What You Need To Know For Race Day

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Greetings!


Welcome to the 2026 San Diego International Triathlon


You can look up your bib number here

Please know your bib number for packet pick up Please Note: Relay Teams should search by Relay Name


We hope you're excited about the 44th Annual San Diego International Triathlon


Please read ALL information within this email.

Racers are responsible for knowing their race course and USA Triathlon Rules.


Race Preparation
Packet Pick Up
Packet Pick Up Times & Location

All athletes must attend ONE pre-race check-in. Pick up your race materials either Friday or Saturday. If you miss packet pick up, and do not have the VIP package, you will be required to pay a $10 fee for late pick up on race morning. Cash only.

PACKET PICKUP:

Date: Friday, June 26, 2026

Location: Road Runner Sports - 5553 Copley Drive, San Diego, CA 92111

Open: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026

Location: Ruocco Park, 585 Harbor Lane, San Diego, CA 92101

Open: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm


Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026

Location: Spanish Landing Park

Late Day-Of Packet Pickup: Athletes who don't attend FRI OR SAT (and have not selected the VIP Option) will be required to pay a $10 late fee (cash only) on race morning in order to pick up race materials - Race Day pick-up will be at the race start at Spanish Landing Park.

 

**LATE** RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP - SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2026

Location: Spanish Landing Park West 4300 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

5:30 am - 6:30 am

$10 cash late charge applies unless you have pre-purchased the VIP option


Race morning is very busy with parking, warming up, and getting to the start line. If you are picking up your packet or registering on race morning please show up earlier than you normally would, to allow time to do so.


T-Shirts

Available shirt sizes are listed during registration. In the final few days before the event, some sizes will sell out.  

Not all sizes may be available for same-day registration.

 

Visit the t-shirt table at The Friday or Saturday Pickup or day of race at the Expo/Finish Line after 9:00 AM for shirt exchange if you are interested in trading out the size you ordered for a different size!

Packet Pick Up Policies

1. All athletes must attend ONE pre-race check-in to pick up their race materials (FRI or SAT). Athletes who do not or cannot attend FRI OR SAT (and have not selected the VIP Option - more info below) will be required to pay a $10 late fee (cash only) on race morning in order to pick up packet materials.


2. It is mandatory for all athletes to bring their ID to the pre-race check in. We will not give any athlete their bib number without an ID.


3. Parents of children under 18 competing in the event will be permitted to pick up their child's packet with their own ID and the child's USAT card.


4. You must sign waiverto get race materials.

Koz Events Waiver


5. You will also be required to show proof of USAT annual membership or purchase a one day membership (if you haven't already purchased a one day with us through registration).

USAT Membership Information & Annual Sign Up


6. Friends and family members will NOT be allowed to pick up for an athlete. Sorry NO EXCEPTIONS. These events are USAT sanctioned and USAT doesn't allow anyone besides the participant to pick up race materials. Youth athletes under the age of 18 may have a parent/guardian of the minor who is participating can sign for their materials.


7. Athletes who do NOT/cannot attend Friday or Saturday (and have not selected the VIP Option) will be required to pay a $10 (cash only) late fee on race morning in order to pick up their race materials. Late packet pickup on race morning is available starting at 5:30 AM near the Race / Swim Start at the west end of Spanish Landing Park.

Pick Up Checklist

ID

Signed Waiver

USAT Membership Proof

Tip: Print and sign the Koz Waiver and Navy Waiver at home for a faster check-in process.

ALL REGISTRATION QUESTIONS, CHANGES, INQUIRIES, UPDATES MUST OCCUR in person at the Pre-Race Check-Ins Friday / Saturday or on Race Morning. 

We will not be able to make any changes by email or phone. This includes: changes in event type, switching out a relay member, changing event division, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: The deadline to transfer registration has already passed.
ATTENTION
This is a USAT sanctioned-event. You will be required to show proof of USAT membership status to receive your race materials and participate in this event. We will have one day USAT memberships available for $15 (adult) or annual memberships available for $50 (adult) and $10 (youth). These must be purchased if you are unable to show proof of current USAT membership status.

Please review USAT's Frequently Violated Rules by Clicking Here

Bike Racking - Please Note
You will not be permitted to rack your bike prior to race morning. The safety of your equipment is very important to us and due to recent changes in the downtown area we have decided it is better to err on the side of caution and no longer allow overnight bike racking.
Course Talks

Saturday - Course Talk Times

We highly recommend you attend one of the course talks so you will be completely informed of all details regarding the event.


Are you doing your First Triathlon, Relay, or Aqua Bike?

