FAQ:
Q: What is the course like?
A: The 5K is nearly identical to Breeze in the Trees 5K. The bike will go farther North and wrap around the Pecan groves on hard-packed dirt roads. Approximate course maps will be available before Feb 1, but they are subject to change by Pecan staff for athlete safety.
Q: What the heck do you mean by Fat Tire race?
A: Because the course is on dirt, you will probably want to ride a mountain bike, cruiser bike, or change out your slender road tires for a wider set in case you hit soft spots in the course. The course is fairly smooth, but there are a few bumpy spots and sandy spots. If it rains, there would be mud as well. Fat Tires make all of that easy to bike through. And they sound fun, too.
Q: What's the deal with the $12 fee?
A: USA Triathlon is the sanctioning body for this event. They require that each athlete purchase a day pass or an annual membership in order to provide secondary insurance coverage in case of accident or injury. This is a protection for you as an athlete, for the race directors, and for the owners of the property. It also provides you with the opportunity to gain a national ranking. After participating in two duathlons, USAT will rank you against your peers. Duathlon National Championships is in Oro Valley on Oct 26th. We hope many of you will consider participating in Nationals and have provided Pecan Du as a stepping stone for those who would like to. Are you in?
Q: Can we ride or run the course beforehand?
A: No. Green Valley Pecan Company is a working farm with heavy machinery and laborers working daily. The farm kindly allows our athletes to participate in this event, but asks that athletes please refrain from trying to train on company property prior to it. Please feel free to visit the Pecan Store and look over the parking area. Please do not attempt to run or ride the course before race day.
Q: How do Relay teams work?
A: One or two runners and a cyclist make up the relay team. There is a relay box designated by the Run In/Out entrance of the transition area. After the first 5K, the runner should tag his or her team member in the box. The cyclist should then jog to his or her bike, remove it from the rack, and jog to the mount/dismount like. After completing the bike, the cyclist racks his or her bike and then tags his or her teammate for the last 5K leg. The runner completes the course and crosses the finish line. The other relay members should be by the finishing chute, cheering wildly! #cheer
Q: Why are you writing all over me with Markers?
A: Three reasons: Gear ID, Timing, and Competition
-Gear ID- Your Body Markings will match your bib number and your bike number. We will match your bike with your markings as you enter and exit the transition area, just to make sure everyone leaves with the proper bike. Only marked athletes are allowed in transition.
-Timing- Timers need to see your race number as you enter and exit transition and as you cross the finish line. The more places we can see your number, the less likely it is that we'll have to have you tell it to us. We know you're workin' out, we want to let you save your breath :)
-Competition- We mark your age on your left calf so that athletes can see who is competing in their age division. Sometimes its fun to push yourself a little harder to try and pass up that other 29 year old... I've been passing my fellow 29 year olds for 13 years now.
