ATHLETE GUIDE

WELCOME

The Victoria Half is one of Canada’s most classic and beautiful triathlon events. For over 25 years, athletes have been making the trek to picturesque Vancouver Island for this incredible west coast race experience.

The course features a calm one-loop lake swim at Elk Lake followed by a ride through the scenic Saanich Peninsula and a 2-loop run on the flat soft lake trails of Elk and Beaver Lakes. The event has a rich tradition attracting the world’s best triathletes along with many first-timers while also serving as National Championships, Qualifiers and Ironman 70.3.

TRIATHLON RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Victoria Half and Sprint Triathlon will abide by the rules and regulations of World Triathlon and Triathlon BC unless otherwise stated in the Event Athlete Guide.

The following is a link to the World Triathlon competition rules. Triathlon BC has prepared an Appendix to the World Triathlon rules for additions/amendments that are applicable in sanctioned races throughout British Columbia.

2023 World Triathlon Competition Rules
2023 Provincial Competition Rules Appendix K, X, Y

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Please click HERE for the current Schedule of Events

ATHLETE CHECK-IN

WHEN

Saturday from 10 AM - 5 PM

Race Package Pick-up will NOT be open on race day. If you do not check in during the designated Race Package Pick-up hours you will not be permitted to race.

***ALL RACE PACKAGES MUST BE PICKED UP BY 5 PM ON SATURDAY.

WHERE

Elk Lake Regional Park, Hamsterly Beach, Brookleigh Rd, Victoria, BC V8Z 3K1

WHAT TO BRING

Photo ID or Passport
***Current Triathlon BC Membership Card (not required if you have purchased a Day of Race one-event Membership at time of race registration). This is mandatory. Need to purchase? You can do so at the check-in tent with "solutions" via credit card.
Optional (good to have): Race Roster Confirmation email

RACE PACKAGE PICK-UP STEPS

Show Photo ID
Pick up timing chip
Pick up Athlete Race Packet
Pick up Athlete Garment

*Race Package Pick-up will not be available outside the posted times.

RELAY TEAMS

Only one member of the Relay Team is required to pick up the race package on Saturday.

*Please note that all 3 team members must have a current Triathlon BC Membership Card (the team member picking up for the relay team must present all membership cards). Membership cards are not required if the team members have purchased a Day of Race one-event Membership.

YOUR RACE PACKET WILL INCLUDE

• Race Bib - to be worn on the run

• Bike/Helmet Stickers

• Swim Cap

* Make sure you have your race bib applied to enter and leave the Transition area. (Relay bikers must have their helmet with stickers or the runner's race bib to enter/leave the transition area)

***You need to check in to transition with your bike helmet (stickered with your race numbers)

BIKE STICKERS

You will receive the following stickers in your athlete packet:

• Bike seat post sticker

• Helmet stickers

Make sure the seat post sticker is visible on both sides of your bike. The bike seat post sticker cannot be altered in any fashion and the race logo MUST be visible. The helmet sticker will be affixed to the front, left and right side of your helmet.

Athletes will not be permitted to have any other stickers on their bikes other than the bike seat post sticker issued at Race Package Pick-up. Any previous event stickers on the bike must be removed.

* We recommend you label your gear bags with your own name/phone number label/tag.

PRE-RACE INFO

EXPO

The Expo at Hamsterly Beach will serve as the location for Race Package Pick-up, post-race Athlete food, Vendors and the Merchandise Tent. The EXPO is free and open to the public.

PRE-RACE ATHLETE BRIEFING

There will be NO Pre-Race Briefing on Saturday or Race Day (Sunday). There will be an information centre for race questions at the Expo on Saturday at the Race Check In.

