to follow all traffic rules and be aware of any traffic that may be on the course. It is also your responsibility to know the course. It is recommended to drive the course in a car in advance of race day to get familiar with the course. Drafting is not permitted on the bike portion of the race. Drafting is following another cyclist closer than 3-1/2 bike lengths for more than 15 seconds at a time. Visit our website for more details on all USA Triathlon rules. Riding next to someone for more than 15 seconds is blocking. This is not permitted. Both blocking and drafting have time penalties. Repeated penalties will results in disqualification from the event. USA Triathlon rules do not apply to adventure races.

Now you’re ready to rack your bike in the transition area. Look at the rack assignment sign as you enter the transition area. All racks are assigned by race division. You MUST rack your bike in the assigned bike rack area given to you. Each bike rack only hold 8 bikes. Don’t layout all your race gear next to your bike - there is not enough room to do that. Hang your helmet on your handle bars, put your sunglasses on your seat, bike and running shoes under the bike, and leave the rest of your stuff (gear bag, bike pump, extra clothes) outside the transition area. There is not enough room for you to bring everything. The transition area can get very congested with swimmers and runners running to their rack during the race, so keep the isle ways clear. There is NO riding in the transition area during the race. All participants must walk or run with their bike while in the transition area. There will be bike mounting and dismounting lines at the exit and entrance of the transition area. NO SPECTATORS ARE ALLOWED IN THE TRANSITION AREA DURING THE RACE!

There are NO aid stations on the bike courses at HFP’s short course triathlon, duathlons or adventure races. HFP’s long distance events (Triple-, Great Buckeye, Spirit of Racine Tri, Spirit of Morgantown Tri and Toyota Challenge), have bottle exchanges at certain points along the course. On the run course there will be water and HEED fluid replacement drink. At long distance events, Hammer Gel, fruit and other food are also available at some aid stations. A reminder DO NOT LITTER ON ANY PART OF THE COURSE. Drop any trash at or near an aid station. Adventure races have NO aid stations. You must carry all your own nutrition - plan accordingly.

Congratulations you’ve crossed the finish line! Now you can get some post race treats at the HFP race trailer. We usually have lots of fresh fruit, cookies, soda, HEED, assorted snacks. Post race massage is provided at most triathlon and duathlon events for $15.00 for 15 minutes. Some HFP events provide massage for free! Be sure to pick up your litter and other race belongings when leaving. It is important to leave the park or race site litter free so that the race can come back next year. Please help out our volunteers if you see litter laying around.

YES, all participants MUST wear a helmet or you will not be permitted to participate in the event. Safety first!

HFP Racing normally has a bike partner such as Wheelie Fun at each event that is there to assist the participants with last minute bike glitches, but we encourage all participants to check your bikes out before you get to the event and be prepared.