What you need to know about the 2010 Patriot Half and Minuteman Sprint
This page contains important information and answers to basic questions about the 2010 Patriot Half and Minuteman Sprint. Updates will be made to the site periodically so check back often. For details on the swim, bike and run courses visit the Course Info page. The Patriot and Minuteman are managed by two USAT certified Race Directors with a passion for triathlon. If you have any questions that aren't answered by the information on this website email us at info@SunMultisportEvents.com.
Event Date and Location:
The Patriot Half and Minuteman Sprint will be on Saturday, June 19, 2010. The Patriot starts at 7:00AM and the Minuteman starts at 8AM. The site of both races is Cathedral Camp located at 167 Middleboro Road in East Freetown, MA on the shores of Long Pond.
Beneficiaries of the 2010 Patriot and Minuteman:
A portion of the proceeds from these races will be donated to the Cathedral Camp day camp for disadvantaged children. Other beneficiaries include the Kiwanis of Bridgewater, Whitman Food Pantry and East Bridgewater Music Parents.
Event Distance:
PATRIOT: Swim: 1.2 miles; Bike 58.3 miles (2 loops); Run: 13.1 miles (1 loop)
MINUTEMAN: Swim: 0.25 miles; Bike: TBD; Run: TBD
Entry Fee:
PATRIOT: Individual: $165 until 12/31/09, $180 from 1/1/10 until 5/31/10 and then $190 from 6/1/10 until the close of registration; Relay Teams: $375 until the close of registration. Your entry fee includes a free pass to the post-race catered meal and eligibility for giveaways from our sponsors.
MINUTEMAN: Individual: $65; Relay: $120
Awards and Cash Prizes:
PATRIOT and MINUTEMAN: Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group as well as for the top Athena, Clydesdale, relay team and Aquabike (male and female).
PATRIOT ONLY: A cash prize purse of $1,000 will also be distributed to the first ($300) and second ($200) place male and female finishers in the Open/Elite category. You MUST race in the Open/Elite category to be eligible to win prize money. If you race as an age grouper and still finish as one of the two fastest overall males or females you still won't be eligible to win any prize money. If you think you have a shot at prize money, register in the Open category.
USA Triathlon Membership:
Patriot and Minteman are USAT sanctioned events. All athletes must (a) present a valid, current USAT Annual Membership Card at registration OR (b) purchase a 1-day USAT license. If you are an annual member, but forget to bring your card you will be required to purchase a 1-day license.
Age Groups:
Standard USA Triathlon age divisions in five year increments (e.g. 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, etc.). Your age group is now determined by your age on December 31, 2010! MINIMUM AGE: 16 years old as of December 31, 2010.
Special Divisions:
There will be Clydesdale (Men, 200+ lbs), Athena (Women, 150+ lbs), and Open divisions in both the Patriot and Minuteman. The Open category will be the first wave sent to start the race.
The Patriot will also offer the the Aquabike category. AquaBike consists of the swim and bike legs of the triathlon: a 1.2-mile swim and 58-mile bike. Participants receive three official split times (swim, T1, and bike). AquaBike athletes will be given the same support as all Patriot athletes on and off the course.
Event Check-in (including FREE seminar):
PATRIOT: Racers can check-in on Friday, June 18th from 4:00PM to 7:00PM and Saturday, June 20th from 5:00AM to 6:30AM. All racers must be checked in by 6:30AM on race day. Check in is at Cathedral Camp.
MINUTEMAN: Racers can check-in on Friday, June 18th from 4:00PM to 7:00PM and Saturday, June 20th from 5:00AM to 7:00AM. All racers must be checked in by 7:00AM on race day. Check in is at Cathedral Camp.
Race Start Time and Cut-Off Times:
PATRIOT: The first wave will go off at 7:00 AM. Cut-off times for each leg of the race are as follows: All swimmers must be out of the water by 8:45AM. All bikers must be off the course by 1:00PM. All runners must be off the course by 4:30PM.
MINUTEMAN: The first wave will start at 8:00AM.
Swim Waves:
Swim waves for the Patriot and Minuteman will be announced a couple of weeks before the events.
Wet Suits:
All participants may wear a wet suit and be eligible for rankings and prizes if the water temperature is less than 78 degrees F. If the temperature is between 79 and 84 degrees F, participants wearing a wet suit will not receive a ranking or be eligible for awards (they will still receive split times). If the temperature exceeds 84 degrees F, no participants will be allowed to wear a wet suit. Water temperatures of Long Pond are typically in the 70s and wet suits have been allowed the last three years. As race day draws near, a water temperature read will be communicated to registrants.
Swim Caps:
All participants will be given a swim cap that must be worn during the swim.
Course Nutrition:
PATRIOT: Specific details on course nutrition to come. The 2 loop bike course will include 2 water bottle exchanges giving you 4 chances to get a refill and the run course will have aid stations at every mile. There will also be one porto-pottie on the bike course and 2 porto-potties on the run course.
MINUTEMAN: Details to come.
Post Race Meal, Music and Giveaways
PATRIOT: All athletes are invited to enjoy the post-race catered meal at no additional charge. Friends and families of Patriot participants may purchase tickets to the dinner for $10 per adult or $8 per child (12 years and younger). There will be plenty of picnic tables to sit at as well as some shady spots to enjoy a well-earned feast! The post-race meal will be accompanied by live music and more than $1,000 in valuable giveaways from sponsors.
MINUTEMAN: Details to come.
Timing:
"Winning Time Chip" timing to be provided by Bay State Race Services. Athletes will receive time splits for the swim, transition 1, bike, transition 2 and the run.
Accommodations:
Details to come.
Rules:
USA Triathlon rules will apply. Please review the rules at www.USATriathlon.org. There will be USAT Officials present at the event. Three areas of common violations are (1) Drafting, (2) Blocking and (3) Centerline. To avoid drafting violations you must stay at least 3 bike lengths behind the competitor in front of you. When attempting to pass you must do so within 15 seconds. Blocking violations are assessed for failing to ride to the right (except when passing). Centerline violations can be avoided by not crossing the yellow centerline of the road. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED. Chin strap must be buckled at ALL times you are on the bike even in the transition area. Handlebars/aerobars must have bar-end plugs securely inserted into the bar. Taping over bar ends is not permitted. Lack of bar end plugs will result in disqualification.
Refund Policy:
Refunds are not permitted. Be sure you can and will race prior to registering. The exchange of entries is strictly prohibited. See USAT Rule #3.5. If the race is canceled due to weather conditions or other acts of God no refunds will be issued.