MANDATORY BIKE CHECK-IN

Athletes must check in their bike in to transition on Saturday, July 15th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There will not be race morning check-in for bicycles
Other gear can be brought in race morning, but bikes must be checked in Saturday and left overnight
Please place your bike in the appropriate numbered row during Bike Check-In (you will not have a specific numbered spot on the bike rack). Volunteers will be available to assist you
Bicycles must be racked in a manner such that the majority of the bicycle is on the athlete’s side of the bike rack. Bicycles should be racked by the seat and alternate direction of seat so that more space is created between the bicycles (i.e. so the handle bars are not touching the bicycle next to you)
You will have access to your bike beginning at 5:30 AM on race morning but you will not be allowed to remove your bike from transition until the race
Please make sure your bike is in safe and full-working condition prior to race day

SAFETY (PRE-RACE):

SWIM

Be mindful of underwater hazards. When training on the course, even if the buoys are in place, you are doing so at your own risk as the course is only supervised during the race period.

BIKE COURSE

Please remember to obey the traffic laws and approach all intersections with caution and yield to traffic if it has entered the intersection before you. Ride in the bike lane or the shoulder where possible.

RUN TRAILS

The run course follows the trails surrounding Elk/Beaver Lake. These are popular trails for the public, and you may also encounter dogs and horses. Please share the trail!

BAGS

Please do leave unattended bags in public areas as they can create walking hazards and security concerns.

PETS

The site will be busy so please do not bring pets if possible. Hamsterly Beach Park does require leashes for pets.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Please ensure that any pre-existing/chronic medical conditions (respiratory, cardiac, epilepsy, etc.) and allergies have been reported and are correct in your medical information that you submitted at the time of registration in Race Roster. If you need to update any medical information, please go to the “Solutions” desk at Race Package Pick-up. Athletes are responsible for having any personal prescribed medications with them (puffer, epi-pen, nitro, etc.).

RACE DAY INFO

PARKING & SHUTTLE SERVICE

Parking at and around Elk Lake is very limited. Please do not park in areas with NO PARKING signs or that do not look like traditional parking spots, as you will be towed or ticketed. Please be respectful of local residents and businesses around the race venue.

On race day, please do not drive to Hamsterly Beach – you will most likely be frustrated trying to find a parking spot or be turned around. Use the shuttle system or get dropped off. We highly recommend you carpool as well.

Please note that there will be NO PARKING at Hamsterly Beach Park on Race Day.

There will be NO PARKING anywhere along Brookleigh Road on Race Day – this is the race course, any vehicles parked there will be towed.

Saturday - Race Package Pick-Up

There is some parking available on Saturday for race package pick-up and bike check-in, but it will be very busy. Do your best to carpool and give yourself some extra time. There is no off-site parking or shuttle service.

Sunday – Race Day

Parking on race day is very tight. There is no parking allowed on Brookleigh Road or vehicles will be towed. There is offsite parking on Beaver Lake Road at the Beaver/Elk Lake Park entrance on Elk Lake Drive (approximately 2.5km away) with shuttle service (restricted to athletes only). It has been incredibly difficult to arrange for bussing with local widespread staffing shortages, but we have done our best to arrange shuttles to the race site. Very limited return shuttles will be available back to the offsite parking after the race (we are recommending that participants ride back to their cars).

We have these recommendations for you:

Be dropped off on race morning
***A local resident has just offered 60 parking spots directly beside the race site at a cost of $60 for the weekend (Saturday and Sunday - come and go as you please). If you are interested, you can see him tomorrow when you come to the site at 5496 Hamsterly Road
Arrange for a taxi to the site
Arrive early for the offsite parking/shuttles (shuttles start at 5am)

Thank you for helping us with this!

RACE MORNING PROCEDURE

Athletes may enter transition no earlier than 5:30 AM. Remember to bring your timing chip, swim cap, goggles, wetsuit, bike and run gear. Athlete Check-In will not be offered on race day. Bike technicians and bike pumps will be available in the transition area on race morning. Please do not wear your run bib number during the swim. The run bib numbers will not hold up for the duration of the race if they get wet. Arrive early enough to set up your gear. You will not be permitted into transition without your run bib number (Relay members must have either the run bib or bike helmet stickers). A replacement swim cap, or timing chip, will be located near the announcer’s area in transition or at swim start. There is a $75.00 fee for a lost timing chip and $10.00 fee for a lost swim cap.

BODY MARKING

There will be NO body marking. Athletes will not need to be body marked for the race. To ensure they are able to be properly identified, athletes must have their helmet stickered, their bike stickered, and their race number bib on the run (on the front of the torso).

