Frequently asked questions
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QUESTION: What in the world is a "repeated" triathlon?
ANSWER: It's a shorter triathlon that is then repeated, over and over, as many times as the athletes desire in the
3 hour time limit allowed. The order is run, bike, swim...too crowded to begin with the swim.
QUESTION: Can I form a team?
ANSWER: Yes. You may enter as an individual, or as a team of 2 or 3 males or females. Mixed gender teams
are certainly allowed. Husband-wife teams have been fun to watch.
QUESTION: How do teams work?
ANSWER: Quite simply...however YOU want. The only rule is that you and your partner(s) may NOT be on the
course at the same time. 2-3 person teams are allowed. What if I want a team of 6? Make two teams of 3, please.
Teams may be co-ed or same gender. Split the events however your want. Take turns doing entire loops of run,
bike, swim...or each of you pick a leg, and avoid the parts you don't want to do.
QUESTION: Is everyone in the race serious and out for blood?
ANSWER: There will be blood, but not at the hands of the "gung-ho" athletes. As you get exhausted, you will
begin to trip on roots, stones, and your own two feet. Trail runners are a polite and respectful group of people in
general. Some take it very seriously, and some are out there to simply finish a triathlon and get a cool shirt that
says they did. All levels of athleticism are welcome, but don't let the beauty of a short course fool you.
QUESTION: I'm a road runner. Is a trail run like this challenging?
ANSWER: Blacktop is the Devil. It hurts your joints and muscles. Trails are certainly more challenging and
present greater risk of injury...however, you don't have to worry about being hit by a semi-tractor trailer!
QUESTION: I'm a road biker. Is mountain biking on the Tri, Tri Again course dangerous?
ANSWER: MOST biking accidents since year 1 were due to faulty bicycles that were ill-prepared for rough terrain,
logs, wash-outs, stumps, rocks, etc. HYBRID bikes have NOT been successful in the past. You will want knobby
tires and a rugged frame. Make sure your bike is tuned up! However, the "Hill of Death" did indeed see people
going over handle bars and wiping out. I am not much of a mountain biker at all, but I can bike the 2.25 trail in
about 20 minutes without putting my feet down or flying over the handle bars (most of the time!).....just take it smart
and slow on lap one until you become familiar with the course! 2010 introduced two additional bike trails. The first
added about 500 yards of "out and back" power lines, while the second added nearly 3/4 of a mile of twisting,
hairpin curves through a fairly level hardwood forest littered with deer, turkey, and bear tracks. 2011 introduces
new dirt ramps, and corner banks for your riding enjoyment! Go fast, and the ramps will send you into the air...take
is easy, and you can roll right over them, and never leave the ground. Biking friends of mine have described the
entire mountain bike section of the Tri, Tri Again as "fairly technical" for amateurs, and a "paved superhighway" for
experienced mountain bikers. Which are you?
QUESTION: How do you keep time and results?
ANSWER: The race begins promptly at 9AM, and each participant is timed and recorded by a specific timing
judge for each completed loop, much like a track meet. Results are then posted on an on-going results board.
Additionally, beginning in 2009, rubber wrist bands were added to each competitor's wrist after each successfully
completed loop (finishing with the swim) to help keep track of loop totals.
QUESTION: Do I have to keep going? What if I get tired?
ANSWER: If you're not in it to win it, then do a loop (run, bike, swim) and take a rest break for as long as you wish.
Ready to begin another loop? Go see your friendly starter at the starter table, and begin your next loop when ready.
Each loop MUST begin on the exact minute, to make timing easier for our judges, and presents some strategy for
the competitors.
QUESTION: Is there a rain date?
ANSWER: No. If it rains, you've got a date with mud and more treacherous conditions. Lightning would suspend
the race until conditions improve.
QUESTION: How many people enter this crazy race?
ANSWER: The first year (2008) had a total of 38 participants, comprised of 10 individual athletes & 9 teams of two
& three athletes each. 2009 & 2010 had about 45 and 50 happy athletes, and I anticipate continued growth each
year. Once the event grows to 100+ entrants, that will be the cut-off, due to parking limitations and crowded trails.
QUESTION: If there is a 3 hour time limit, how did last year's winner finish in over 3 hours?
ANSWER: Each individual or team must BEGIN their final loop before the 3 hour time limit.
QUESTION: Is this event a qualifier for any other event such as the Ironman?
ANSWER: No. This event only qualifies you certifiably tough, and possibly insane.
QUESTION: Is there food and drink?
ANSWER: Yes. There is water, Gatorade, and limited snacks on the course, and at the transition area. There will
be a limited amount of food following the event for the athletes and volunteers...Papa John's pizza, Dynamic wings,
donuts, fruit, etc. Feel free to provide your own bottle to run/bike with, and we will refill you!
QUESTION: Can I listen to my iPod while running or biking?
ANSWER: No. Single track courses and tight trails make for dangerous passing conditions when you can't hear
someone yelling, "Coming Through!"
QUESTION: My kids want to put a team together, or try it alone. Is that allowed?
