The Outdoor Divas Sprint Triathlon is a yearly event just for women and features many first-time triathletes. The event takes place at Union Reservoir in Longmont, CO. This is a laid back triathlon, and spectators will arrive around 6:45 am to set up their equipment and size up both the competition and the course routes. Race start time is about 8:15 after a pre-race meeting.
Outdoor Divas Course Description and Gear Requirements
The swim portion of the event takes place in open water. There are strategically placed kayaks throughout the swim for those that need a rest. As long as a participant does not advance along the course while holding on to the kayaks, they may stay as long as they like. This feature makes the event less scary for those participants that are not good swimmers. The event starts as a "wave" by age groups; which means participants start in the water about waist height. Because the temperature of the water is hard to predict, wetsuits are allowed but only 50% of participants use them. Swim caps are a must, one is provided in the registration packet. The caps are different colors for different waves. Swim goggles are recommended and 99.9% of participants were observed wearing them.
The bike comes next and the course winds through a residential area that has been closed to through traffic. The course is generally flat. Road bikes are most appropriate for this event, unlike some other mountain bike triathlons, but the author observed bikes of all types. Helmets are required and sunglasses or protective eyewear is highly recommended. Since the bike is the longest portion of the race, a water bottle or snack should be consumed while on the bike.
The run is last. There are no requirements for the run as far as gear is concerned, but a race number must be visible on the front of the participant. The run is on hard pack dirt and is relatively flat. There is a good sized "slow and steady" hill toward the middle of the run with an aid station at the top. The event finishes at Union Reservoir with women-oriented sports vendors and participation medals.
The Outdoor Divas Transition Area
The transition area is in a large parking lot right in the middle of the three events. It is the same area for transition 1 and 2 (T1, T2). Upon check-in participants are given a "chip" that is programmed to the race number of the triathlete. The chip in encased in hard plastic and attached to a band that is worn around the ankle. Each time a participant enters or leaves the transition area, a time is recorded. Which means not only swim, bike and run times are recorded, but times in the transition area as well.
Register for the Outdoor Divas Sprint Triathlon
To register visit www.Outdoordivas.com. This is a USA Triathlon (USAT) event; Non-members will be required to pay an additional fee to participate.
April Laliberte - I am blessed to be able to provide readers with information about health, wellness, fitness, and yoga. I've been a devoted Anusara yoga ...