AID STATIONS

Please refer to the website pages below for Aid Station locations and what is offered.

Bike Course - HERE

Run Course - HERE

What’s On Course - HERE

CUT-OFF TIMES

HALF

Swim – 1 hour and 10 minutes

Bike – 12:00 noon

Run – 3:00pm

OLYMPIC

Swim – 60 minutes

Bike – 10:30am

Run – 12:30am

SPRINT

Swim – 30 minutes

Bike – 9:30am

Run – 10:30am

TIMING CHIP

Your timing chip will be included in your race package.

Your chip must be worn on your left ankle at all times during the race. If you do not start the race, you are responsible for returning the chip to a timing team/package pick-up member. Failure to do so may disqualify you from participating in future events. It is essential that we know this for your safety. If you are transported to any medical station, the medical staff will take responsibility for chip. If you lose your chip while on the run course, please notify a timing official immediately after crossing the finish line. Failure to wear your timing chip on race day, return your chip after the event, or pay the replacement cost of your lost timing chip may disqualify you from future events. After the race, if you realize you still have your chip, please contact the race organizer.

RELAY TEAM INFO

RACE PACK PICK-UP/CHECK-IN PROCESS

A relay team will be assigned one bib number. All relay members must be covered by Triathlon BC.

EACH TEAM WILL RECEIVE:

• 1 swim cap

• Bike seat post sticker

• Helmet stickers

• Race bib to be worn on the run

• 1 timing chip

RELAY TEAM PROCEDURES:

Have relay runner wear race bib number on front.
The timing strap/chip is passed from one athlete to the other in transition as they complete their respective leg of the race. The timing chip acts as the “baton” and athletes must hand off the timing strap/chip to move forward to the next discipline. Failure to do so will result as a DNF
Athletes should be aware of anticipated finish times associated with each leg
The relay exchange area is at the designated relay bike rack in the transition area
Athletes must make the chip transfer from left ankle to left ankle
Athletes must not run with the chip in their hands at any time to ensure accurate chip reading
On the swim-to-bike segment, the bike cannot be removed from the bike rack until chip is properly transferred and attached to the next teammate
On the bike-to-run segment, the timing chip may not be removed until the bike is properly racked in the designated spot

FINISH LINE / AWARDS

Each relay athlete will receive a medal once finished. It is the responsibility of the run leg athlete to distribute additional medals to the team members
Relay awards are given to the top three overall relay teams for Male, Female, Mixed. Each relay team member will receive an award

THE RACE COURSE

SWIM

Please see the Swim Course Map HERE

Please visit the following links for detailed rules unless otherwise stated in the Event Athlete Guide.

2023 World Triathlon Competition Rules
2023 Provincial Competition Rules Appendix K, X, Y

2023 Triathlon BC Rule Change Summary

ROLLING SWIM START

The event will feature a “Rolling Start”. Athletes will self-seed into swim start corrals based upon their estimated swim finish time. The race will use “chip timing” so your time will not start until you cross the timing mat entering the water to start your race. Any athletes in the Elite Division will start together in the front. Each athlete in the Half distance swim will be allotted 1 hour 10 minutes to complete the swim course for the Half course, 60 minutes for Olympic and 30 minutes for the Sprint Course. Self-seeding will be based on your individual abilities according to your expected finish time (signs with expected swim finish times may be present along the corral). Slower swimmers should stay towards the back of the start corral. You can avoid being overtaken by stronger swimmers by seeding yourself with athletes of a similar skill and ability levels. We anticipate that there will not be a long wait to enter the water. Your allotted completion time will start when the last swimmer enters the water.

Please see the Half and Sprint swim course map here

* Please take note of the colour of your swim buoy turns

Orange turn buoys for the Sprint

Yellow turn buoys for the Half

Red buoys are guide buoys

WARM-UP

Warm-ups will be allowed. Swimmers must stay to the area to the far right of the swim course. The swimmers must be back 10 minutes prior to the start or risk disqualification from the event.

SWIM COURSE RULES

• Athletes must wear cap provided by race. If you are a nervous swimmer, you can ask for a red race swim cap at package pick-up.

