Event Distances
Sprint Race
Swim: 1150 meters
Bike: 11.5 miles
Run: 5K
As our way of saying thank you for your service to our country, we would like to offer you a discount on your race registration. Please email ymcawbtri@gmail.com with a valid military ID.
Youth Race
Swim: 200 meters
Bike: 4 miles
Run: 1.6 miles
Race Categories
Award Categories
Top three athletes (male & female) will be recognized in each of the following categories:
- Advanced: Elite-level competitors.
- Age Groups (M & F): 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, 85+
- Clydesdale: Men over 220 lbs
- Athena: Women over 165 lbs
- Aquabike (M & F): Swim and Bike only; race ends after crossing the Bike Finish mat
- Novice (M & F): For beginners with fewer than three events completed
- Relay Teams: One general category
- Corporate Relay Teams: One general category
Youth Divisions
As part of the NC Junior Development Tri Series, the following youth groups will receive awards:
- 7–8 years: Youth Triathlon
- 9–10 years: Youth Triathlon
- 11–12 years: Youth Triathlon
- 13–15 years: Youth Triathlon
- 13–15 years: Full Wrightsville Beach Sprint Tri Course
- 16–19 years: Full Wrightsville Beach Sprint Tri Course
NCTS Category Rules
- Once you compete in a category for an NCTS race, you must remain in that category for the rest of the calendar year.
- Exceptions: Aquabike, Novice, and Weight (Clydesdale/Athena) categories.
- If you start as a Novice, you may switch to another eligible category (e.g., Age Group or Clydesdale) later in the year.
- If you drop below the weight limit during the season, you can switch from Clydesdale/Athena to an Age Group, but you won’t transfer past results or awards.
- If you switch to Aquabike, you can return to your previous category without losing anything.
Choosing Your Category
You may qualify for multiple categories. Select the one you find most enjoyable and fits your experience or goals.
Event Rules
USAT Sanctioning:
This is a USA Triathlon (USAT)-sanctioned event.
Cut-Off Time:
All participants must finish within 2 hours and 30 minutes from the start of their swim. Race officials may remove athletes from the course if it appears they will not meet this time limit.
Minimum Age:
- Full Sprint: 10 years and older
- Youth Triathlon: 7 years and older
Timing System:
The race uses ChampionChip timing. Timing mats will be placed at all run turnarounds to confirm that participants complete the entire course.
USAT Rules:
The event follows USAT regulations. Common rule violations include blocking, drafting, and improper positioning.
USAT “Age Up” Policy:
Your racing age for any USAT-sanctioned event is your age on December 31, 2024. This means you will “age up” at the start of the year if you turn a new age by year’s end, rather than on your birthday.
Examples:
- If John turns 40 on November 20, 2024, he races as a 40-year-old all year.
- If Sally turns 30 on July 3, 2024, she races as a 30-year-old all year.
Inclement Weather Policy:
- If there is inclement weather, we will delay the start in the hope that conditions improve.
- If the weather does not clear in time for a safe race—either in its original or a modified format—the event will be canceled.
- If conditions improve but time is limited, we may change the event to a duathlon or shorten the course to fit within our permitted schedule.
Please note:
- No refunds, credits, or transfers will be issued if the event is canceled due to circumstances beyond the race director’s control, including unsafe water conditions.
- A deferral fee may apply to cover incurred costs for last-minute deferrals.
- No exceptions will be made to this policy.
By registering, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
USAT Wetsuit Rules
- USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower.
- USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will not be eligible for awards or USAT ranking points.
- USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is 84 degrees or higher, wetsuits may not be worn.
Relay Logistics
Relay Teams:
- A relay team can have either 2 members (one person does two legs, the other does one) or 3 members (each person completes one leg).
- Teams may include any combination of genders.
Packet Pickup:
- Each relay member must pick up their own packet in person.
- Each member must show a photo ID and a USAT card (if applicable).
- For members age 17 or younger, a parent/guardian must present an ID to receive the packet.
- Anyone turning 18 by the end of the year is considered an adult per USAT rules and must pick up their own packet.
Changing Relay Members:
- Before race week, email us using the "Contact Us" button at the top of the page if you need to replace a team member.
- During race week, you can make changes to relay team members at packet pickup.
Race Day Logistics:
- At packet pickup, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how relays operate, including chip handoffs and the tagging area.
Switching from Individual to Relay:
- If you’re currently registered as an individual and want to switch to a relay, log into your profile and select “change category” next to the event. Follow the steps provided to complete the switch.