START: How do we start, when everyone is doing something different? That's the most frequently asked question we receive! It's really quite simple. Runners, Cyclists, and Swimmers line up in three separate groups just outside the transition area. When the start siren goes off, swimmers run down to the water's edge and start their swim, cyclists pedal down the road, and runners sprint for the bike path. The race has begun!!! There will be separate starts for the men and women to accommodate to avoid congestion during the swim!

TRANSITION: The transition area will be completely fenced-in, with plenty of bike racks for all participants. There will be four in/out gates at different corners of transition: Gate-1 is the entrance/exit for swimmers, Gate-2 is the entrance/exit for cyclists, Gate-3 is the entrance/exit for runners, and Gate-4 is where you exit after you have completed your race, to do your 200 meter dash to the finish line. A link to the transition map is provided below. This map is well worth viewing, as it will help you know where you will be going on race day. Remember, the race does not end when you have finished your final event. Everyone must run or walk the final 200 meters to the finish line to receive a time and place.

SWIM: Swimmers will complete a 750 Meter triangle-shaped swim in the crystal-clear Aurora Reservoir. The run from the transition area to the water's edge is about 150 meters, and the water temperature is typically be in the low-70's on race day. FAQ - Why can't people who start with the swim start at the water's edge: Participants who start with the swim must do this 150 meter run to the water to keep things fair for everyone. All other orders must complete this run, so it makes sense that those starting with the swim would do so as well.

COURSE MAPS: Course Overview ; Run Detail ; Transition Diagram

BIKE: The 20K bike course is a rolling out-and-back route which leaves the reservoir and travels east on Quincy to a wide turn-around point. Drafting is not allowed on the bike course, and motorcycle marshals will be enforcing this rule. The bike course will be closed to traffic from mile 2 through 10, with the exception of race support vehicles, and a possible resident of the course.

RUN: We designed a fun new 3.5 mile run course in 2009 which keeps runners separate from cyclists. The run course is completely closed to traffic and follows a mix of paved bike paths, dirt roads, and well maintained wide gravel running paths. Most paved bike paths have a soft-surface dirt path which runs alongside the pavement. This course is rolling and scenic!

Aid Stations There will be two aid stations on the run course, serving ice Cold Water and HEED energy drink. They will be located at approximately 1 and 2 miles into the course.