Quick Links:
Bike Check-In for Athletes Doing Both Races
Bike Course Note: Pre-event Riding
Documentary Viewing: We Are Triathletes
Packet Pickup, Race Expo, and Wristband Colors
Parking and Shuttle Info - Race Days
Pre-Race Webinar - Now Available
Awards
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Olympic-Distance
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Sprint
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For specific race entry and award eligibility requirements, please see the Sprint or Olympic-Distance registration pages.
Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremonies for both Olympic-Distance and Sprint Championships will occur at the Cleveland Public Auditorium.
Location & Parking:
- Address: 500 Lakeside Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44114.
- There are several parking garages in the area that have varying prices. Click here to see a list of close parking garages with prices (subject to change). There is also some street parking in the area.
- Note: The Cleveland Public Auditorium is located just one block east of the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, the host hotel. The Auditorium is also walking distance from many hotels in downtown.
Dates & Times:
- Olympic-Distance: Saturday, August 11, 5:15-6:45 p.m. This will occur immediately after the annual Town Hall Meeting, occurring from 4:15-5:00 p.m.
- Sprint: Sunday August 12, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Bag Check and Security
Athletes should expect an increased security presence at the 2018 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships. The city of Cleveland and USA Triathlon have instituted the following security measures for the safety of all participants and spectators:
- Each participant will receive a clear plastic bag at packet pick-up to store their gear on race day and during the swim warm up on Friday, August 10th. The clear plastic security bags are 18x24 inches, and athletes will be permitted to check the bags at the bag check tent near transition. Transition bags or AGNC race bags (distributed at packet pick-up) will need to fit inside the clear plastic bags provided for bag check.
- No bags of any kind will be allowed in transition while the races are underway. However, athletes will be permitted to carry gear into transition on race morning (between 5:30-7:30 a.m.), but the gear will need to fit within the clear plastic bag provided by USAT. Note: any bags left in transition may delay the start of the race.
- Bag checks will be in place at the expo entrance, swim start area, and at the finish line bleachers.
- Do not leave bags or backpacks unattended at the venue or on the course. Unattended bags will be confiscated and potentially destroyed, and may also delay the race schedule.
USA Triathlon supports the "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign. Learn more.
Thank you for helping us ensure the safety of the athletes and spectators.
Bike Check-In and Out
Bike check-in for the Olympic-Distance National Championships will be from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10. Sprint National Championships athletes will check in bikes Saturday, Aug. 11 from 4-6:30 p.m. These times are mandatory for all athletes.
Transition will reopen at 5 a.m. race morning and close at 6:55 a.m. for all athletes on both days. Olympic-distance athletes will be able to check bikes out on Saturday at approximately 12:00 p.m. Sprint National Championships athletes can check out bikes on Sunday at approximately 10:50 a.m. There is no bike check-in on race morning.
Note: No bags will be allowed in transition. The security of bags and personal items is the responsibility of the athletes, not USA Triathlon. There will be a secure bag-check tent, so please check your bag at the tent or leave it in your car or hotel. Athletes must have their wristband on to check-in and check-out your bike.
Bike Check-In Procedure for Athletes Doing Both Races
Bike check-out on Saturday, Aug. 11 is mandatory for all Olympic-distance athletes at 12:00 p.m. (approx.). For athletes also competing in Sprint distance on Sunday, Aug. 12, we have made the process easier for you. On the lake-side of transition (north side), there will be a row of racks with no numbers. When bike check-out starts at approximately 12:00 p.m., athletes have one of two options:
- Remove your bike and gear from your Olympic-distance rack position and re-rack in the last row (open racking), closest to the parking lot, leaving only your bike. Your gear must go with you. Once this is complete, you may choose to do one of the following:
- A.) Return on Saturday when sprint distance check-in takes place from 4 – 6:30pm and re-rack your bike in the rack position that has your sprint-distance number OR
- B.) Arrive on Sunday morning when transition is open to re-rack your bike in the rack position that has your sprint-distance number
- Remove your bike and gear from your Olympic-distance rack position and exit transition. You may then re-enter transition during sprint distance check in taking place from 4-6:30 p.m. and re-rack your bike in the rack position that has your sprint-distance number.
Please keep in mind the following notes if you are racing both Olympic-distance and Sprint races:
- You will have a different race number for each race. You must change out your Olympic-distance number for your sprint distance number on your helmet, bike, bib, wristband, and tattoos.
