Entry deferrals must be received by October 17. You may defer your entry to 2010.

USA Triathlon
The Longleaf Triathlon is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. You must be a current USAT member to participate or you may purchase a one-day license at packet pickup. To limit wait times at packet pickup, you may purchase an annual license online at www.usatriathlon.org. All USAT rules will be in effect during the event. Protests of penalties assessed for rules infractions must be filed with the USAT Head Official immediately after the protesting individual finishes the race.

Packet Pickup / Athlete Check-in
Packet pickup is from 9am-5pm on Saturday the 17th at the Longleaf Town Hall. Follow the signs as you come into Longleaf on Saturday. Late pickup can be done on Sunday at 6am, but with the number of athletes participating, we STRONGLY encourage you to show up on Saturday. There will be lots of exhibitors on the green Saturday, so it will be worth your while to come and get packet pickup out of the way.

You must furnish proof of current USAT membership or you will be required to purchase a one-day license. You must also present a photo ID.

Print the survey out, fill it in and bring it with you to save time.

Relay Teams
All relay team members must be present, at the same time, to pick up your packet. Substitution of a relay team member will not be permitted beyond October 17th.

Mandatory Bike Check-In
Bike check-in is 6:30 am – 7:30 am October 18th. If you do not arrive by 7:30 am, you will not be allowed to check in your bike.

Race Day Parking
Race day parking is on the northwest corner of Starkey Blvd and SR 54. Sheriff deputies will be on hand to guide you to the lot. Be sure to wear some sort of shoe as this is a pasture and sand spurs are occasionally present.

Race Numbers
There are two race numbers provided at check in that you are required to display during the event:
The bicycle frame number must be attached to your bike with the race number clearly visible from both sides of the bike. The bib number must be displayed during the race on your body during the bike and run portions of the race. Pin your bib number to your shirt or race belt with the safety pins provided in your race packet.

Body Marking
Body marking will take place from 6:30 am – 7:30 am on Sunday at the south entrance to the transition area. You will not be permitted in the transition area on race day without your body marked. Be sure that the volunteer who marks you does so using the race number printed on your race bib.

Transition Area Access
The transition area will be open on race day from 6:30 am – 7:30 am only. Any athlete, including relay team members, who arrives after7:30 a.m. will not have access to the transition area. Only athletes who are body marked will be allowed access. You will not be allowed access to the transition area to reclaim your bicycle and gear until after the last athlete has started the run (approximately 11 am).

Relay Team Transition Area Access
To reduce congestion, only the relay team cyclist will have access to the transition area. Relay teams must pass the timing chip to their teammates in the holding areas just outside the transition area following each segment. The relay team cyclist may secure all personal items belonging to the swimmer and runner at the relay team’s bike rack.

Timing Chips
You are required to pick up your timing chip the morning of the race. Don’t lose your chip. Each chip is encoded with your specific registration data so do not trade your chip with another athlete! The chip must be affixed to either ankle prior to the swim start and must be worn during the entire event. Athletes are responsible for crossing the timing mats at the end of each segment (e.g., swim finish) and for the safe return of the chip at the finish line. Relay team members must pass the chip to their teammate after completing their segment of the race. Crossing the timing mats as you re-enter transition to re-claim your gear with your chip in place will erase your transition times.

Swim Cap
The swim cap distributed at packet pickup must be worn during the swim. Do not trade your swim cap with another athlete, as the caps are color-coded to assist race management in organizing you at the swim start.

Wetsuits
The use of wetsuits during the swim will be allowed if the water temperature on race morning is 78.0 degrees or less. If the water temperature exceeds 78.0 degrees but is less than 84.0 degrees, an athlete may wear a wetsuit but will be ineligible for awards and USAT national ranking points. A water temperature measurement will be conducted on Sunday morning at first light and posted at the entrance to the transition area.

Swim Start
The swim starts at the lake behind Florida Design. To access the lake, walk along the path behind Florida Design and follow to the lake. Participants need to be at the lake for the start no later that 7:45 am. Athletes will start in number order.

Swim Course
Sprint athletes will begin the race at intervals and swim to the first set of orange buoys. Round the buoys and swim back to shore. International distance athletes will swim to the second set of buoys and make two loops, coming out of the water and running around the pole between loops. Athletes who cut any portion of the swim course will be disqualified. For your safety, certified water safety personnel will be monitoring the swim course with kayaks, jet skis and from shore.

Transition Area Conduct
For safety reasons, you will not be permitted to ride your bike in or out of the transition area. You must walk or run while in the transition area. Please watch out for other athletes as you move through transition and follow the instructions of race officials and volunteers.

Bike Course
Each athlete is required to wear an approved helmet during the bike segment. You must have your helmet securely fastened on your head before you mount and dismount your bike. Drafting and blocking (impeding the progress of passing cyclists) are not permitted during the race. USAT officials will monitor the bike course and strictly enforce these rules. Please check your bike to make sure you have bar end plugs before bringing your bike to the transition area Sunday morning.

Bike Water Station
One water station will be located midway through the international distance bike course before the entrance to the Suncoast Parkway Trail. There are no water stations on the sprint bike course.

Run Course
Water stations are located at the run start and at various intervals. Each station will be stocked with water.

Finish
The course will remain open until the last participant crosses the finish line. An official triathlon vehicle will sweep the field to ensure all athletes have finished.

Dropping Out
Please notify a race official and return your timing chip at the finish line if you drop out of the race.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Unsportsmanlike conduct or the verbal abuse of any race official or volunteer during the race or at any time during event weekend will result in your immediate disqualification.

Timing & Results
Official race results will be posted prior to the awards presentation. Please report any discrepancy to a race official prior to the start of the awards presentation. Athletes who do not wear the timing chip during the entire event will not be scored.

Medical Care
Morton Plant Mease Northbay Hospital will provide minor medical care for all participants during the event. Pasco County EMT will provide medical care for any injuries. The biggest risk to athletes during the race is the potential of heat-related injuries associated with inadequate hydration prior to and during the event. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout race weekend!

Course Safety
While some of the course is closed, it is virtually impossible to keep the entire course closed to vehicular traffic. Additionally, wildlife is not uncommon and you should watch for deer and other animals who may unexpectly cross your path. Be aware of your surroundings, obey the instructions of the traffic control officers and volunteers and be considerate of others during the competition.

USAT Rules
As a USAT sanctioned event, the USAT rules will be enforced by USAT race marshalls. You should familiarize yourself with those rules, which are available from the USAT at: http://triatnlon.teamusa.org/content/index/1684

Awards Party
The awards party begins as soon as you cross the finish line! Be sure to stick around for fruit, snacks, pizza, black beans & rice and fresh baked cookies by Sweetbay. The top three participants in each age category will receive a trophy and there is a separate collegiate category of awards.

Results & Awards
Race results will be posted online immediately following the race. If you are a top 3 finisher and cannot attend the awards presentation, we’ll mail you your award. Simply send us your request in writing with $10.00 (checks payable to Longleaf Triathlon) to P.O. Box 295 New Port Richey, FL 34656-0295.

GOOD LUCK & HAVE A SAFE RACE!
Rob Marlowe
Race Director