Frequently Asked Questions

A youth triathlon is a multi-sport race that includes swimming, biking, and running, designed for children and teens. Distances are age-appropriate and focused on fun and participation, not just competition.

Yes.

Make sure your child can:

• Swim the required distance (use of a life jacket or flotation device is allowed).
• Ride a bike confidently on their own (on pavement, around cones, with turns)
• Run the required distance, even if they walk part of it.

Yes. We want you and your children to feel comfortable in the water. Most 6-8 and 9-11 can touch the entire time. Lifeguards and volunteers on paddle boards will also be present for safety.

For the 3-5 races, any bike type is acceptable. For the 6-8 year old race, training wheels are allowed but be prepared as their bike distance is 2 miles.

Distances vary by event and age group.

The distances for the Green Bay Youth Triathlon are as follows:

• Ages 3-5: frog slide, bike loop in parking lot, run through finish
• Ages 6-8: 50 yard swim (most can touch the whole time), 2 mile bike, 1/2 mile run
• Ages 9-11: 150 yard swim, 4 mile bike, 1 mile run
• Ages 12-15: 300 yard swim. 8 mile bike, 1.5 mile run

PLEASE NOTE: Your child will race in the age group bracket that aligns with their year-end age.

* In USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned events, your “USAT age” (sometimes called race age) is how old you will be on December 31 of the current calendar year, not how old you are on race day.

Swim

• Swimsuit or tri suit
• Goggles (optional)
• Towel (optional but helpful in transition)
• Swim cap (optional)

Bike

• Bike that fits well and is in good working order
• Helmet (Required!)

Run

• Running shoes (easy to slip on—consider elastic laces or Velcro)
• Race bib (provided at check in)
• Race belt (optional) or safety pins to attach bib for the run portion of the race
• Socks (optional)

Other

• Sunscreen & water bottle.
• Change of clothes for after the race

The transition area is where athletes change from swim to bike and bike to run. It’s a secure area where bikes and gear are placed before the race.

Before the race starts, yes.

During the race, no. (exception: 3-5 race)

Volunteers will be there to assist, but the race is meant to be completed independently by the athletes.

Encourage your child to –

• Practice all three sports individually
• Include “brick” workouts (e.g., bike then run)
• Practice transitions at home (getting shoes on, helmet on and off, etc.)
• Stay hydrated before the event

• Lifeguards and volunteers on paddle boards during the swim
• Park roads closed to traffic for the bike/ and run course.
• Helmets are required for biking
• Police directing traffic on the portion of the bike course that leaves the park
• First aid and event staff on-site

Everyone will receive a finisher medal to celebrate participation.

Top 5 finishers in 12-15, 9-11 and 6-8 age group will be recognized during the award ceremony.

3-5 race is NOT timed. All 3-5 racers will be recognized during the award ceremony.

7:30 AM  (12-15 years)

8:45 AM  (9-11 years)

9:30 AM  (6-8 years)

10:15  (3-5 years)

Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before your child’s race start time to check in and set up gear in the transition area.

PLEASE NOTE: For safety, the park roads close at 7:30 AM and will remain closed until all races are finished. *Approximately 11:00 AM

You will be directed to park outside the park entrance (off South Broadway) and walk in.

If you are able, we ask that you park outside the park entrance (off South Broadway) and walk in. Police will be there directing traffic.

However, we can accommodate on site parking for those who can not make the walk into the park. In these cases, please speak to the volunteer/police at the park entrance to assist you. Between races, when all course roads are clear of racers, we will be able to direct you in and out of the park. We appreciate your cooperation and patience with this.

For the safety of participants and spectators, all park roads will close at 7:30 AM and remain closed for the duration of the race. (Roads will re-open at approx. 11:00 AM)

Plan to start the race in a swim suit or tri suit. You can leave a shirt and/or pants in the transition area to put over your suit before you head out on the bike and run portions.

In a triathlon, your race bib is primarily used during the run portion of the race. It is how we identify you as you cross the finish line to record your time and place.

• Do not wear your race bib during the swim. Your race number will be marked on your arm at “body marking” station on race day.
• You must wear your race bib during the run. The most common method is to use a race belt so you can quickly clip the bib on in transition before your run. Another method is using safety pins to attach your race bib to a shirt or pair of shorts that you will leave in the transition area and put on after the swim.

Before the race:

• Help set up bike and other gear in transition. (helmet, shoes, race bib, etc)
• Make sure your child feels comfortable about their race route.
• Encourage your child to enjoy the experience – the goal is for them to have fun, try their best, and be proud of finishing!

During the race: 

• No parental assistance in transition is allowed —cheer from the sidelines! (Exception 3-5 race)
• If your child’s bike is more than one lap, help them keep track so they don’t end their race too soon or bike extra laps.

After the race:

• Celebrate effort, not just results.
• Remember that this is a youth event, be respectful of all participants.

** 3-5 parents can assist their child at all points during the race as needed.