- So that race staff may identify your bike if needed, please ensure your bike still has a number on it if you place it on the racks without numbers (can be either Olympic or Sprint number)
- All numbers are unique to each athlete; there are no duplicates.
- The racks without numbers are located inside of transition area and will remain secured as with the rest of transition area.
- Additionally, please ensure you wear the appropriate swim cap for the appropriate day of racing.
Bike Course - No Riding On Shoreway Outside of Racing
For your safety and the safety of drivers, please do not ride your bike on the Cleveland Memorial Shoreway outside of designated racing times. The road will not be closed before race day and will only be closed during permitted race times. The Shoreway will be completely closed to vehicular traffic during racing. People found riding on the Shoreway outside of designated times may be ticketed by the police.
Click here to view the course maps.
Bike Rentals - RentQR
RentQR - Don't Pack It. Rent It!
RentQR is a service of the friendly folks at Quintana Roo bikes in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They ensure you get one of the best bikes, have the bike set up to your specifications and ready to go on race-day.
Renting a QR Bike for USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals is Simple:
- Choose the event and bike you would like to rent for.
- Add the bike to your cart and checkout; your card will be charged for the full amount.
- A friendly QR representative will email you to confirm your reservation and walk through sizing and logistics.
- During the expo, visit the RentQR tent at USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals, have your accessories put on and receive a full fit.
- After the race, you will have the opportunity to return the bike the day of the race or the day after the race.
- Goodbye bike transportation hassles!
Bike Rental- Rental fee includes all transport charges, set-up at event, and pre-event bike-fit consultation. All bikes will come equipped with two standard water bottle cages and an ISM Adamo Road saddle.
- PRsix Ultegra Di2 Race: $499
- PRsix Ultegra Race: $449
- PRfive Ultegra Di2 Race: $469
- PRfive Ultegra Race: $419
For more information about RentQR, please visit RentQR.com or send an email to RentQR@americanbicyclegroup.com.
Bike Support
USA Triathlon is pleased to be partering with Bike Authority, the Official Bike Support of Age Group Nationals. Bike Authority will be located at the race expo during packet pickup, starting on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 9 and continuing through the end of racing on Sunday. They will also be providing on-course support. Bike Authority will be able to take care of basic maintenance on site and during the event, however athletes are encouraged to visit their shop for more serious needs if they arrive in Cleveland before Thursday. Expo and packet pickup times are listed lower on this page.
Bike Authority's local shop is located at 7979 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights, OH 44147.
Please note: nominal charges may apply for more extensive repairs and maintainence as determined by Bike Authority.
Course Nutrition
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Gatorade Endurance formula is the Official Sports Beverage of USA Triathlon and will once again be available on the course for all athletes. |
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Science in Sport will provide on-course energy gels and energy bars at aid stations. Science in Sport’s isotonic gels provide fast, easily digestible energy! Both caffeinated and non-caffeinated will be available. Science in Sport will also offer their energy bars on course that pack 26g of carbohydrates into each bar! |
Documentary Viewing: We Are Triathletes
A showing of the new feature documentary, We Are Triathletes, will play in Cleveland during event week! The film will air on Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre, 1390 West 65th Street, just a mile from Edgewater Park. Tickets are $9.75 each + a $1.95 booking fee. A Q&A session with Executive Producer Bob Babbitt will occur after the showing!
All athletes and spectators are eligible for a 10% discount through June 30 using code "USA" during checkout. Click here to learn more on the awesome, new film about triathlon and purchase your tickets today!
Draft-Legal Clinic Presented by Craig Hanken
Interested in learning more about the exciting discipline of Draft-Legal racing? USA Triathlon's Draft-Legal Technical Specialist Craig Hanken will provide detailed information on draft-legal education, rules, and tips for your next draft-legal race. This clinic will occur at 3 p.m. on Friday, August 10, immediately after the rules briefing at the Cleveland Public Auditorium.
Please note: There is no draft-legal race this year in Cleveland. More information on Draft-Legal World Qualifiers can be found here.
Drug Testing
In accordance with U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) regulations, athletes may be drug tested at this event. Should drug testing occur, there are strict protocols that must be followed and will be coordinated by the on-site USADA representative as well as a USA Triathlon staff member. For information on USADA, please click here. For a list prohibited and banned substances, click here.
Event Program
Check out the 2018 Age Group Nationals Event Program featuring athletes to watch, course maps, and important event details. A printed edition will also be included in participant's goody bags.
