Transamerica Chicago Triathlon: Final Open Water Swim Sessions

2016 OPEN WATER SWIM SESSIONS #5 & #6

Join the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon staff, fellow coaches and your peers for a special day of swimming, running, socializing and race preparation. This is the final event within our complimentary clinic series designed to help new triathletes properly prepare for the 2016 Transamerica Chicago Triathlon.

PLEASE NOTE: We will now offer two separate sessions on Tuesday, August 23:

1. Morning Aquathlon: This session begins at 8:30 a.m. and includes an optional Aquathlon (5K run) following the half or full mile swim.

2. Evening Aquathlon: This session begins at 6:00 p.m. and includes the Aquathlon race, post-event socializing at Caffe' Oliva and a Course Talk session - an early version of the mandatory athlete briefings held within the Multisport & Fitness Expo. All Sprint, International and Triple Challenge race participants must show proof of attending a Course Talk prior to picking-up their race bibs/packets. Special wristbands will be provided to those who attend this special Couse Talk.

EVENT DETAILS
With Race Day fast approaching, both sessions offer only the long distance swim option (no formal Swim Clinic) with the optional Aquathlon (Swim + Run multisport event) - a great opportunity to experience back-to-back triathlon disciplines in a single workout. We have two separate swim distances for you to choose from: 750 meter (Sprint) or 1,500 meter (International). Swimmers will begin together in groups, simulating a typical triathlon mass swim start.

After the swim, Aquathlon participants will immediately head to their Transition area, grab their shoes, then run a 5K (3.1 mile) course along the Lakefront Path. An aid station will be provided at the turnaround.

EVENT TIPS
Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the event start, allowing adequate time to register, set your Transition area, check your bags, review the course map, etc. Expect long lines.

Lifeguards and Swim Coaches will be deployed along the entire length of the course, providing encouragement and any necessary advice and support to ensure you are 100% race ready.

Each session will start promptly at 8:30 AM or 6:00 PM, with separate starts for the 750 meter or 1.5K swimmers. Buoys will mark both turnaround distances, and mile markers posted along the 5K run course. A Transition area will be setup with water and a footbath.

SPECIAL COURSE TALK
Following the 6:00 PM event, registered participants are welcome to congregate with everyone at Caffe' Oliva: The Official Bar of the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon (adjacent to the beach) for a complimentary Goose Island beer - followed by $3 beers thereafter. A special pre-race Course Talk will be offered, specifically for the 6:00 PM Clinic participants (must be registered) in the beer garden at approximately 8:00 PM. Wristbands will be distributed to attendees following the session, enabling express entrance to Packet Pickup at the Multisport & Fitness Expo (others must first attend a Course Talk during the Expo).

TIMELINE
Morning Session
7:30 AM Registration & Gear Check Open
8:30 AM Registration Closes, Aquathlon & Swim Clinic Briefing
8:40 AM Aquathlon Begins
9:45 AM Final Swimmer Exits Water, Lifeguards Depart
10:15 AM Run Course Closes, Aquathlon Ends
10:30 AM Gear Check Closes

Evening Session
4:30 PM Registration & Gear Check Open
6:00 PM Registration Closes, Aquathlon & Swim Clinic Briefing
6:10 PM Aquathlon Begins
7:00 PM Final Swimmer Exits Water, Lifeguards Depart
7:45 PM Run Course Closes, Aquathlon Ends
8:00 PM Gear Check Closes, Social at Caffe' Oliva
8:00 PM Course Talk Begins on Beach (adjacent to Caffe' Oliva)
8:45 PM Course Talk Ends

WHAT TO BRING

• Swim Suit
• Goggles
• Towel
• Running shoes & socks
• Dry clothes for afterward
• Water Bottle (water fountain available on the beach)
• Wetsuit (optional)
• Extra $ for Post-Event Socializing
• Plastic baggie for your cell phone and valuables (should it rain, keep them dry)!
• Bring a towel or small blanket for sitting on the beach during the Course Talk.

SPECIAL NOTES

> Charity Donations: A mandatory donation (of at least $1) will be required of all participants for these remaining events.100% of all proceeds will be divided among our Transamerica Chicago Triathlon charities.

> Still need to register for the race? Limited International, Sprint and SuperSprint spots remain, and registration will close within a few days. Enroll at www.chicagotriathlon.com.

> Kids: Due to the nature of this event, we are unable to support minors and/or children at these events.

> Come dressed for the swim. Ohio Street Beach does not have adjacent changing facilities.

> Gear check is for bags and loose items only (keys, wallets, etc.). We cannot be responsible for bikes and other large gear.

> A limited amount of rental wetsuits may be available from Live Grit and Blue Seventy, but we strongly encourage you to secure your own wetsuit prior to this session.