ANSWER: Yes. However there is no kids division , or separate race. Entry fees for youngsters are the same as
our adult entrants, and no ordinary youngster can successfully complete this event. Our first year overall winner
was 15, and he surpassed the endurance and strength of several very fine adult racers who normally finish very
high in most 5K trail races, and other endurance events. The bottom line, yes...your youngster can compete if
he/she is an exceptional athlete for his/her age. Nobody wants to see any injuries on race day, and when younger
children get injured, it's even worse.
QUESTION: I'm not much of a swimmer. What is the swim like?
ANSWER: It's roughly 150 yards (75 yds down and back) of a pond swim. You will dive off a dock into
approximately 5-6 feet of water, swim across the center of the pond, which is 16-18 feet deep, circle a floating dock
in 5-6 feet of water, and return to the original dock you dove off. Your swim time ends when you successfully climb
up the dock's ladder and step onto the dock surface. This ends your "loop" time of the triathlon. No, the water isn't
filled with lily pads and scum...yes the water is brown, but it's a pond, and my family and I have been swimming in it
for years and years...it's not a pool, but then again, this isn't some boring road triathlon with a clean pool swim.
There are 2-3 lifeguards on duty, and a buoy line separating the lane down and back. Still concerned? Feel free to
bring floaties for your arms, or a kickboard to hold on to! Seriously!
QUESTION: Should I do this Triathlon? Am I seriously considering this? What if I can't attend due to injury or
sickness, or death of a loved one?
ANSWER: Yes. Quit making pathetic excuses. There is a reason you're on this web site in the first place...you
want to do this. Later, if you've already paid, but can't make it on race day, due to a good excuse, like the ones
above, drop me an e-mail and let me know your circumstances, and I'll hold your place for next year...prepaid!
ANSWER: It's a shorter triathlon that is then repeated, over and over, as many times as the athletes desire in the
3 hour time limit allowed. The order is run, bike, swim...too crowded to begin with the swim.
QUESTION: Can I form a team?
ANSWER: Yes. You may enter as an individual, or as a team of 2 or 3 males or females. Mixed gender teams
are certainly allowed. Husband-wife teams have been fun to watch.
QUESTION: How do teams work?
ANSWER: Quite simply...however YOU want. The only rule is that you and your partner(s) may NOT be on the
course at the same time. 2-3 person teams are allowed. What if I want a team of 6? Make two teams of 3, please.
Teams may be co-ed or same gender. Split the events however your want. Take turns doing entire loops of run,
bike, swim...or each of you pick a leg, and avoid the parts you don't want to do.
QUESTION: Is everyone in the race serious and out for blood?
ANSWER: There will be blood, but not at the hands of the "gung-ho" athletes. As you get exhausted, you will
begin to trip on roots, stones, and your own two feet. Trail runners are a polite and respectful group of people in
general. Some take it very seriously, and some are out there to simply finish a triathlon and get a cool shirt that
says they did. All levels of athleticism are welcome, but don't let the beauty of a short course fool you.
QUESTION: I'm a road runner. Is a trail run like this challenging?
ANSWER: Blacktop is the Devil. It hurts your joints and muscles. Trails are certainly more challenging and
present greater risk of injury...however, you don't have to worry about being hit by a semi-tractor trailer!
QUESTION: I'm a road biker. Is mountain biking on the Tri, Tri Again course dangerous?
ANSWER: MOST biking accidents since year 1 were due to faulty bicycles that were ill-prepared for rough terrain,
logs, wash-outs, stumps, rocks, etc. HYBRID bikes have NOT been successful in the past. You will want knobby
tires and a rugged frame. Make sure your bike is tuned up! However, the "Hill of Death" did indeed see people
going over handle bars and wiping out. I am not much of a mountain biker at all, but I can bike the 2.25 trail in
about 20 minutes without putting my feet down or flying over the handle bars (most of the time!).....just take it smart
and slow on lap one until you become familiar with the course! 2010 introduced two additional bike trails. The first
added about 500 yards of "out and back" power lines, while the second added nearly 3/4 of a mile of twisting,
hairpin curves through a fairly level hardwood forest littered with deer, turkey, and bear tracks. 2011 introduces
new dirt ramps, and corner banks for your riding enjoyment! Go fast, and the ramps will send you into the air...take
is easy, and you can roll right over them, and never leave the ground. Biking friends of mine have described the
entire mountain bike section of the Tri, Tri Again as "fairly technical" for amateurs, and a "paved superhighway" for
experienced mountain bikers. Which are you?
QUESTION: How do you keep time and results?
ANSWER: The race begins promptly at 9AM, and each participant is timed and recorded by a specific timing
judge for each completed loop, much like a track meet. Results are then posted on an on-going results board.
Additionally, beginning in 2009, rubber wrist bands were added to each competitor's wrist after each successfully
completed loop (finishing with the swim) to help keep track of loop totals.
QUESTION: Do I have to keep going? What if I get tired?
ANSWER: If you're not in it to win it, then do a loop (run, bike, swim) and take a rest break for as long as you wish.
Ready to begin another loop? Go see your friendly starter at the starter table, and begin your next loop when ready.
Each loop MUST begin on the exact minute, to make timing easier for our judges, and presents some strategy for
the competitors.