Events App
All athletes, spectators, family, and friends are encouraged to download the new USA Triathlon Events App. New for 2018, users can follow the progress of athletes as they race through each of USA Triathlon’s Owned National Championships. Click here to download today.
Click here for app FAQs.
Event-Day Communications
In the event of an emergency or the need of USA Triathlon to communicate important information on event-day, please stay tuned to USA Triathlon's social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter (@usatriathlon and @USATlive), your email, the USA Triathlon Events App, and venue PA announcements.
Festival on the Beach
Several activities will be available for spectators, families, and non-racing athletes on the beach. Activities include: volleyball, cornhole, mini-golf, giant checkers, giant Connect 4, giant Jenga, human foosball, and KanJam. Activities are open to everybody, first come, first serve!
Green Screen Photos
Check out our new green screen and pose in front of a fun triathlon image! The green screen will be located in the expo during the event. Find your pictures on the USA Triathlon Facebook page.
Hall of Fame Banquet
Registration is currently available for the 2018 Hall of Fame Banquet on Aug. 9 in Cleveland. Come celebrate the newest inductees as we recognize their contributions and accomplishments in our sport. Congratulations to: Hunter Kemper, Mike Reilly, Donna Smyers, and James Ward. Click here to learn more about the inductees. Click here to learn more about the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame.
A discount is available to all AGNC participants. Use code HOFAGNC18 though August 1.
- Location: Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore St, Cleveland, Ohio, 44113
- Date: Thursday, Aug. 9
- Cost: $75/person.
- Registration: Click here
- Schedule:
- 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Reception
- 6:15 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner
- 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Inductee Presentations
Lodging
GameTime Travel and USA Triathlon have contracted with local hotels for group rates. Individual reservations can be made at the host hotel or nearby hotels by clicking below.
Medical Services
USA Triathlon and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission are thrilled to partner with University Hospitals who will serve as the Official Medical Services Provider of the 2018 and 2019 Age Group National Championships. University Hospitals' world-class sports medicine team will have a comprehensive variety of medical and emergency services available at the finish line and on the race courses. Learn more about University Hospitals here.
Packet Pickup, Race Expo, and Wristband Colors
Packet pickup and the race expo will be located near transition area at Edgewater Park. All bikes must be checked in the day prior to your race.
- Thursday, August 9: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- Friday, August 10: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Saturday, August 11:
- Race Expo: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Sprint Packet Pickup: 2 p.m.- 6 p.m.
- Sunday, August 12:
- Race Expo: 7:30 a.m. - Noon
Click here to view the current event schedule.
Wristband Colors: (Must be wearing to enter transition area)
Athletes must wear wristband(s) provided in race packet during the entire duration of the event. Athletes must have their wristband on to check-in and check-out their bike.
- Olympic-Distance: Blue
- Sprint: Red
Parking and Shuttle Information - Race Days
JUST UPDATED: Click here for more information. It is critical that all athletes review parking information for a smooth trip to Edgewater Park on race mornings.
Participant List
Click here to view the current participant list. This is updated each Monday before the event.
Pre-Race Webinar - Now Available
The pre-race webinar is now available. Click here to view on YouTube. Recorded by Race Director Brian D'Amico, all athletes are encouraged to watch the webinar to review everything needed for a smooth and successful race.
Rules Briefing
The rules briefing for both Olympic and Sprint-distance athletes will occur at on Friday, August 10 at 2 p.m. at the Cleveland Public Auditorium. This is optional, but will advise athletes on all pertinent rules and allow for questions to the head official. If you are interested to learn more about draft-legal racing, there will be a draft-legal clinic presented at 3 p.m., immediately after the rules briefing.
Location & Parking:
- Address: 500 Lakeside Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44114.
- There are several parking garages in the area that have varying prices. Click here to see a list of close parking garages with prices (subject to change). There is also some street parking in the area.
- Note: The Cleveland Public Auditorium is located just one block east of the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, the host hotel. The Auditorium is also walking distance from many hotels in downtown.
See Something, Say Something
USA Triathlon supports "If You See Something, Say Something®," a national campaign led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), at its events. The campaign raises public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement. Informed, alert communities play a critical role in keeping our nation safe. We can all help keep our communities safe by paying attention to our surroundings and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
Sportsmanship
USA Triathlon Sportsmanship Creed
As competitive athletes and members of the triathlon community, you know there is no better feeling than succeeding in your endeavors in sport. As a competitor at USA Triathlon events, you have a responsibility to demonstrate the highest standards of sportsmanship per the USA Triathlon Rulebook (Article III, Sections 3.3 and 3.4, Line b.), and as such, should always show respect for the sport, your fellow athletes, race staff, officials, volunteers and spectators. Each individual athlete shares this responsibility, which includes refraining from the use of improper language and conduct detrimental to the community at large. This rule will be strictly enforced and disrespectful language or conduct will not be tolerated.