Please see our San Diego Triathlon Series Website for our Quick Lessons - Click Here

11:30 am Course Talk
1:00 pm Course Talk

Race Day & Expo Info

Where To Park
Directions

The expo and packet pick-up on Saturday is located at Ruocco Park, 585 Harbor Ln, San Diego, CA 92101


From the south: Take I-5 North to Cesar Chavez Blvd west to Harbor Dr. Turn right on Harbor Dr. to Ruocco Park


There is metered parking available at the park, or park in a nearby lot. Please note that Seaport Village parking is very expensive, so it is NOT advised that you park there.


Using an app like Spot Hero can be very helpful in locating cheap parking near Ruocco Park.


From the north;: Take I-5 South to F St. Take the M L King Jr Fwy exit from CA-94 W/Martin Luther King Jr. Fwy. Continue on F St to Fourth Ave. Turn left on Fourth Ave. Turn Right on Market St. Turn left on W. Harbor Dr. Turn left on Kettner Blvd. There will be metered parking available at the park.


Pre-race check-in on race morning is located at the Spanish Landing Park (Spanish Landing Park West 4300 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101) located across from Terminal 2 of the San Diego International Airport (just off N. Harbor Dr.).

Race Day Parking

Free Parking Option for Sunday Only below


IMPORTANT INFO ON PARKING

As many are aware, parking in the downtown area has undergone many changes as they continue to put in new parking regulations. This year the only free parking is located at Liberty Station. This is your closest and best option. Park and walk or ride across the small bridge to Transition (1/2 mile).


There is NO PARKING along the red curb on Harbor Dr. That area is for Athlete Drop Off Only.

 

There is NO PARKING this year at the two lots at Spanish Landing Park East. All parking in these lots is monitored through a parking app that is not available to use at the time you would park. You will get a ticket if you park there. They will also not let us pre-pay for those lots. So you will need to park at Liberty station and plan to walk or ride the extra ½ mile to transition and the swim start. This is your BEST FREE Option.


Park at any of the lots at Liberty Station and walk or ride over the foot bridge. Please be sure to adhere to the signs in these lots. Any signage that indicates that parking is for a Special Event, is NOT our event. Do not park here or you will be towed.


There is ample parking at Liberty Station and it is a very easy walk/ride to the venue. Please refer to the below map. Please note: the Premium Parking is sold out at this time. If you did not pre-purchase this option, you will not be able to park in this lot.



Please exercise caution when using online map services for driving directions, as they do not account for our race road closures or construction projects.


Free Bus Shuttle Service

A free bus shuttle service will be provided for both competitors and spectators. The first shuttle begins at 7:30 am to take spectators to the finish line. It will continue to transport competitors and spectators between Ruocco Park and Spanish Landing Park until 11:45 am. The shuttle will not transport participants or spectators from the finish line to the start line prior to the start of the race.


Aqua Bike Participants

For those participating in the Aqua Bike - After your Bike Ride get on the shuttle bus to the finish line to claim your medal, awards, enjoy the EXPO, beer garden and post race snacks.


Swim & Bike Relay Participants

After your transition chip hand off, get on the shuttle bus to the finish line to cheer your team member across the finish line.

EXPO
Saturday - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Sunday - 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM

EVENT TIMELINE:


Saturday - Ruocco Park

10:00 am - Registration opens / Expo opens

11:30 am - Course Talk with Brian Lewis

1:00 pm - Course Talk with Brian Lewis

3:00 pm - Expo closes



Sunday - Spanish Landing Park

5:15 am: Parking Lots Open

5:30 am: Transition Area Opens/Late pickup Opens

6:30 am: Competitors to Swim Staging Area for Final Race Instructions

6:30 am: Transition Closes - All participants must be set up before this time.

6:35 am: INTL- Elite Wave Starts

6:40 am: INTL- Age Group Wave Starts

7:15 am: Sprint- Wave Starts

7:30 am: Bus Shuttles to Finish at Ruocco Park Commence

7:30 am: Waterfront 5K Run Starts - on the sand near the swim

8:00 am: Beer Garden Opens

8:15 am: Swim Course Closes

8:30 am: Waterfront 5K Awards

8:30 am: All Riders MUST start 2nd Loop

9:00 am: All riders must be out of Cabrillo Park

9:30 am: Bike Course Closes

9:30 am: Awards Presentation at finish line - Ruocco Park (approximate time)


9:30 am: Transition Reopens for Post Race Removal of Bikes - NO Bikes are to be removed before this time. (Please be respectful of volunteers and staff)

11:00 am: Run Course Closes

11:50 am: Last Bus Shuttle from the Finish to Spanish Landing Park

12:00 pm: Transition Area Closed, All Bikes Must be Removed BY 12 NOON

Wave Start Time & Cap Color

Click here for your wave start time & cap color

(If you are unable to view the image above)

Ready...Set...Race!
Transition Area

The transition area opens at 5:30 am and is located at Spanish Landing Park West. The transition area is open to participants only. Wristbands must be shown for access. Participants must rack their bikes in their assigned racks. Racks are assigned by wave number.

