Kerrville Tri 2023 Quick Guide

To help you navigate the details of taking part in the Kerrville Triathlon, we’ve gone the extra mile to create this quick guide for you.  While we tried, this guide doesn’t cover EVERYTHING, so please check the other pages on our website for more detailed information related to taking part in the event.

Dive into the essentials whether you’re going solo or part of a relay team — we’ve got you covered. Click here if you’re on a relay team for all the must-know details.

This guide is your go-to source for:

  • Gear bags and guidelines: Plan your packing now
  • Timetables: Know where to be and when, so you can be on top of your game
  • Maps: Navigate the venue and the courses like a pro with our detailed maps
  • And much more: We’ve got a treasure trove of info to make your day awesome

Got questions? We are just a click away! Find us at the bottom right-hand corner for chat assistance or shoot us an email — we’re here to help every step of the way. The awesome folks with Austin Tri Club will also be at the expo to help answer all of your questions that you have so be sure to plan time to stop by and chat with the team.

Packet Pick-Up Details

Friday,

SEPT 22

 3:00 – 7:00 PM The Kerrville Triathlon Expo & Packet Pickup, Inn of the Hills Hotel

Saturday,

SEPT 23

 5:30 – 6:15 AM Rookie & Sprint Distance

Late Packet Pickup at T2
1:00 – 5:00 PM The Kerrville Triathlon Expo & Packet Pickup, Inn of the Hills Hotel
Per USAT Rules: Athletes must pick up their own packets. See below for more details.

IMPORTANT: There is no race day packet pickup for the Half or Quarter Distance events. All packets must be picked up by 5 PM on Saturday

Click here for the Weekend Schedule.

How to Pick Up Your Packet

  1. Have your bib number, your photo ID, and your proof of annual USAT license
    • if you purchased a one-day license we will have that on file when you pick-up
  2. Go to any kiosk to pick up your Kerrville Tri Race Packet which includes your timing chip and a swag bag filled with really cool event items. Relays have a dedicated kiosk.
    • Shirt exchange will only be available AFTER the event at the information tent on the race site. There is no exchange at the expo.
  3. Exit into the expo and check out what our awesome vendors have to offer.
  4. Get your bike stickers out of your packet, and apply them to your bike.
  5. Walk your bike over to Bike Check In at T1 located on the other side of Guadalupe St from the Expo Hall
  6. Then drive and take your run bag to T2 at Louise Hays Park.
Bib Number Look Up

What is in your packet

  • Wristband –  Attached to the top of the bib. This must be worn to enter transition in the morning. Put it and your timing chip on at home so that you are ready to go upon arrival. Please do not litter, even the little tab from the wristband needs to find its way to a trash can in front of transition.
  • Timing Chip – This is the long black, spongy item with a stickered edge to wrap around your ankle.
  • Race Bib – Worn during the run portion of the race, also has your food ticket for post race.
  • Gear Bag Stickers – 3 sets provided; one for extra clothes, T1 bag, T2 bag.
  • Bike Stickers – One for the top of your handlebars, one for your bike helmet, and a large wrap fro around your seat post.
  • Swim Cap – The color of the cap reflects your distance and group.

You will also receive a reusable Kerrville Tri tote bag, bike bottle, running hat, sublimated dryfit shirt, plus tons of swag from our sponsors and partners.

Body Marking & Timing Chips

  • Body Marking
    • Temporary Tattoos are including in your packet for body marking with your bib numbers. You will place one on each arm or forearm if you are wearing long sleeves. (How to Apply)
    • Relays – each member will wear a set of tattoos.

    Timing Device

    • The timing device has two parts; the plastic timing chip and the velcro strap to secure it to your ankle.  Be sure to run the velcro strap through both loops of the device to secure it around the ankle. Wear your chip strap on your left ankle; you won’t put on the timing chip until race morning. (See How to Put it On Correctly)
    • If you are wearing a wetsuit make sure the timing device is under the suit leg so it is not pulled off when taking off your wetsuit.

Bike Check-In at T1; Run Bag Check-In at T2

Friday,

SEPT 22

 3:30 – 7:30 PM Rookie & Sprint Distance ONLY

Bike check-in at T1

Saturday,

SEPT 23

 1:00 – 5:30 PM Quarter & Half Distance

Mandatory bike check-in at T1 and run bag check-in at T2

IMPORTANT: Bikes must be checked into T1 and Run Bags checked into T2 by 5:30 PM on Saturday for the Quarter & Half Distance. Please see the course maps to visualize the locations of T1 and T2.

Course Information

You can find full details of aid stations along with swim, bike, and run course maps here. Please make sure you are familiar with all three courses.

SPRINT & ROOKIE

Sprint: 500m Swim, 14 mile Bike, 5K mile Run.
Rookie: 300m Swim, 14 mile Bike, 2 mile Run.

HALF & QUARTER

Half: 1.2 mile Swim, 56 mile Bike, 13.1 mile Run.
Quarter: 1000m Swim, 29 mile Bike, 6.4 mile Run.

