WHAT IS MY AGE GROUP?

• Your triathlon age group is based on your age on Dec 31 of the race year.

• For example, for 2025 Calculate your athlete’s age on Dec 31, 2025.

FIRST TIMERS

• Our race distances have been selected using guidelines from Triathlon Canada and Triathlon Alberta. This is not an “ironman” event – these distances provide a safe, achievable race distance for all age groups and varying fitness levels.

• If you are a newer swimmer, it’s worth hitting the pool a few times just to get used to swimming laps. Use any stroke you want, take some time on the wall if you need it between laps.

• Bring the bike you are comfortable with. You do not require a road bike – in fact, on race day we expect more than 80% of the bikes to be regular mountain bikes.

• You are allowed to walk! Take your time on the run course

• You have to leave your running shoes in transition, so bring an extra pair of shoes or sandals for walking around before the race begins.

WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO PARTICIPATE?

• All your child needs is a bicycle (road bike or mountain bike) or tricycle. Scooters are NOT permitted.

• Properly fitted helmet. Helmets must comply with CSA, EN, ASTM, CPSC or Snell B90/B95. Please look on the back or inside of your helmet and confirm you have a sticker with one of these markings. CPSC is the most common.

• Swim suit/Tri-suit, goggles/cap (optional)

• Running shoes (no sandals or Crocs), shorts, shirt, hat.

• Female athletes can race in a 1 piece bathing suit as long as it covers their mid section.

• Race bib – pinned to front of T shirt, or attached to race belt. Athlete will receive the bib at the Race package pick up day before the race.

• Towel

• Sunscreen

• Water bottle (to leave in transition or with bike)

• Water and snacks to keep full and hydrated while waiting for the race to start.

DO RACE PACKAGES HAVE TO BE PICKED UP THE DAY BEFORE THE RACE?

• Yes, athletes are expected to pick up their race package prior to the race.

• The exact time and date will be provided in the race package sent to your registration email.

IIS MY CHIDL SAFE IN THE COURSE?

• Safety is our highest priority.

• Parents need to understand that participating in a sporting event like a triathlon has, by its nature, elements of risk, as do all sports..

• You can help make your child’s experience the safest and most enjoyable by practicing before the race to improve their skills and increase their confidence. Also plan to attend our pre-race clinic.

HOW WILL MY CHILD KNOW WHERE TO GO ON THE RACE COURSE?

• We encourage athletes and parents to attend our RACE READY PROGRAM to familiarize themselves with the course, specifically the bike and run exits, the turn around points on the bike and run course and how transition works.

• The race course is well marked with traffic cones and numerous volunteers are strategically placed throughout the course to provide direction and support.

WHAT DO I DO ON RACE MORNING?

• If not already picked up, get your race package at the check-in table just inside the YMCA main entrance.

• Check-in and get your body marking.

• Go to bike check (optional but recommended) – look for the tent. They can provide a quick check of your bike and a last minute tire fill.

• Head over to the bike racks and setup your transition station

• Pay close attention to check in times and rack locations for your age group

• Listen carefully to volunteer instructions regarding the number of bikes on each rack, and placement on the left/right end of the racks.

• Head down on deck at your designated time. If you have spare time before this, check out the swim from up top!

• Timing chips will be provided on-deck prior to swim start.

WILL I RECEIVE A REFUND IF MY CHILD IS UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE ?

• We regret we will NOT REFUND an entry fee if your child is unable to participate FOR ANY REASON.

IF I AM UNABLE TO MAKE THE RACE, CAN I GIVE MY ENTRY TO A FRIEND?

• No. If someone else races under your name and is injured, or causes an accident, that person will not be covered by any protection typically afforded to an athlete through the insurance policy.

WHAT HAPPENS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, EMERGENCY FACILITY CLOSURE OR OTHER UNEXPECTED CANCELLATIONS?

• The race goes on rain or shine. In the case of lightning the race will be delayed or stopped immediately if in progress. The race will not resume until 30 minutes after the last incidence of lightning.

• There are NO rain dates, NO refunds or transfers if a race is modified or cancelled due to weather.

• In the case of facility closure, medical or other emergency the race may be cancelled. Refunds will not be provided.

IS THIS A TIMED EVENT?

• Yes, it is a timed event and results will be posted on our website.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE RACE?

• There will be awards and prizes following the end of the race. The top 3 finishing athletes in age groups 10+ will be awarded.

WHY IS THE RACE CALLED “KIDS OF STEEL”?

• Kids of Steel is a race format recognized across Canada and is our standard event for athletes 3-15 years old.

WHAT IS “DRAFT LEGAL”?

• Elite triathletes, who have taken a draft certification course through Triathlon Alberta, are eligible to register in the “draft legal” category. These athletes are permitted to swim & cycle in draft packs. This group will race early in the morning prior to the Kids of Steel event start.

CAN MY CHILD USE ANY STROKE IN THE SWIM PORTION?

• Yes, whatever stroke the athlete is comfortable with.

WHAT ARE THE SWIMMING SFATEY ROLES FOR AGES 4.6.7 years old, and 8+?

• Athletes ages 3-6 are required to wear a lifejacket, and we will provide a swim volunteer to accompany them on the swim.

• For 7 year olds, life jackets and swim volunteer are recommended but optional.

• For ages 8 & up, athletes are welcome to use lifejackets. If you require assistance in the pool please contact us prior to the race ckos@trikronos.com

DOES MY ATHLETE NEED TO WEAR A SWIM CAP? DOES THE RACE SUPPLY ONE?

• For Kids of Steel athletes, race caps are not required, and not provided. Athletes may bring their own if they prefer to wear one.

• For Draft legal athletes, a race cap must be worn during the swim.

WHAT SAFETY OR OTHER EQUIPMENT WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE SWIM?

• If an athlete requires a lifejacket, you can bring your own or borrow one from YMCA.

• Other flotation and swim aids are not permitted (water wings, flutter boards, fins etc.).

• Parents are not permitted on the swim deck or in the water.

MY CHILD WEARS GLASSES, WHAT DO WE DO?

• We recommend standing outside near the swim exit and watching for your child. You can hand the glasses to them while they are running into transition.

• Alternately, you could put the child’s glasses inside of their helmet in transition.

ARE PARENTS ALLOWED IN TRANSITION?

• Parents are allowed in to help set up their child’s gear before the race, and pick it up afterwards. Please see our race day schedule for your assigned times, which are strictly enforced.

• During the race, only athletes and volunteers will be permitted in the transition zone. Our volunteers will assist the athletes, especially the younger ones in need of assistance.

WHERE DO WE LEAVE OUR BACKPACKS AND OTHER STUFF?

• The transition is reserved for race clothing/equipment only.

• Any other clothing or bags should be stored outside of the transition.

• We will have a designated area, or parents can carry items through the day.

• Do not leave valuables unattended!

WHEN DO WE GET OUR EQUIPMENTS OUT OF TRANSITION?

• Please check our race day schedule for transition check-in / check-out times. Race schedule will be sent to your registration email prior the race.

IS BIKE INSPECTION MANDATORY?

• No, however it is strongly recommended. Safety is a priority and you want to avoid disappointment if the bike cannot be used on race day.

WHO COUNTS THE LAPS AND LOOPS FOR THE ATHLETES DOING MULTIPLE LAPS/LOOPS?

• It is the responsibility of parents and athletes to count the laps and loops.

• 2024

• 2023

• 2022

• 2018

• 2017

• 2016