Tag Archive for: transition tips

10th Annual Kerrville Triathlon Festival Hosts Largest Field in Event History

More than 1800 triathletes, the largest field in event history, registered for The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas

Nearly 5000 triathletes and their friends and family traveled to Kerrville, Texas, for the 10th annual Kerrville Triathlon Festival. More than 1800 triathletes from 20 states, the largest field in event history, registered for the Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas. Participants gave their all during a picture-perfect weekend on a course highlighted by swimming in Nimitz Lake, cycling through the Texas Hill Country, and running along the Guadalupe River.

Stunning view of Nimitz Lake during the swim. Credit: Scott Flathouse

After crossing the finish line, participants were treated to fajitas and cold beer from Pint and Plow, snacks. May took advantage of an opportunity to recover in the refreshing waters of the Guadalupe River. Kerrville Tri also launched best pricing for 2022, which ends on Monday, October 4th.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience at my first quarter-distance triathlon,” said Kellie Dewveall, who became the first blind triathlete to complete the Quarter distance (4:17:47). “High Five Events was super accommodating which allowed me to feel more comfortable. And the participants and spectators overwhelmed me with their never-ending support!” 

Something for everyone

Kerrville Tri offered distances and events for triathletes of all levels and abilities. The Rookie Sprint distance, aquabike, relay, and kids fun run took place on Saturday, September 25th. Quarter distance, quarter aquabike, half distance, half aquabike, and half relay took place on Sunday, September 26th. Participants picked up their packet at the Kerrville Triathlon Expo, which was free and open to the public. It took place on September 24-25 at the host hotel, Inn of the Hills Hotel. The national anthem was sung by Master Sergeant Brandon Addison on both days, including before he competed in the Rookie Sprint. Before each distance began, members of the Austin Tri Club led the pre-race warm-up, pumping up participants before their swim.

Cyclists cruise through the Texas Hill Country. Credit: Scott Flathouse

“This was my first Kerrville Tri and it was so well put together and by far the most seamless race I’ve ever done,” said Karina Wilson, who traveled from College Station and placed 2nd in the female 25-29 age group in the Rookie Sprint on Saturday (1:15:12) and volunteered with her fiance on Sunday. “We made a weekend out of this and really enjoyed the city of Kerrville. I love that Kerrville Tri offers different distances and events to make it inclusive for triathletes of all levels!”

Unforgettable race weekend

Ben Rawson (56:03), of Austin, Texas, won Saturday’s Rookie Sprint while Fernanda Bau (58:50), of Pflugerville, Texas, won the female division. Sunday’s winners and their times follow: Quarter – female winner, Allison Koch (2:24:28), male winner, Adrian Cameron (2:07:57); Half – female winner, Brandi Swicegood (4:54:29), male winner, Alex Sharp (4:28:12). Results for Saturday and Sunday are available. 

“This was such an amazing day to enjoy this beautiful course aptly named The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas,” said Swicegood, who’s coached by former professional triathlete Paul “Barny” Matthews under Julie Dibens Coaching. “The event was so well-organized with amazing views of the Texas Hill Country and spectator support seemingly everywhere!”

Swicegood (right) poses after becoming the female Half distance champ. Credit: Scott Flathouse

Participants received limited-edition 10th-anniversary swim floats, tri-blend shirts, reusable water bottles, belt buckle finisher medals, personalized race bibs, and Zone 3 silicone swim caps. A post-race meal of HEB fajitas, prepared by Jack and Adam’s Fredericksburg’s employees, awaited participants at the finish line festival. They’ll also get a free, personalized finish line video from FinisherPix to commemorate the 10th anniversary. Kerrville Tri is a USAT-sanctioned event. It provided professional timing and offered professional photography. A great volunteer crew, hundreds of supportive spectators, and an energetic finish line festival made race weekend memorable for everyone. 

Big thank you

The Kerrville Triathlon would like to thank the City of Kerrville, Kerrville Fire Department, Kerrville Police Department, Kerr County Sheriff’s Department, Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and sponsors H-E-B, Peterson Health, Jack and Adam’s Fredericksburg, Pint and Plow Brewing Company, Grape Juice, Zone3, Peak Fitness, MO-RANCH, Hill Country Bicycle Works, Mamacita’s, and Gatorade.

Kerrville Tri Expects Record Numbers for 10th-Anniversary Celebration

Triathletes from 20 states are ready for the 10th-anniversary celebration

The Kerrville Triathlon Festival is ready to welcome the largest field in its 10-year history for triathlon’s return to the Texas Hill Country. Close to 1800 registrants from 20 states are bringing friends and families to the 10th -anniversary celebration. Kerrville Tri’s growth continues to showcase why it’s a true destination event. Race weekend features a two-day expo and eight different events, plus a free Kids Fun Run.  Kerrville Triathlon is owned and produced by High Five Events. It’s scheduled to take place on September 25-26, in Kerrville, Texas. The final price increase occurs Tuesday, September 21st, at 11:59 p.m.

