Beginning with the August 2, 2009 triathlon there will be a change in the longstanding bike course. There are essentially two changes and they both take place inside James Island County Park. The new course (inside the Park) is as follows; cyclists will leave the Transition Area in the same manner as previously done however, just past the Park campground there is a paved road to the right (Osprey Point Road). At Osprey Point Road cyclists will turn right and follow Osprey Point Road all the way back to the main Park roadway where they will turn right again and follow the main road to the Park entrance where they will, as in the past, turn right on Riverland Drive. Upon returning to the Park cyclists will follow the main roadway past the Park gatehouse and turn right directly into the Transition Area. (There will be NO second/returning loop of the Park). The entrance to the Transition Area on the bike will be in the same location as it has been. The changes, which will make the course "cleaner" (less mixing of cyclists and runners) and safer, will result in the bike course distance being reduced from 13.0 miles to 12.7 miles.
For the duration of the Series please try to pick up registration material Saturday evening between 5 and 7 PM (makes things less stressful for participants and staff on RaceDay). It is also VERY helpful to arrive early (6 AM) on Sunday morning to avoid longer lines. Please remember to reuse your swim cap.
We are extremely humbled and grateful for the continuing support that triathletes from around the Southeast offer CSTS. This past year has been a time when we all have had to consider our expenses and evaluate what is valuable and worthwhile. Thank you for your ongoing support- this will be a great summer of racing and fellowship. Thus far there are entries from 20 states; South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and California.
Preregistered list will be posted the Monday or Tuesday before each race. Your receipt from Active.com is your registration confirmation. Please bring your Active.com receipt and photo ID to packet pick-up.
Packet Pick-Up will be at James Island County Park the Saturday before each triathlon from 5 to 7 PM. Packet Pick-Up will resume at 6 AM on each RaceDay. It is a very good thing for the race and the participants to have as many people as possible pick up on Saturday evening. It reduces the anxiety levels for everyone on RaceDay.
Please arrive early (6 AM) on race morning. Avoid the longer lines and enjoy the music and the beautiful setting of James Island County Park. Bike rack assignments are on a first come, first served basis; so arriving earlier gives you more choices.
One of the very, very special things about the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series is the incredible energy and enthusiasm that our spectators bring to each race. CSTS is blessed with one of the most spectator friendly courses you'll ever see and the summers that families and friends, participants and spectators spend together on these four special Sunday mornings makes CSTS what it is. We love the homemade signs and the special cheers, the requests to acknowledge birthdays, anniversaries, medical and injury recoveries, weddings and the like- these are things that can't be organized or planned- they just happen and we are thrilled and moved each summer by what goes on both on and off the race course.
One thing that we need to focus on this year is bike etiquette on the race course. For safety and courtesy PLEASE stay in the far right of the lane unless passing. When passing a slower bike the correct warning is "On your left" which means that I am passing you "on your left". Cyclists should always "hold their line" which essentially means don't weave or move from one side of the lane to the other but keep bike in a straight line. Help us keep CSTS safe and friendly. Remember- respect yourself and the race: no drafting allowed.
Thanks again from the bottom of our hearts for supporting CSTS. Can't wait to get things rolling. Please be safe in your training and see you soon.
