Frequently Asked Questions

How good of a time will my family have if I bring them to a USA event?

Your family will actually be ENTERTAINED while you are out of sight pumping the pedals and huffing and puffing through the course. We have a variety of exposition booths to visit, plenty of delicious catered food, a portable rock climbing wall open to all ages, live music, humorous announcers to keep you entertained and other kids activities.

Frequently Asked Questions for Race Logistics:

Do I HAVE to get those big black numbers on my body?

Body marking is a long standing, important tradition in multisport. This number is used to identify you in the case of...and also is important for....uh,... Well, its just fun for the volunteers to say, "Drop your pants please" to a stranger and then write a big number on some really nice muscles. How else can we get people to come out before sunrise and work for free?

My personal swimming coach from East Germany likes to train with swim fins and a snorkel. Can I use these aids during the race?

Sorry, no flotation devices or aids can be used in the swim. Just a wetsuit and goggles. You may use fins and snorkel during the bike and run if you like.

Where do I put all my clothing and gear on race day? Should my husband hold on to it while I race?

On race morning, you will enter a secured area with a ton of bike racks called the Transition Area. This is where you will switch from swimming to biking and biking to running. Arrive early and grab a personal parking space for your bike. You can then lay out a towel and the clothing and equipment you need to complete each event.

What is the water temperature of Uvas, Lake Almaden, Lexington Reservoir?

Uvas = 63-65 degrees; Lake Almaden = 65-69 degrees

We recommend that beginner and competitive swimmers use a wetsuit to prevent the risk of hypothermia during the swim portion. Consider that the average swimming pool temperature is between 77-80 degrees. Wetsuits help with warmth and flotation, dramatically increasing your speed in the water.

I have this unusual medical condition that causes me to get thirsty when exercising in hot temperatures. Do you offer fluid replacement on the race course?

We have unlimited water available on every mile of the run course (a total of five aid stations) as well as at the swim finish, bike finish and finish line. We highly recommend that you carry two full water bottles on your bike to drink during the ride. There is one aid station during Silicon Valley Olympic bike and none during the South Bay bike ride. Bottles will be provided if needed.

How will I know if I win an age group award?

Race results will be posted soon after the completion of the event. The world famous USA awards ceremony will be held on the main stage. Age group awards are unrivaled in the multisport world, but competition in each age group is fierce. So train hard! Awards to be announced on event day.

USA offers a special new Funny Category at the awards ceremony (criteria are top secret). So even if you go slow, hang around the ceremony and you may win something.