Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the race?             

          The race is at Coldwater Lake, located 8 Miles south of Coldwater Michigan, about 3 miles north of the Michigan/Indiana state line along I-69.  The race takes place along the eastern shore of Coldwater Lake, with the Coldwater Lake Marina being the transition area, start and finish.

How do I get there?   

         Take I-69 exit 3, go east on Copeland Rd. to Quimby Rd., turn north, (left), and follow Quimby Rd. about a mile until you come to a fork in the Rd..  Take the fork to the left and follow the road around the lake shore until you come to the Marina.  Parking is in back of the Marina and someone will direct you there.

What time should I arrive?                 

        The race starts at 9:00 A.M. Michigan time, registration will begin at 7:00 A.M. and last until 8:30 A.M.  If you arrive at the registration table after 8:30 your spot could be assigned to a standby race registrant so allow enough time to park and get to registration before 8:30. 

What do you mean my spot will be given away?

         Because the race field is usually filled before race day we assume that if you haven’t arrived by 8:30 and appeared at the registration table that you are not coming and your spot is available for one of the late registrants waiting for an opening. 

What about late registration?    

        Late registration is handled on a 1^st come, 1^st registered basis.  Athletes not making the field before it is filled may come to the race site on race day and put their name on the waiting list for any openings that occur because of no shows.  There are usually 5 or 6 no shows at each race and we fill the field with those waiting.  Please note, we do not encourage racers from more than 1 hr. away to do this because there is no guarantee of being in the race.

What about teams?                    

       We allow 2 person teams to participate.  These participants will wear a wrist band or other exchangeable identification and will be instructed on how to make the exchange after each leg of the race.

What should I bring?

        You will need to bring the clothes you will participate in, running shoes, biking shoes (if needed), a bike helmet, a towel, your bike and any other items that you feel you need.  Be aware the transition area is crowded, there is not much room for changing a lot of equipment or clothes.  We supply a swim cap and mark your left arm and leg with your race #.  The transition area is stoned, we lay down carpet strips for runways in and out, but your personal area around your bike will not be carpeted.

What is the course like?          

        The swim is along the shore from about 100’ to 200’  from the shore.  The depth of the water is from 3’ to 8’ so that those swimmers uncomfortable with deep water can participate closer to shore in the shallower water.  The bike course is flat on a 26’ wide paved road,  you must observe the traffic laws concerning bikes and stay in the proper traffic lane.  Law enforcement officers will be along the course at intersections to control oncoming traffic, but there will be traffic on the road in the other lane.  The course will be swept the night before but stones will be present along the sides of the road and especially at the corners so we stress that all participants exercise extreme caution in the “hot corners”.  The run course is on the same road so expect traffic in the oncoming lane.  There are slight elevation changes on this portion of the course, but none are extreme.  There will be water at the transition area and at the run turn-around. 

Toilet facilities?           

          We have porta potties near the back of the transition area.

Spectator Area?

          We have a limited area for spectators to watch the race, but with everyone’s cooperation we can usually handle the crowd and everyone has a chance to see their favorite racer transition and finish.

Pre Race?         

         We have a pre-race meeting with all participants before moving to the swim start area.  We will inform you of last minute changes if any, and go over rules and safety issues.

Post Race?          

       Refreshments are available for participants, oranges, apples, bananas, water and an electrolyte replacement drink.  After all have finished we hold a door prize giveaway using racer #’s.  this usually takes us to results time when we give trophies for the fastest male, female & team.  Also medals for top 3 in each age group.