Rules

Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and will result in immediate disqualification from the race.
Cutting the course (swim, bike or run) will result in immediate disqualification. It is the responsibility of the competitor to know the course.
Littering will result in disqualification. One of the most common complaints about races is the littering that occurs on the course. Simple: carry your “trash” with you to an aid station.

There will be a cut-off time for the swim. It will be posted in the updates. Anyone not crossing the timing mat by the cut-off time will not be allowed to continue the race.
Wetsuits:

If the water temp is less than 78 degrees, wetsuits will be allowed.
If the water temp is between 78 and 84 degrees, wetsuits may be worn but you will not be eligible for awards.
If the water temp is above 84 degrees, wetsuits will not be allowed.

The swim course is two laps. You will exit the water after each alp. After the first lap, you will exit the water, cross the timing mat and then re-enter the water for the second lap.
Kayaks and canoes will be on the water, you may hang on to the side if you need to rest. You may also hang onto the side of the rafts to rest if needed.

The bike racks will be numbered, you must use your assigned space. The “downside” wheel of your bike must be on the same side of the rack as the number.
Your gear must essentially be on the same side of the rack as the number (you don’t get both sides of the rack).
If you are blocking someone while in transition, you will receive a time penalty.
You must not mount your bike when leaving for the bike leg until your bike has crossed the marked MOUNT line.
When you come into transition after the bike leg; You must dismount from your bike before the marked DISMOUNT line.
You must re-rack your bike in your assigned location after the bike leg.

Handlebar ends must be securely plugged (no open ends). There will be a bike shop on hand that can assist you in making your bike legal and safe before the race begins.
If your bike is being propelled (pushing it or riding it), your helmet must be on and fastened. In transition, there will be a two minute penalty. Outside of transition, the penalty will be immediate disqualification.
NO DRAFTING
On the course: Stay to the right unless passing.
Passing Situations:

If you are overtaking another rider, when you get to within 3 bike lengths (~20 feet), you must pull to the left and continue to pass. You may not “ride” abreast of that person, you must continue to pass.
Once you have passed that person, you must pull back to the right.
The rider who was or is being passed must allow that rider to pass and slow down enough to fall back out of the draft zone (the 3 bike lengths). If you speed up while being passed, you are now “blocking” and will incur a time penalty just as if you were drafting. If you do not fall back out of the draft zone after being passed, you are now drafting.
Once you have been passed and are out of the draft zone, you may then speed up to pass that rider. If this pattern continues for more than a couple times (at the referee’s discretion), both riders will be given a time penalty.

No headphones, headsets, ipods, mp3 players, cell phones, etc are to be used at any time while riding the bike.
No littering (includes gels, water bottles, clothes, etc). There will be an aid station at the turn-around. You may dispose of your trash there or in the transition area. Penalty will either be disqualification and/or an Illinois Citation if a Law Enforcement Officer catches you.

Once you make the turn to cross the bridge, you must stay on the left side of the road.
Do not cross the yellow line (center of the road), you must run “facing traffic”. The only exception will be to use one of the restrooms located on the interior of the loop course.
Race numbers must be visible at all times (from the front).
Disposing of your garbage (gels, water bottles, etc) must be done at the aid station areas, otherwise it is considered littering and the same penalties apply as for on the bike.
There are at least 4 rest rooms near the course, if you need one, use it. They will be marked. Do not go off into the woods.
Ipods, MP3 players, etc are not allowed during the run.

USAT “Most Commonly Violated Rules” Summary (Link); Please take the time to review and understand the rules.


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