Image of triathletes and their friends and family floating in the Guadalupe River at the finish line festival. Floating is back for the 10th-anniversary celebration.

You can swim, bike, run, and float at Kerrville Tri!

“Kerrville Triathlon Festival is one of our family’s favorite weekends because there are two days worth of events for triathletes of all ability levels,” said Andrea Fisher, mother of four, Austin Triathlon Club President, and Ironman World Champion qualifier. “My girls, husband, and other Austin Tri Club members are racing on Saturday and supporting me and other triathletes during Sunday’s events. I’m excited to get out on the racecourse with all of my friends and my family, it’s been too long!”

10th-anniversary perks

10 years of being The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas.

Participants receive limited-edition 10th-anniversary swim floats, tri-blend shirts, reusable water bottles, belt buckle finisher medals, personalized race bibs, Zone 3 silicone swim caps, and a post-race meal. Kerrville Tri will also provide a free, personalized finish line video for all participants as part of its 10th anniversary. This video, valued at $19, was added to a list of perks already in place for the event. The popular destination triathlon is known for its scenic views and fun atmosphere. 

“Kerrville Triathlon’s 10th anniversary is going to be special and we’re ready to celebrate with triathletes, family, and friends from 20 states,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “The event’s increased growth and popularity further highlight that it’s one of the top destination triathlons in the country.”

Something for everyone

The free Kids Fun Run takes place on Saturday after the sprint distance.

Kerrville Tri offers distances and events for triathletes of all levels and abilities. The Rookie Sprint distance, aquabike, relay, and kids fun run take place on Saturday, September 25th. Quarter distance, quarter aquabike, half distance, half aquabike, and half relay will all happen on Sunday, September 26th. Participants can pick up their packet at the Kerrville Triathlon Expo, which is free and open to the public. It’ll take place on September 24-25 at Inn of the Hills Hotel.

Kerrville Tri is known as The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas. It features a swim course in Nimitz Lake, bike course showcasing downtown Kerrville and the surrounding countryside, and run course along the Guadalupe River. Participants can also float in the Guadalupe river in their 10th-anniversary floats as part of the post-race festival. Kerrville Tri is a USAT-sanctioned event, provides professional timing, and offers professional photography. A great volunteer crew, hundreds of supportive spectators, and an energetic finish line festival make race weekend memorable for everyone involved.

Transition Tips and Advice You Have to Know

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Save time during your race with these transition tips

Transition is where all of your gear is set up for switching between sports. This can be a really chaotic place, but an organized transition area can save you time and help you achieve your goals. There are two transition areas (T1 and T2) at Kerrville Triathlon. There are also different gear bags for T1 and T2. This gear bag guide will help you get everything you need in the right spot!  Review the weekend schedule to ensure you know when transition opens and closes for your race. Shoutout to Michelle Bonathan, Kerrville Tri Ambassador, for putting together these transition tips.

Setting up T1 for cycling

Properly set up T1 to save time and crush the bike ride! Credit Michelle Bonathan

This is where you will drop off your swim gear after the swim and get ready to bike. Your cycling essentials are your bike (packed with the water/nutrition), shoes, and helmet. Laying a small, bright-colored towel down can make it easier to spot your setup in transition after the swim. On the towel, have an area to stand on to dry/wipe your feet. Place your helmet and shoes close by and make sure they’re ready to slip on. Arrive early for bike check at T1 to increase the chances you get a good spot. USAT rules are that bikes should be racked by the saddle and the front wheel goes down on the side with your stuff.

The first of your three gear bags will be the Green “Morning Clothes Bag.” Place anything you’ve worn to the race site that you will not use during your race in this bag. Drop it off at the assigned box truck at T1.

Your “Bike Gear Bag” is red. You’ll put your swim gear (goggles, swim cap, wetsuit, towel) in the bag when you get out of the water. This bag will be delivered to T2 by awesome volunteers. Thank them as you head out with your bike! 

Packing T2 for the run

These transition tips will help you achieve your Kerrville Tri goals. Credit Michelle Bonathan

Your last bag is the Blue “Run Gear Bag.” This is for all your run gear when you get to T2. This bag will hang from a designated spot corresponding to your bib number. It must be dropped off before race day! The absolute essentials for this bag are your run shoes (if you don’t ride with them) and your race bib. You might also want some nutrition, a second bottle, or a hat.

Speed tips

  • consider riding sockless, but don’t do this for the first time on race day
  • have shoes open and ready to pull on with socks open and stuffed in each shoe
  • consider getting a race belt to hold your bib and avoid safety pins (they can also hold your gels)

These transition tips will make your race weekend that much easier. Follow the weekend schedule and use the gear bag guide to make sure you’re doing everything correctly. Now you just need to be at the start line and swim! All your gear will be waiting for you when you need it once you properly set up your transition area on race day.