Swim Waves & Full Schedule

Click here to review the weekend schedule and swim waves.

Navigating Two Transitions

All events at the Kerrville Triathlon Festival will use a two transition area format. T1 (swim to bike) and T2 (bike to run) are in different locations approximately 2 miles apart.

Only participants are allowed in transition, friends and family (including children) must wait outside of transition.

Gear Bags

You will receive 3 Gear Bags that you will use to organize your belongings so that they can be transported on race day. Only these provided bags are allowed in transition. Read about how to use each bag.

Location of Transitions

T1
In the grass behind SouthStar Bank, across the street from Inn of the Hills –  1001 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78028

T2
Louis Hays Park
202 Thompson Dr, Kerrville, TX 78028

DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM T1 to T2

The first transition area (T1) for all events is located in the grass behind SouthStar Bank, on Junction Hwy, just north of Guadalupe St, across the street from Inn of the Hills. This is also the location of the swim start and finish.

The second transition area (T2) and finish line are located in downtown Kerrville at Louise Hays Park.

Before the event the fastest way to get there is down Junction Hwy and across Sydney Baker Bridge. You can drive down into the park for gear bag drop-off. You will not be able to drive down into the park on race day, please review the course maps for roads that are closed on Saturday & Sunday.

Race Day Parking

Race Day Parking will be available at the Downtown Parking Garage, Courthouse Parking Lot, and HEB on La Casa. There is also parking near Moore Home Furnishings, which is across the street from the Swim and Bike Start. Shuttle buses will be provided in the morning on race day to transport athletes and spectators between the parking lots near the finish line to the swim start and T1. Review Maps here.

It is recommended that participants park near the finish line at the downtown garage or courthouse parking lot in the morning and then take the shuttle bus to the swim start, or arrange a ride with a spectator. This way you can easily walk your bike back to your car after the event.

DO NOT PARK AT THE SUBWAY OR OTHER BUSINESSES; THEY WILL TOW YOUR CAR. In the past, the mall has allowed parking but we do not have that confirmed this year, so park there at your own risk.

Tracking & Results

Athlete Tracking

Athlete tracking is not official results and there may be discrepancies from official results.

Results

Results may change after the event.  Results are not official until announced by race staff. To contest or update results, please contact RunFar Timing.

You can check your results here.

Post-Race Celebration

Finally, we get to the important part! The Finish Line Party is stocked with goodies, good music, and fun fun fun!

Participants’ bib have a food ticket that is good for a fajita plate and there will be drinks available. Participants 21+ can also partake in the EIGHT beer garden.

There will be free water refill stations throughout the festival.

The finish line area is open to the public so feel free to invite family and friends to come experience the excitement while you are out crushing the course. We suggest that spectators pack their own coolers for food and drink as what is provided is for athletes only.

Right along the run course and festival you can cool off by taking a float out on the river!

Rules To Follow At Kerrville Tri

As a USAT sanctioned event there are certain rules that you should be aware of and follow. Here are some of the most common, for a full list visit the USAT website.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can my friend/spouse/ etc pick up my packet for me?

  • No, you must be present with your photo id and proof of USAT membership to get our packet. No one else can pick up for you.
  • Guardians can pick up minors, 17 years or younger, but the minor must be present.

Do I have to wear the tattoos and bib number?

  • Yes, you must be body marked – tattoo’d – for this event. There are instructions on the back of the tattoos to put them on.
  • The bib number must be worn on the run. It is preferred if you can also wear the bib on the bike.

What do I need for Bike Check In?

  • You will need the bike number stickers on your bike for check-in. Once your bike is checked in, if you wish to remove it, you will have to be wearing your transition wristband and bib.

When can I check in my bike?

  • Sprint & Rookie distance bike check-in is from 3:30 -7:30 PM on Friday & 5:30 to 7:00AM Saturday.
  • Quarter & Half distance bike check-in is from 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM on Saturday. While you can pick up your packet early, there is no Friday bike check-in for Quarter & Half.

Can I do a practice swim before the race?

  • There is no official swim so, swim at your own risk. Direct access to the course may be closed for set up but there are other public access points.

Can I wear a wetsuit?

  • At Kerrville Triathlon the water temperature is usually wetsuit legal, under 78 degrees. But, depending on the summer it has been known to be warmer. The official call is not made until the official reading on race morning.

I am nervous about the swim. If I run into trouble, what can I do?

  • Certified lifeguards will be in kayaks lining the swim course monitoring all swimmers. At any point, if you become tired or frightened, you may hold onto the kayak without being disqualified as long as it is not making forward motion. Flotation devices such as noodles and buoys are not permitted.

Can I swim with my friend/spouse/etc?

  • We understand this is not as fun but as a USAT sanctioned event and for safety on the course you must start in your assigned age group.

Is this a draft legal event?

  • As a USA Triathlon-sanctioned event, drafting is not legal. You must maintain a minimum distance of 3 cycle lengths from other cyclists unless trying to overtake.

Can I listen to music during the race?

  • No, per USAT rules you cannot listen to music on the race course. You can carry a phone in your tri top, but it cannot be used.