• No, it is not safe to do so.
• It is also against the rules of racing. You may be penalised or disqualified by the Triathlon Ireland referee or their nominated officials.

• Yes - Googles are mandatory!
• No goggles = No swim as per the race rules.
• This is for your comfort and safety.

• You will be issued a TriAthy swim cap at our registration venue similar to the ones depicted below.

• Your hat will be colour coded to identify your race grouping.
• For warmth and comfort some triathletes choose to double up and wear their own swim cap under the official cap.
• The official TriAthy cap must be worn as the external layer as it an essential safety feature of raceday.

• Yes although we recommend that you swim front crawl unless you are tired or in difficulty.
• If you need assistance, roll into a backstroke position and signal for assistance and one of our water rescue team will come to your aid immediately.
• SwimAthy takes place on 24 May 2020 and is an ideal opportunity for entrants to test the water ahead of race day. It is a fully marshalled event, covering the exact course but without the stress of a race environment. For details see www.swimathy.com.
• SwimAthy is open to everyone and is a favourite among athletes preparing for long distance Iron or Challenge events who want open water experience. It is also perfectly suited to first time triathletes who want to eliminate race nerves and acclimatise themselves before the big day on 1st June.

• We are a very safety conscious event with a 100% safety record spanning over 13 years.
• Our water rescue team are medics, rowers and canoeists who are based in the area all year round.
• They are familiar with the behaviour and currents of the river.
• Every person in the water will have a dedicated marshal watching them.
• If you get into trouble, roll into the backstroke position and signal for help using your arm and one of our crew will come to your aid immediately.
• Should you require further assistance, our ambulance crew will be on standby at the riverside.
• Couple of additional facts about swimming at TriAthy:
• The riverbank is never more than 20m away (the river is 40m wide at it's maximum point)
• The river depth is generally chest high during May/June.
• The river current is normally slow and steady during May/June.
• Multiple canoeists and river-side marshals will be keeping close watch on our swimming triathletes.

• Race places are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Last minute places may become available if other entrants decide to cancel their entry and withdraw from the race in question in advance of race day.
• If places become available we will publicise this on our website and social media channels.
• Please note we cannot guarantee that such places will become available.

• You should wear whatever you will complete the rest of the race in beneath your wetsuit.
• This way, when you strip off your wetsuit after the swim your ready immediately to cycle.
• Nudity in the transition area is not allowed, as it is against the rules! Wear what feels comfortable.
• It is not advised to try new clothing on race day.
• Train in your gear before race day if at all possible to test race conditions and the clothings effect on your body.
• Remember lycra will dry out quicker than cotton.

• Yes - Wetsuits are compulsory for racing at TriAthy.
• Your wetsuit will keep you warm and improve your swimming speed and buoyancy.
• It is also an important safety aid in the event of experiencing difficulties.
• We strongly recommend putting your name on the inside of your wetsuit in case it is left behind on race day.

• Yes. Any neoprene full body wetsuit is suitable.
• Non-triathlon wetsuits may not be as flexible around the arms and shoulders.
• We recommend that you precise in your wetsuit in the weeks prior to the race.

SwimAthy takes place on Sunday 24th May 2020 and is an ideal opportunity for entrants to test the water ahead of race day.

• It is a fully marshalled event, covering the exact course but without the stress of a race environment.
• For details see www.swimathy.com.
• SwimAthy is open to everyone and is a favourite among athletes preparing for long distance Ironman or Challenge events who want open water experience. It is also perfectly suited to first time triathletes who want to eliminate race nerves and acclimatise themselves.

• Yes, there will be numerous water stations on the run course.
• Water will be available in cups on the course and in bottles at the finish line.
• Please try to use the bins provided once you’ve finished your drink!
• Only drop litter in the designated zones!!
• The finalised online route maps will highlight the locations of the water stations.

• YES, for obvious safety reasons you must be able to swim as you will be entering an open water environment.
• Our safety crews will be there to assist you if you need help.
• However, as a guideline, we suggest you have a minimum competency of:
  • 200m non stop in a pool for TryAthy;
  • 500m non stop for the Sprint;
  • 1,200m non stop for the Olympic and
  • 2,700m non stop for the Double Olympic.
• There are time limits for the swims and if you exceed them, you could be removed from the water. The time limits are:
  • TryAthy - 9 mins
  • Sprint - 27 mins
  • Olympic - 55 mins
  • Double Olympic - 110 mins

Note: TriAthy swim race distances are TryAthy 250m, Sprint 750m, Olympic 1,500m and Double Olympic 3,000m. Click on the links to review.

SwimAthy: To aid your race preparations we strongly recommend that you to take part in SwimAthy to test the water ahead of race day. SwimAthy takes place on Sunday 24th May 2020. The River course for all TriAthy swim legs will be in place for SwimAthy.

• TriAthy 2020 is a Triathlon Ireland sanctioned event.
• As such all participants are required to have a "Race Licence" in order to participate for insurance purposes.
• A Race Licence is either:
  • Full Membership of Triathlon Ireland in 2020 (Full, Student, or Junior membership only); OR
  • Full Membership in 2020 of any affiliated ITU Organsiation (including the British Triathlon Federation encompassing: Triathlon England / Welsh Triathlon / Triathlon Scotland); OR
  • A One Day Membership for the TriAthy event you are taking part in.
• Both Triathlon Ireland Membership and One Day Membership's can be purchased directly from Triathlon Ireland.
• Note that One Day Membership for the TryAthy race is at the discounted rate of €15. For all other races, the One Day Membership is €25.

• CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A ONE DAY MEMBERSHIP (External Link to Triathlon Ireland)

• CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FULL MEMBERSHIP (External Link to Triathlon Ireland)

• Yes but all tri bars (and handlebars) must be plugged at the ends and secure.
• All bikes will be checked by our marshals prior to being admitted into transition.

• An indicative schedule will be posted during March 2020 on the website to give indicative race times for TriAthy 2020.
• It is expected that all races will have started by midday with the majority of finishers completing the course by 14:40hrs.
• A more detailed timetable will be posted within 10 days of the event to give a more detailed breakdown of race day.
• Please also refer to the Athlete Guide when it is published.

• Adult entrants:
  • Must be 18 or over on 31 December 2020.
  • There is no upper age restriction.
• Junior entrants:
  • Must be 16 to 19 on on 31 December 2020.
  • Can only enter the Sprint or Try distance race.
  • All junior entrants must be holders of Triathlon Ireland Junior Membership, in line with requisite parental consents.

• We will list which roads and at what times that these roads will be closed as the event approaches.
• Please be sure to plan your journey carefully, the road closures will add time to your travel.