1. What do I get for my entry fee?
Lots and lots! Three day Festival with live music, seminars, post-race Freebirds World Burrito,Greenling, and Michelob Ultra Feast, custom multi-color technical shirt, the best goody bags, imprinted swim cap, finishers medal, towel and waterbottle, custom awards, participants' raffle, Great giveaways from ZOOT, GURU BIKES, JACK AND ADAM'S, FUELBELT and more, complimentary post-race massage provided by Advanced Rehabilitation, Run-Far Racing Services timing featuring the ChampionChip, boat, motorcycle, and radio support, USAT Officials and Marshals, the best volunteers and staff anywhere, and an accurate, safe race course.
2. How can I sign up for the events?
Registration is being done by www.lin-mark.com. Please visit our registration page for more information.
3. How will I receive my race packet?
Race packets will not be mailed. All packets can be picked up at the Longhorn Athletes Village at the Sheraton Austin Hotel. Please note that you must have your packet, bib number, and ChampionChip Time Timing Chip to race. USAT members must bring a photo ID and your USAT membership card. You may pick up your packet at the Longhorn Athletes Village at the Sheraton Austin Hotel from 4-7 PM on Friday Evening, October 3, and on Saturday, October 4, from 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. NO PACKET PICKUP IS AVAILABLE ON RACE DAY, unless prior arrangements are made with the Race Director. You may contact him at
keith@endorfunsports.com.
4. Where is the Longhorn Athletes Village?
Sheraton Austin Hotel, 701 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Phone: (512) 478-1111.
5. Where is the race site?
Walter E. Long Park, 6614 Blue Bluff Rd, Austin, TX 78724
6. Can I pick my race packet up on race day?
No, packets MUST be picked up on Friday evening or Saturday during the Festival at the Sheraton Austin. NO PACKET PICKUP IS AVAILABLE RACE DAY, unless receiving prior permission from the Race Director, Keith Jordan. You may contact him at
keith@endorfunsports.com.
7. Can I register on race day?
No, as the race will be full prior to race day. This event is expected to fill up quickly, so remember to register early.
8. Are there any maps of the race venue?
Run, swim and bike course maps are posted on the race page, under each paragraph for the SWIM, BIKE, and RUN.
9. What will the weather be like race weekend?
No guarantees on weather but the average high is 84 degrees; the average low is 63 degrees. Great temperatures for a triathlon.
10. What are the expected water temperatures?
Water temperatures average about 76-82 degrees F. Wetsuits may or may not be permitted.
11. What sports drinks and gels are available on the course?
See event pages. Gatorade Endurance Formula, Power Bars, Power Gels, Water and more.
12. What can I do before and after the race?
Austin is a vibrant city, with a ton to do. For more info, go to
www.austintexas.org.
13. Is there a Pasta Dinner?
Yes, there will be a special pasta dinner. There will be a fee for this, and details will be available shortly. We'll also be offering the Longhorn Lap, with discounts at various restaurants in downtown Austin.
14. How do I get a refund if I cannot attend?
A partial refund of 50% of the entry fee will be made if requested, in writing, on or before September 1, 2008. After this date, no refunds, no exceptions. No entry transfers. (Contact
Claire@endorfunsports.com for further information.)
15. Do I need to be present to receive my award?
Out of respect for all of the award winners, you must be present to receive your award. No awards will be mailed.
16. What address should I use to have mapquest map for the Race Site?
Walter E. Long Park, 6614 Blue Bluff Rd, Austin, TX 78724
17. Will spectators be able to get and in out of Walter E. Long Park during the race?
No, not for the majority of the race. Parking is in the park, which is utilized for the run portion of the race is well. If you are coming to spectate or need to leave before the event concludes, please park at the Travis County Expo Center. There is extensive parking there, and there will be a shuttle bus taking athletes and spectators to and from the race site.
18. I'm bringing my family with me to the race. Will there be things for them to do?
Yes, we really focus on the enjoyment of the family, as we understand it's not very exciting for kids to watch a bunch of adults run around in spandex. At the race site, there will be a bouncy house, face painters, and Da Balloonatic, and other activities. Food will also be available for spectators. There will also be the Little Longhorn Kids Fun Run.
19. Where's the nearest major airport?
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is 10 minutes from the race site.
20. If I fly in, will I need a car?
Yes, there is no bus service from the airport to the race site and hotels. Advantage Rent A Car is offering special rates for all Longhorn Triathletes. Go to
www.advantage.com and enter the rate code 405383-FSC in the space that reads: CORP ID to get these rates.
21. Can I ship my bike to a local bike shop?
Austin's finest, Jack and Adam's Bicycles, will be receiving and assembling bikes for you. You may contact them at
www.jackandadams.com. They'll take good care of you.
22. What is available for accommodations?
Please see the
Lodging page. The host hotel is the Sheraton Austin.
23. What is USAT and why do I need a one-day permit?
USAT is the national governing body for triathlons and duathlons in the United States. A one-day license allows a novice athlete to compete in a USA Triathlon-sanctioned race without purchasing a full $35 membership. The $10 fee provides the athlete with excess accident insurance for that race only.
24. Is it better to join USAT or buy the one-day permit?
A one year membership to USAT is $35. Membership includes a subscription to USA Triathlon Times, annual ranking, discounts on merchandise and use of the USAT Travel Desk (can help save bike flying costs). Most importantly you don't have to pay an extra $10 at every USAT race for a one-day membership. So if you're planning on doing at 3-4 USAT races this year, the USAT membership pays for itself.
25. How do I join USAT?
USAT applications will be not available at packet pick up. You must join before hand, or purchase a one day membership for $10. You can join online on the USAT site and bring the confirmation to packet pick up. However, if you join online you will not be able to get the club membership discount.
26. What happens if I don't have my USAT card at packet pick up?
You will have to pay for a one day USAT membership. This is not refundable.
27. How does chip timing work?
Each athlete will wear a 'chip' that transmits data to the receiving antenna when the athlete crosses a timing mat. Run-Far Racing Services will utilize the ChampionChip system to score the Longhorn Triathlon Festival.
28. Where do I wear the chip?
A neoprene strap is used to strap the chip to your ankle. You will be given a band when you pick-up your rental chip. Relay teams will use velcro straps to assist in a smooth exchange. Relay members will transfer the timing chip to their teammate following the completion of their leg of the race.
29. Where and when do I pick up my timing chip?
Your timing chip will be found in your packet, which will be picked up at registration.
30. Do I need to wear the chip for the entire race?
Yes, timing mats will be set up to record splits for each leg and transition. If you do not have the chip on when you cross the finish line you are not guaranteed a finish time.
31. Can I keep my chip?
No, the chips must be turned in at the end of the race. Volunteers will be at the finish line to help with removal. Participants will be charged $35 for unreturned chips.