9:30 am: Transition Reopens for Post Race Removal of Bikes - NO Bikes are to be removed before this time. (Please be respectful of volunteers and staff)

🚫 Don’t Rush Back STAY AND ENJOY THE PARTY Transition Reopens ~9:30 AM


At all KOZ Triathlons, the transition area will remain CLOSED until the final cyclist has returned and started their run — this is a USA Triathlon rule.


🏃‍♂️🚴 This helps ensure a safe and fair race for everyone. Imagine trying to start your run while someone’s blocking your way with their bike and gear — not cool, right?


🙏 Please don’t get upset with staff or volunteers — they’re just doing their job and keeping the race fair. You've been informed, and we appreciate your cooperation!


🔐 Bring your bib back to transition with you! You’ll need it to claim your bike.


🕐 Transition opens ~9:30 AM and closes at 12:00 PM (have all bike removed)

🏃‍♀️ 5K runners may return at any time.


Race Number and Timing Chip Instructions
Sunday
Spanish Landing Park West

Timing Chip

An blue timing chip, attached to a BLACK VELCRO ANKLE STRAP will be included in your packet. You must wear this on your ankle throughout the race in order to receive a time. Please return this chip at the finish line. (Chips that are not returned will incur a $30 replacement fee.) Please do not cover your timing chip with your wetsuit on the swim.


Swim

Wear the supplied colored-swim cap (certain colors go with certain wave start times). Please write your bib number on your swim cap. Please do not cover your timing chip with your wetsuit on the swim.


Bike Helmet Sticker

Place one sticker on the front of your helmet.


Bike Frame Bib

Place the bike bib # on the top tube of your bicycle frame (in packet). Numbers must be attached to bikes to allow access in/out of transition areas.


Run

Pin the bib number to the front of your t-shirt or onto your race belt.


Not Finishing the Race

A participant who pulls out of the race or cannot compete for any reason must report to the timing tent to turn in the timing chip band, or give it to a staff member. There is a $30 charge for any timing chip band not turned in.

Results and Bib Numbers

Results and timing for the 2026 San Diego International Triathlon is provided by Gemini Timing


To look up your bib number Click Here.


To look up your results Click Here.


For athlete tracking: Click Here

Course Overlays
Swim Course

The After Party!

 🥂 Big News at the Finish Line!

We’ve added Mimosas to the Seek Beer Garden! Whether you’re celebrating with a cold beer or a bubbly toast, know that every drink ticket supports Father Joe’s Villages—helping provide housing, meals, and care to those who need it most. Even if you don’t drink, we invite you to donate—because doing good feels even better than finishing strong.

Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the Finish Line Garden experience on race day ⬇️

🍺 1. Your Toast = Real Impact

Thanks to generous donations from Seek Beer Co. and Three Hills Winery, 100% of your drink ticket donation supports Father Joe’s Villages, helping fund housing, food, healthcare, and job services for San Diegans experiencing homelessness.


Suggested Donations:

• $5 per ticket

• 5 for $20 (share the love!)

⚠️ Limit: 2 drinks per athlete. Share any extras with your cheering squad!


🎁 2. Pre-Buy = Your VIP Golden Ticket

When you pre-donate your tickets before race day, you’re automatically entered to win 1 of 2 KOZ VIP Packages for your next triathlon!


What’s in the VIP Experience?

✅ Priority packet pick-up

✅ Skip the Saturday packet traffic

✅ Reserved VIP rack space with your name (no 5 a.m. scramble!)

✅ Sunday morning express pick-up with your shirt & swim cap pre-packaged

✅ No late fee for Sunday pick-up!


💻 How to Pre-Buy (Takes Less Than 1 Minute!)

  1. Visit myevents.active.com and login with the active.com account used to initially register
  2. Locate your event registration
  3. Click Purchase merchandise
  4. Select the items you want to buy, then click Continue
  5. Enter Payment information
  6. Click Continue to Checkout


After the race enjoy the post-race expo and for our 21+ participants, an ice cold beer and mimosa complete with live music at the finish line. Please bring a suggested $5 cash donation, use Venmo, Google pay or Apple Pay on your phone or watch or pre-purchase tickets for Father Joe's Village. Since the transition zone is miles away remember to stash you donation in a safe place for the run. (Creative places include, under the inserts in your running shoes, Jersey pocket, or with a friend or relative meeting you at the finish line. )


(Also, Take a picture of you ID on the phone and take it on the run to show your over 21)

Thank you Sponsors!

See You On Race Day!
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