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(Participant) Ray-J just wanted to remind you that we are just weeks away from the 12th annual Hopkins Royal Triathlon!
Over the final weeks you will get important information about the event to help you have as wonderful experience as possible and ultimately, get you to the finish line! We will also post these email blast messages on our website, in case you need to find them again OR they're not reaching you for any reason.
Here's what's important now: (READ IT ALL PLEASE!)
ATHLETE GUIDE: This 11-page document (see button down below) will help explain things about our event, especially if this is your first time at the Hopkins Royal Triathlon, and especially if it's your first triathlon.
VOLUNTEERS: We can use a few more volunteers to help fill in some spots that our volunteer groups don't cover. Why volunteer? Well, besides being held in the highest esteem by others, volunteers get to park in our main lot on race day, which means you, the participant, gets a nice short walk to the transition area.
If you know of someone that might be interested, have them SIGN UP HERE.
CLYDESDALE/ATHENA CATEGORY: Everyone signed up for the SPRINT category is considered an "age grouper" (i.e. competing against other people of the same gender within 5-year increments.) However, we also offer a "Clydesdale" (for the men) or an "Athena" (for the women) category allowing racers who are "full-figured", "big boned", "all about that bass", etc. a chance to compete against similar body sizes on race day. It's totally your choice. I pick Clydesdale category every chance I get, and here's some reasons why you consider it too. Clydesdales and Athenas get to start up front on race morning. They also get prime spots in the transition area, complete with chairs to sit down on while changing. AND...we give out top 3 awards for both. So, anyone interested in competing as a Clydesdale or Athena, SIGN UP HERE and I will add you to the list.
OPEN WATER SWIM PRACTICE: If you would like to try some lake swimming ahead of the triathlon, consider joining us on Thursday nights at Camp Gunther (3628 Hickory Rd) on Lake Minnewashta in Chanhassen. Steve and Helen Gunther (two of our amazing volunteers) open up their backyard for swimming from 5:30-7:30 p.m. each week. Swimmers of all abilities welcome.
Click HERE for more info on their Facebook page.
Here are some important dates for you to know about:
Saturday(s), August 22 and 29-Bike/Run Course Preview (9 a.m.) (@Shady Oak Beach) Come do a practice ride/run on the courses, as they will be marked. Bring your swim suit if you want to test out the water in the swim area (NOT the actual swim course.)
Wednesday, August 26-Virtual Q&A (8:00 PM Central time)
-Want to get the latest info on the race, or simply ask some questions? Join us for a virtual Question & Answer session, from the convenience of your own personal device. Use this LINK FOR THE MEETING (starting at 7:50 p.m.)
Sunday, August 30-Early Packet Pickup #1 (3-5 PM @Tonka Cycle)
-Come stop out early in the week to pick up your race bib, body tattoos, etc. Those that do are entered into a free drawing for a gift card to Tonka Cycle.
Wednesday, September 2-Early Packet Pickup #2 (5-7 PM @Performance Hub)
-Come stop out early in the week to pick up your race bib, body tattoos, etc. Those that do are entered into a free drawing for a gift card to LTD Brewing.
Friday, September 4-Early Packet Pickup #3 (5-7 PM @Shady Oak Beach)
-Come check out the race day layout the night before and ask any last-minute questions.
Saturday, September 5-RACE DAY! (@Shady Oak Beach)
-The transition area opens at 6:45 a.m.; the race starts at 8:15 a.m.
(Don't be late, BUT don't be too early either!)
Here are a couple of items to note/remember:
- Weather reports change. We will adjust as needed. Realize that due to logistical issues with permits, volunteers, etc. we cannot move the schedule up, so please refrain from asking.
- Registration order determines race order (i.e. the earlier you registered, the earlier you enter the water; the later you registered, the later you enter the water. Your race bib number will let you know the order.)
- Mini-sprint registrants chooses their distances on race day. No need to tell us. You just decide right then and there as you're doing the triathlon. Since there are 9 different option for mini-Sprint athletes to pick from, and we have no idea what you picked, there are no place awards, like for the Sprint race. However, we will have fun mini-themed prizes for mini-Sprint athletes afterwards.
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