• No fins, gloves, paddles, or flotation devices (including pull buoys) of any kind are allowed.

• No aqua socks (neoprene booties) unless the water temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.

• When the use of wetsuits is forbidden, clothing covering any part of the arms below the elbows and clothing covering any of the leg below the knee is deemed illegal equipment and is not permitted. Compression sleeves or compression calf guards/socks may NOT be worn during non-wetsuit swims, but may be worn upon completion of the swim.

• Swim goggles and facemasks may be worn. Snorkels are prohibited. Medical exceptions will not be considered.

• No individual paddlers or escorts allowed. The course will be adequately patrolled by boats, canoes and paddleboards.

• Any assistance required during the swim will result in disqualification if forward progress was made. Athletes are permitted to use kayaks and boats as aid, as long as forward progress is not made. Course officials and medical personnel reserve the right to remove athletes from the course if determined medically necessary.

• For the Half, each athlete will have 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete the 1900m swim. The swim course will close 1 hour and 10 minutes from when the athlete starts (provided the athlete is not late starting (in which case the cut-off time will be from the time the first swimmer entered the water). Individual athletes who take longer than 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete the swim will receive a DNF. For the Olympic 60 minutes (1500m) and Sprint, each athlete will have 30 minutes to complete the 750m swim.

TRIATHLON BC officials reserve the right to pull athletes off the course who exceed any established course time cut-offs.

WETSUIT RULES

Age Group from the youngest to 55-59 category

Event: Sprint & Olympic - Forbidden: 22.0C and above - Mandatory: 15.9C and below

Event: Half, Aqua Bike, Relay - Forbidden: 24.6 and above - Mandatory: 15.9C and below

Age Group from 60-64 category to the oldest

Event: All Distances - Forbidden: 24.6 C and above - Mandatory: 15.9C and below

HALF, RELAY and AQUA BIKE WETSUIT GUIDELINES FOR WARMER TEMPERATURES

Athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit in water temperatures between 76.2 degrees Fahrenheit (24.55 degrees Celsius) and 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit (28.8 degrees Celsius) will not be eligible for Age Group awards.

Prohibited Wetsuits: Wetsuits cannot measure more than 5 mm thick.

SWIMWEAR POLICY

(non-wetsuit legal swims only)

Swimwear must be 100% textile material, which is defined as materials consisting of natural and/or synthetic, individual and non-consolidated yarns used to constitute a fabric by weaving, knitting and/or braiding. Simply put, this would generally refer to suits made only from nylon or Lycra that do not have any rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene. Swimwear must not cover the neck, extend past the elbow, nor extend past the knees. Swimwear may contain a zipper. A race kit may be worn underneath swimwear.

Compression gear may be worn during non-wetsuit swims provided that it is made of 100% textile material (no rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene) and that material does not extend past the elbows or knees. Any compression wear that extends past the elbows or knees will not be permitted in non-wetsuit swims including compression sleeves, compression socks, or compression tights.

SWIM COURSE SAFETY

If you are a nervous swimmer, you can request a red swim cap at race package pick-up which will make you more easy to identify.

Remember that most swimmers feel the most uneasy at the start of the swim – try to stay relaxed, with a controlled effort as you establish your breathing and rhythm. The uneasy feeling usually subsides as your body/mind become accustomed to the environment.

If at anytime you feel in distress on swim course, please stop, try to stay to one side out of the way of other swimmers and raise your arm/hand in the air. A watercraft will come to your assistance. If you feel safe, you can continue on the swim course provided you have gained no forward momentum from the watercraft.

Please be considerate of other swimmers and move away if contact is made.

Please swim calmly around the turn buoys and give yourself lots of space. Do not stop or use breaststroke at the turn buoys.

Any athlete electing not to continue to race must notify a timing official immediately. Above all, the safety of each swimmer is our prime concern. A full sweep of the course will be made directly behind the last swimmer. Visual aid will be provided by the lifeguards, canoes, kayaks, buoys, and aquatic crafts that line the course.

TRANSITION (SWIM TO BIKE)

After the swim you will be directed through the timing chutes to the swim to bike transition. Public nudity is not permitted. We require you to be fully ready to race before getting on your bike. There are no change tents or assigned wetsuit-removers.