For more information on USA Triathlon rules and sportsmanship, please reference the USAT Competitive Rules.
Sunset Sprint 5K
Race the sunset along Cleveland's scenic shores of Lake Erie in the inaugural Sunset Sprint 5K to kick off an action-packed weekend of the USA Triathlon's Age Group Nationals at Edgewater Park.
Starting and ending at the official USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals finish line, the course runs entirely along the all-purpose trail at the newly renovated Edgewater Park. Enjoy this unique opportunity to race or walk at sunset while celebrating Cleveland's fitness and outdoor lifestyle culture.
Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome. Dogs are also welcome! Please no strollers on the course due to limited space.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, August 10
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: USA Triathlon Finish Line at Edgewater Park, 6500 Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, Ohio 44102
- Cost: Through Aug. 6: $30 for adults, $20 for ages 14 and under. Raceday: $35 for adults, $25 for ages 14 and under
- Awards: Top 3 overall male and females, top 3 male and females in each age group
All proceeds benefit Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, a local nonprofit responsible for attracting more than 190 sporting events which provide nearly $570 million in economic activity to Northeast Ohio. It supports the local economy, utilizes sports as a vehicle to forward community agendas and maintains a goal of producing event that are more successful when held in Cleveland than in other cities.
Click here for more information and to register today!
Swim and Water Temperature
The water temperature in Lake Erie is expected to be in the low-mid 70's on race day. Visit the event homepage for the current water temperature.
According to Article IV, Rule 4.4, the wetsuit rule is stated as follows:
“Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Due to the nature of the Age Group National Championships, no athletes will be permitted to wear a wetsuit if the water temperature exceeds 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Latex alergies: If you have a latex allergy, please let USAT staff know and you will be provided with a non-latex swim cap.
Timing Chips - Different Procedure in 2018
UPDATED 6/25: Unlike previous years, timing chips in 2018 must be returned after the event - they are NOT disposable. If you are participating in multiple races, you will receive a separate chip for each race. Your chip must be returned at the completion of your race at the finish line. If you forget to return your chip, you can return it by mail. Lost chips result in a $95 replacement fee. Mail lost chips to: Sportstats USA: 740 W 1700 S. Unit 7, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108.
Chip Strap Color Guide:
- Olympic-Distance: black strap
- Sprint: red strap
Town Hall Meeting
The 2018 USA Triathlon Town Hall Meeting will take place on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 4:15 p.m. at the Cleveland Public Auditorium. This is directly before the Olympic-Distance awards ceremony. All athletes are encouraged to attend and voice their opinion on the current state of triathlon in America. USA Triathlon's CEO, President, and Age Group Committee Chair will be in attendance to address questions. The first 100 attendees will receive a free drink ticket.
Location & Parking:
- Address: 500 Lakeside Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44114.
- There are several parking garages in the area that have varying prices. Click here to see a list of close parking garages with prices (subject to change). There is also some street parking in the area.
- Note: The Cleveland Public Auditorium is located just one block east of the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, the host hotel. The Auditorium is also walking distance from many hotels in downtown.
VIP Hospitality Packages - Sold Out
Support your athlete while supporting the USA Triathlon Foundation. Enjoy the convenience, hospitality and dedicated viewing areas offered to VIP guests throughout race day — food and beverages, $150 in gifts, and special VIP access. Get a front-row seat at the finish in Cleveland with the USA Triathlon Foundation!
Update 7/25/2018: All VIP Packages are sold out.Proceeds from your purchase support the USA Triathlon Foundation.
Please note: Use of a VIP parking pass must adhere to the times and details listed on the parking information page. Vehicles parked on-site at Edgewater Park must arrive before 6:15 a.m. both days and cannot leave until after 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 or 11:30 a.m. on Aug 12. As the bike course utilizes the entrance and exit to Edgewater Park, no vehicles will be able to enter or exit during these times while athletes are on the course.
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are critical to the success of our events. Interested in volunteering at the Age Group National Championships? All volunteers will receive a shirt, food, and snacks as a thank you for time spent.
