COURSE
DESCRIPTION
Lake Junaluska is an Open Water Swim; this is a High
Country mountain stream feed lake. Water temperature varies depending on
rainfall; we will post early in the week if it is wet suit legal. Plan on
bringing a wet suit or speed suit.
Sprint swimmers will start the
triathlon according to USAT Age Group Divisions; 18-99. The Sprint Swim
Course is 1/2 mile swim; swimmers will launch from shore by Age Groups. The
swim is straight out from shore rounding two buoys and coming straight
back in to the T-1 Area.
International Distance swimmers will launch
from shore by USAT Age Groups and swim in a "Triangular" shaped course of
.99 of a mile in a counter clock wise swim. You will swim 1/3 mile and
pass two buoys bearing left at each buoy; swim straight across the lake for
1/3 of a mile to a second set of buoys bearing left at each buoy and
swimming 1/3 of a mile back to shore and the T-1 Area.
A Life Guard
Station is positioned at the halfway point of the Swim Course for emergency
response only. Kayakers and other boaters will be stationed along the
course to assist swimmers; No forward progress will be allowed (USAT Rule
3.4) while being assisted by kayak crews. Swimmers may rest at the Life
Guard Station and continue on if necessary. Average water depth is
approximately 8' with a granite sandy bottom. Water Quality is excellent
and has been professionally tested. Beach entrance and exit to and from
the water will be carpeted with a sand packed base.
T-1 Area will be
separated by Sprint Section and International Distance Section. Your bikes
will be racked according to race number and distance; Sprint or
International. All personal Gear in the T-1 Area is to be placed according
USAT Rules, near the down side tire of your bike, not affecting the
athlete next to you or the alleyway between bike racks. NO Spectators,
family, friends allowed in the T-1 Area.
Exiting T-1 you will mount
your bikes in the Dismount / Mount Area and continue on the Bike Course.
The Sprint is an "Out & Back" course that is fairly flat for Western
North Carolina; a "Bottle Exchange" will be at the halfway point on
Jonathan Creek Road. If you exchange your water bottle there it will be
returned to you at the Race Directors Tent following the triathlon.
The International Distance triathlon continues past the Sprint Halfway
point and passes over I-40 and climbs for a short distance. This course
follows the "Blue Ridge Breakaway" "Rabbit" course for most of the
International Distance except we will continue on Route 209 straight back to
Lake Junaluska, eliminating two dangerous intersections but increasing
speed while on Rt. 209.
The Sprint Run Course is once around the
outer loop of Lake Junaluska and is a paved green way and secured from all
traffic. The International Distance is twice around Lake Junaluska. Near
the Finish line Volunteers will direct runners into an awesome chute area
and into a custom finish line. Finsihers will receive ice cold bottled
water, a custom made "Woodallion" with the Triathlon logo on it. Your
timing ankle bracelet will be removed then and you may continue on to a
"Recovery Food Table" designed especially for you and only you.
Once all
triathletes have finished the triathlon we will begin our Awards Ceremony.
We are well known for giving away plenty of door prizes and other gifts.
Our Awards are Locally Custom Handcrafted Pottery vases with the King Of
The Smokies Triathlon logo and event details on the vases. Awards will be
given out only during the Awards Ceremony.
Many local events are
scheduled for this weekend to co-inside with the triathlon and your
enjoyment.
We highly recommend you take advantage of all the great
hotels and lodges and private homes available to rent while your here for
the triathlon at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.
Registration "Night Before" is at the Lake Junaluska Conference and
Retreat Centers Visitor Center from 600 pm to 830 pm.
We will be
opening the T-1 Area the night before to rack your bike after you have been
assigned your race number. Please take advantage of this; we have over
night security in this area.