In addition, each athlete, after carefully verifying information for the volunteers and registration staff at the Expo, will receive a packet that includes a pre-assigned number. These registration tasks cannot be accomplished on race morning given the hectic environment and other very complicated procedures the race staff must complete on race day. You should have a small bag with your race number written on it to contain your gear. Marking your race number on your race bag helps volunteers identify your gear as yours when you leave the transition area after the race. Only athletes are permitted inside the transition area.
Athletes then head towards the chutes and water for the swim start.
Strong swimmers are encouraged to position themselves toward the front of the wave for a less crowded path through the water, while weaker swimmers should stay near the back and outer edges of the wave to avoid possibly being swum over. There is plenty of water safety, and if you get tired, disoriented or scared, you can hang onto a kayak, surfboard or lifeguard for as long as you want without being disqualified. Helmets must be on and straps snapped before exiting the transition area. Be sure you have a full bottle of water in the cage on your bike, and drink all of this fluid while on the bike course to prevent dehydration. After completing the bike course, you will return to the transition area and rack your bike in the same place it was before.