Please do not remain in the transition area for too long and proceed to the bike course.

Follow the direction of the transition marshals to the exit.

Remember to attach the chin strap of your helmet before un-racking your bike or you will incur a penalty or disqualification.

Please remember to not mount your bike until you have crossed the Mount Line on the road.

BIKE

Please see the Bike Course Map and elevation map HERE

Please visit following links for detailed rules unless otherwise stated in the Event Athlete Guide:

World Triathlon Competition Rules

Provincial Competition Rules Appendix K, X, Y

Triathlon BC Rule Change Summary

BIKE COURSE – NEED TO KNOW

The bike course is open to traffic. Please share the roads with local traffic and be considerate of drivers
The sole responsibility of knowing and following the prescribed cycling course rests with each athlete
Athletes must obey all traffic laws while on the cycling course unless otherwise specifically directed by an official, race monitor or designee with actual authority. Failure to do so may result in disqualification
There is traffic control and police on the course, but you should approach every intersection with caution, keep your head up, slow down and look for traffic entering the intersection
Please stay right at all times so others can pass
Please slow down for turns. There are some very sharp turns and if you approach them too fast, you may travel wide in to traffic as you exit the turn

IMPORTANT BIKE COURSE ZONES

There are some “Neutral Zones” on course which you should ride through with caution and not pass other riders:

Brookleigh Rd / Oldfield Rd Intersection – This is the first intersection of the course approximately 2km from the start/end of the bike. All participants will turn left here on to Oldfield Rd at the beginning of the bike course. Likewise, at the finish of the bike route, all participants will turn left here from Oldfield Road back on to Brookleigh Road to return to the transition area. This intersection will be extremely busy because it serves as the looping point for the Half Course (after completing one loop of the course, all Half athletes will be required to pass by this intersection, traveling straight, to complete a second loop). Sprint athletes will all turn left here to finish their bike course (there is no loop for the Sprint Bike Course). There will be no cross over of cyclists at this intersection, but there could be some Sprint athletes turning left on to Oldfield Rd (from Brookleigh Rd) at the start of their ride while the Half athletes are carrying on straight to complete their second loop of the course. If this occurs, please slow down and merge together carefully at this point. Likewise, Sprint athletes will be finishing their bike course and turning left on Brookleigh Rd while the Half athletes are carrying on straight to complete their second loop. Half athletes remember that you must complete a second loop, so slow down and keep to the far right which will allow the Sprint athletes to safely enter or exit the course.

West Saanich Rd at Sparton Rd– There is construction here and the bike lane/shoulder is not available. Please use the main lane of West Saanich but be careful when entering in case there is a vehicle coming up behind you.

West Saanich Rd at Keating Cross Rd – This is a busy intersection so use caution. Sprint athletes will turn right at this intersection and Half athletes will continue straight.

Willingdon Rd / East Saanich Rd (Traffic Circle near Airport) – HALF, OLYMPIC & DUATHLON COURSE ONLY. This is a right turn where you will be directed on to the sidewalk for a short period to complete the turn. Do not enter the traffic circle.

Aldous Terrace (Wallace Dr) + Bourne Terrace (Central Saanich Rd) – HALF, OLYMPIC & DUATHLON COURSE ONLY. Please be aware of the speed bumps. They are well marked with road signs.

Bike Aid Station - Central Saanich (across from Longview Farms) – HALF, OLYMPIC & DUATHLON COURSE ONLY. If you would like to receive water or electrolyte at the bike aid station, please slow down and make no sudden movements as you approach the station (please see “BIKE AID STATION” section for more details on how the station operates). Do not expect to receive any aid if you are traveling at a higher speed. If you do not need any aid, please stay toward the middle of the road.

East Saanich Rd and Wallace Dr – HALF, OLYMPIC & DUATHLON COURSE ONLY. When you turn left on to Wallace Drive, you will need to move safely over to the middle lane before the turn. There will be marshals and traffic control personnel at this intersection to guide you so please move to the middle lane when directed (and safe) and approach this intersection with caution. *Note - in previous years the access to Wallace Drive was via Newman Road – do not turn left at Newman Road.