QUESTION: Is there a rain date?
ANSWER: No. If it rains, you've got a date with mud and more treacherous conditions. Lightning would suspend
the race until conditions improve.
QUESTION: How many people enter this crazy race?
ANSWER: The first year (2008) had a total of 38 participants, comprised of 10 individual athletes & 9 teams of two
& three athletes each. 2009 & 2010 had about 45 and 50 happy athletes, and I anticipate continued growth each
year. Once the event grows to 100+ entrants, that will be the cut-off, due to parking limitations and crowded trails.
QUESTION: If there is a 3 hour time limit, how did last year's winner finish in over 3 hours?
ANSWER: Each individual or team must BEGIN their final loop before the 3 hour time limit.
QUESTION: Is this event a qualifier for any other event such as the Ironman?
ANSWER: No. This event only qualifies you certifiably tough, and possibly insane.
QUESTION: Is there food and drink?
ANSWER: Yes. There is water, Gatorade, and limited snacks on the course, and at the transition area. There will
be a limited amount of food following the event for the athletes and volunteers...Papa John's pizza, Dynamic wings,
donuts, fruit, etc. Feel free to provide your own bottle to run/bike with, and we will refill you!
QUESTION: Can I listen to my iPod while running or biking?
ANSWER: No. Single track courses and tight trails make for dangerous passing conditions when you can't hear
someone yelling, "Coming Through!"
QUESTION: My kids want to put a team together, or try it alone. Is that allowed?
ANSWER: Yes. However there is no kids division , or separate race. Entry fees for youngsters are the same as
our adult entrants, and no ordinary youngster can successfully complete this event. Our first year overall winner
was 15, and he surpassed the endurance and strength of several very fine adult racers who normally finish very
high in most 5K trail races, and other endurance events. The bottom line, yes...your youngster can compete if
he/she is an exceptional athlete for his/her age. Nobody wants to see any injuries on race day, and when younger
children get injured, it's even worse.
QUESTION: I'm not much of a swimmer. What is the swim like?
ANSWER: It's roughly 150 yards (75 yds down and back) of a pond swim. You will dive off a dock into
approximately 5-6 feet of water, swim across the center of the pond, which is 16-18 feet deep, circle a floating dock
in 5-6 feet of water, and return to the original dock you dove off. Your swim time ends when you successfully climb
up the dock's ladder and step onto the dock surface. This ends your "loop" time of the triathlon. No, the water isn't
filled with lily pads and scum...yes the water is brown, but it's a pond, and my family and I have been swimming in it
for years and years...it's not a pool, but then again, this isn't some boring road triathlon with a clean pool swim.
There are 2-3 lifeguards on duty, and a buoy line separating the lane down and back. Still concerned? Feel free to
bring floaties for your arms, or a kickboard to hold on to! Seriously!
QUESTION: Should I do this Triathlon? Am I seriously considering this? What if I can't attend due to injury or
sickness, or death of a loved one?
ANSWER: Yes. Quit making pathetic excuses. There is a reason you're on this web site in the first place...you
want to do this. Later, if you've already paid, but can't make it on race day, due to a good excuse, like the ones
above, drop me an e-mail and let me know your circumstances, and I'll hold your place for next year...prepaid!
"Yeah, Well I ran on a team and I thought a two mile loop how hard can that be! I was
surprised by the challenging hills and twisting trail. It was a tough loop w/ the 6 laps
and heat. It was also great to see all the other athletes out on the course whether
they were swimming or on their mountain bikes."
-Mike McCloud ... Mifflinburg, PA
surprised by the challenging hills and twisting trail. It was a tough loop w/ the 6 laps
and heat. It was also great to see all the other athletes out on the course whether
they were swimming or on their mountain bikes."
-Mike McCloud ... Mifflinburg, PA
"Just wanted to send a quick note to thank and
congratulate you for doing a great job with the
triathlon. It was my first off-road, and boy did I learn a
lot! You know, there is no doubt in my mind it made
me a better trail rider and runner. Got 3 loops in ...
not too bad for an old guy. An amusing story (at least
to me), as I rounded a curve on the bike single track
there was a 4 foot plus black snake just stretched
right across the trail! It was not big and round, but
boy was it long! I think it is the longest snake I have
every seen in the woods. I was going slow enough to
stop, and it slowly moved off the path without any
assistance. If my wife had seen that she might still
be up there screaming!"
-Ernie Williams
Corning, NY
congratulate you for doing a great job with the
triathlon. It was my first off-road, and boy did I learn a
lot! You know, there is no doubt in my mind it made
me a better trail rider and runner. Got 3 loops in ...
not too bad for an old guy. An amusing story (at least
to me), as I rounded a curve on the bike single track
there was a 4 foot plus black snake just stretched
right across the trail! It was not big and round, but
boy was it long! I think it is the longest snake I have
every seen in the woods. I was going slow enough to
stop, and it slowly moved off the path without any
assistance. If my wife had seen that she might still
be up there screaming!"
-Ernie Williams
Corning, NY
Tri, Tri Again is a Blacktopisthedevil.com production; 2012