Keating Cross Rd (Central Saanich Rd to Oldfield Rd) – HALF, OLYMPIC & DUATHLON COURSE ONLY. Once on Keating Cross Road you will stay in the right lane past Veyaness Rd (traffic lights) and the Brentwood Cycle Roll-In Bike Support Tent. As you approach Rajur Place, you will be directed to the middle lane in anticipation of your left turn on Oldfield Road.

Oldfield Rd Turn (from Keating Cross Rd) – HALF, OLYMPIC & DUATHLON COURSE cyclists will be turning left from Keating Cross Rd to Oldfield Rd. Sprint athletes will be coming from the other direction on Keating Cross Rd and will be turning right on to Oldfield Rd. Some merging of riders may be required here so please be aware of the other riders as you turn. The bike course is planned so the merging of athletes here is minimal.

GENERAL BIKE RULES

No tandems, fixed-gear bikes, recumbents, fairings, or any add-on device designed exclusively to reduce resistance are allowed. Any new, unusual, or prototype equipment will be subject to a determination of legality by the event organizer and/or Head Referee
No athlete shall endanger himself or another athlete. Athletes who intentionally present a danger to any athlete or who, in the judgment of the Head Referee, appear to present a danger to any athlete may be disqualified
Shoes and shirt must be worn at all times
Cameras, phone cameras, and video cameras are prohibited unless permission is given by event. If permission is given, it is the athlete’s responsibility to notify the Head Referee prior to the race start. Athletes seen with a camera, phone camera, or video camera without permission will be disqualified
A CPSC-approved helmet is required during the entire bike portion including in and out of transition. Athletes riding without an approved helmet or chinstrap not fastened may be disqualified. Alterations to a hard-shell helmet, which affects its integrity, are not allowed.
Athletes must wear a bike number sticker on the front and sides of their helmet, and on the seat post of the bike
No individual support allowed. Ample aid stations will be provided. Friends, family members, coaches, or supporters of any type may NOT bike, drive, or run alongside any athlete. Non-racers may not pass food or other items to any athlete and should be warned to stay completely clear of all athletes to avoid the disqualification of the athlete. It is incumbent upon each athlete to immediately reject any attempt to assist, follow, or escort
Do not litter. Any item that needs to be discarded, including but not limited to water bottles, gel wrappers, energy bar wrappers, broken bike parts, or clothing items, may only be discarded at the aid stations. Discarding any item outside of the aid stations will result in a penalty
Athletes must be individually responsible for repair and maintenance of their own bike. Athletes should be prepared to handle any possible mechanical malfunction. Assistance from official race personnel or at the Bike Support Tent is permitted
Athletes may walk bike, if necessary, but may not make progress on the bike course unaccompanied by their bicycle

Bike inspection is not mandatory and will not be provided at Bike Check-In, although technicians will be available. Athletes are ultimately responsible for their own bikes. However, race referees may at their own discretion make final judgments as to the soundness of the bike.
Headphones of any style are not allowed, headsets which are inserted in or covering the ears are not allowed during any portion of the event
Athletes may not use communication devices of any type, including but not limited to cell phones, smart watches, Bluetooth-enabled or “smart” helmets, and two-way radios, in any distractive manner during the Race. A “distractive manner” includes but is not limited to making and receiving phone calls, sending and receiving text messages, playing music, using social media, taking photographs, and mounting the device to a bike for purposes of using the device like a bike computer. Using a communication device in a distractive manner during the Race will result in disqualification
Cycling with a bare torso is prohibited. Athletes must wear a shirt, jersey, or sport top/sports bra at all times during the cycling segment of the Race. Uniforms with a front zipper may be unzipped to any length, provided, the zipper is connected at the bottom of the uniform at all times and the top of the uniform covers the shoulders

DRAFTING / POSITION RULES

NO DRAFTING of another bike or any other vehicle is allowed in any of the races/categories
The bicycle draft zone is 12 meters long, measured from the leading edge of the front wheel and extending towards the back of the bike (6 bike lengths of clear space between bikes). Athletes must keep this space between bikes clear except when passing. Failure to do so will result in a drafting violation
A pass occurs when the overtaking athlete’s front wheel passes the leading edge of the athlete being overtaken
Overtaking athletes may pass on the left for up to 25 seconds, but must move back to the right side of the road, after passing. Failure to complete a pass within 25 seconds will result in a drafting violation. Athletes may not back out of the draft zone once it is entered (drafting violation)
Overtaken athletes must immediately fall back six bike lengths before attempting to regain the lead from a front running bike. Immediately re-passing prior to falling back six bike lengths will result in an overtaken violation
Overtaken athletes who remain in the draft zone for more than 25 seconds, or who do not make constant rear progress out of the drafting zone, will be given a drafting violation
Athletes must ride single file on the far right side of the road except when passing another rider, or for reasons of safety. Side-by-side riding is not allowed and will result in a position violation
Athletes who impede the forward progress of other athletes will be given a blocking violation
Athletes committing rule violations will be notified “on the spot” by a race referee
Penalties will be served in the Penalty Tent located in the Transition Area

BIKE AID STATION

There is 1 Scotiabank Aid Station per loop for the Half/Olympic/Duathlon course.

There is no Aid Station for the Sprint course.

Bike Aid Station Procedures:

If you would like to receive water or electrolyte at the bike aid station, please slow down and make no sudden movements as you approach the station. Do not expect to receive any aid if you are traveling at a higher speed
If you do not need any aid, please stay toward the middle of the road
Throw any bottles you want to discard into the ditch on the right side of the road before the station (there will be bins there if you would like to try your target practice)
Do not make any sudden changes in speed (i.e. hard braking) or direction as you approach the station. If you need to stop, stay to the far right
As you approach the station look for the type of drink you would like (the aid stations volunteers will be yelling out which type they are offering)
Move gradually toward the area of the station that has the item you require
Try to make eye contact with the volunteer that is handing you the bottle and you may want to verbally communicate the item you are looking for
Safely receive the bottle and place into your water bottle cage and clear the area. Do not take a drink or try to empty the bottle into other bottles, hydration devices, etc. anywhere near the aid station

BIKE SUPPORT

Brentwood Cycle is the Official Bike Shop of the event is offering on-course bike support.

Brentwood Cycle is located directly on the course and will provide participants with:

- Emergency race-site mechanical adjustments on Saturday (bike check-in) and pre-race on Sunday morning

- A “roll-in” bike support tent, directly on the course in front of their shop on Keating Cross Road for emergency mechanical issues

- A race bike support vehicle for in-race mechanical issues. Please keep in mind if you need assistance with bike support during the race there could be a significant wait.

RUN COURSE

Please see Run Course Map HERE

Please visit the following links for detailed rules unless otherwise stated in the Event Athlete Guide.

World Triathlon Competition Rules

Provincial Competition Rules Appendix K, X, Y

Triathlon BC Rule Change Summary

RUN COURSE CONSIDERATIONS

Duathlon runners will gather for a mass start near the beach for their first run (5km) at 7:05am. Run out clockwise around lake to out-&-back turn around.
After bike, Sprint athletes will run out 2.5km, turn around and return on the same route as Duathlon run #1
For Half, Olympic and Duathlon (run #2), exit transition right and run on ELK Lake trail counter-clockwise around lake.

Half athletes will complete 2 loops of the Elk/Beaver Lake trail loop system which will include out-&-back section on Bear Hill Road on each loop.
You will be running mostly on hard pack trails so please be cautious of roots, rocks and other potential trail hazards.

RUN COURSE RULES

Athletes must wear their issued race bib number in front of them clearly visible at all times on the course. Bib numbers identify the official athletes in the race. Folding, cutting the bib number, intentional alteration of any kind, or failure to wear race number is STRICTLY PROHIBITED and may result in disqualification
Headphones or headsets which are inserted to or covering the ears are not allowed during any portion of the event
No individual support vehicles or non-athlete escort runners are allowed
Cameras, phone cameras, and video cameras are prohibited unless permission is given by the Event. If permission is given by the Event, it is the athlete’s responsibility to notify the Head Referee prior to race start. Athletes seen with a camera, phone camera, or video camera without permission will be disqualified
This is an individual endurance event. Teamwork as a result of outside assistance, which provides an advantage over single competitors, is not allowed. Individual support vehicles or nonathlete escort runners will result in disqualification. A non-athlete escort runner includes athletes who have withdrawn from the race, have been disqualified or have finished the race. Supporters of any type may NOT bike, drive, or run alongside the athlete, may not pass food or other items to athlete and should stay completely clear of all athletes to avoid the disqualification of the athlete. It is incumbent upon each athlete to immediately reject any attempt to assist, follow, or escort. It IS permissible for an athlete who is still competing to run with other athletes who are still competing
Athletes are expected to follow the directions and instructions of all race referees and public authorities
The sole responsibility of knowing and following the prescribed running course rests with each athlete. No adjustments in times or results shall be made for athletes who fail to follow the proper course for any reason whatsoever
Running with a bare torso is prohibited. Athletes must wear a shirt, jersey, or sport top/sports bra at all times during the run segment of the race
Uniforms with a front zipper may be unzipped to any length, provided, the zipper is connected at the bottom of the uniform at all times and the top of the uniform covers the shoulders. The uniform should be fully zipped when crossing the finish line

RUN AID STATIONS

There are 4 Scotiabank Aid Stations on the Run Course that the Sprint athletes will pass 2 times and the Half athletes will pass 8 times.

For Aid Station locations click HERE

For what is provided at the Aid Stations click HERE

COMMON VIOLATIONS/DISQUALIFICATIONS

HELMET CHINSTRAP - Your chinstrap must be securely fastened whenever your bike is unracked on race day!

RACE NUMBER - You must wear your bib number on the front during the run portion of the race. In addition, your bike seat post sticker must be properly attached to your bike seat post and must be visible from both sides.

DRAFTING / BLOCKING – Keep right at all times. Keep your distance from other bikes. Allow others to pass you once they have come up beside you (drop back).

LITTERING - Do not throw ANYTHING outside of official aid stations. Littering will result in a disqualification.

UNAUTHORIZED EQUIPMENT - NO communication devices (including cell phones), music players or other audio devices may be used during competition.

OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE - Non-racers may NOT ride or run alongside you. Non-racers may NOT pass you any water, nutrition or equipment.

SPORTSMANSHIP - Please treat other athletes, all volunteers, and your referees with courtesy and consideration. Not doing so is UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT and may result in disqualification.

POST RACE INFO

BIKE & GEAR CHECK-OUT

Mandatory Bike and Gear Check-Out is from 9AM (Sprint participants) to 3:30 PM. You must have your athlete race bib on in order to enter transition. Sprint participants will be allowed to access the transition area only if safe to do so with the other participants still actively racing. If you are unable to personally claim your bike and gear, a family member or friend can retrieve your items using the race bib.

ATHLETE FOOD TENT

Athlete post-race food area is open from 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM. The athlete post-race food area is for athletes only and your race bib or race sticker gives you access. Please move swiftly through the line if possible, and there will be a no re-entry policy once you’ve exited.

AWARDS CEREMONY

11:00am Sprint, Olympic & Duathlon Award Ceremonies

2:30pm Half Award Ceremonies

RACE PHOTOGRAPHY

The event photographer is MarathonPhotos - Participants will be contacted when their race photos are available.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and Found will be at the Volunteer Tent during race weekend.

MEDICAL AREA

The medical area is for athletes only and family members are not allowed. Overcrowding in the medical area prevents the medical staff from doing their job. For information on an athlete receiving medical treatment, please wait outside the medical tent for updates on your athlete’s condition.

VOLUNTEERS

Please remember to thank the Volunteers! The race wouldn’t be possible without their assistance. Do you know someone that could help volunteer on race weekend? For more information about volunteering for the event, please visit: www.thevictoriahalf.com/volunteer

FINISHER CERTIFICATE

Finisher Certificates are available to download after July 19th. To download your finisher certificate, go to www.thevictoriahalf.com/results

On the results page, click on your name to view/download your Finisher Certificate.

TIMING/RESULTS

If there is an issue with your timing, please e-mail