2024 Quick Guide

Welcome to the Ascension Seton CapTexTri, an annual triathlon event that takes place in downtown Austin, Texas. We’ve put together this quick guide to help you navigate the event and make the most of your experience.

If you are in a relay, click here for all things related to relay teams.

While we tried, this guide doesn’t cover EVERYTHING, so please check the other pages on our website for more detailed information related to taking part in the event. You can also read through our common FAQ.

We are also available through email and chat, located at the bottom right-hand corner, to help with any questions.

Packet Pick-Up Details

All participants must pick up their race packets prior to the event, there is no race morning packet pick-up.

When: Sunday, May 26th 10:00 AM –  6:00 PM.

Pro Tip: Remember, the first hour is always the busiest time, so consider coming after. Per USAT regulations, no one else can pick up your packet for you.

Where: Palmer Event Center

900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704

There is parking at parks nearby and a paid parking garage on site. Parking is $10. You can walk from this parking lot to drop your bike off as well so you don’t need to move your car.

What: To Bring with You

Have your bib number and photo ID ready to go. If you purchased a one-day license or submitted your USAT annual license details already we will have that on file when you pick-up.

Bike Check In

When: Sunday, May 26th 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Where: Transition at Auditorium Shores
Bike check-in is at the southwest corner of transition near the Gear Bag Check. Please refer to the Site and Transition Map for location details.

Important:

  • You must have your bike stickers on your bike in order to enter transition, so you have to pick up your race packet before arriving at bike check-in.
  • Racks will be labeled based on Age Groups. Rack based on the age you will be on December 31.  7-8 bikes should fit per rack.
  • Please be courteous to your fellow participants and volunteers.
  • Sunday is for bike check-in only. Do not lay out any other items.
  • Once your bike is in transition you will not be able to remove it without your wristband and bib number.
  • There is overnight security for the whole event

Race Morning Transition

Monday, May 27th
  • Transition opens for all distances at 5:30 AM
  • Enter through the “Run Out” gate on the west side of transition.
  • Once Transition closes, bikes cannot be removed from racks until it re-opens. Bike check-out will not begin until the final cyclist has completed the bike course.
  • If you are planning on enjoying the festival we suggest leaving your bike in transition with security while you enjoy the festivities.

Read in full about Closed Transition & Bike Check Out

Closed Transition & Post Race Gear Bags
  • Post-Race Gear Check opens at 5:45 AM
  • Once transition closes, you will not be able to access your bike or transition area until after bike check out.
  • Pack any items you might need after transition closes or after the event like a change of clothes, shoes, and personal items into the Post Race Gear Bag
  • Do not put any valuable or breakable items in the bag. We are not responsible for missing items.
Transition Set Up & Rules
  • Only participants are allowed into the transition area. Friends, family, children, and pets must stay outside of the transition area.
  • There are two transition areas, one for Rookie/Sprint distances and one for the Olympic distance. Racks will be labeled based on Age Group. Please rack neatly with your items under your bike, 7-8 bikes should fit per rack.
  • There is overnight security for the entire site.
  • Marking Your Spot -The best way to mark your spot is with a bright colored towel. No balloons are allowed and will be taken down. Do not tape or mark the transition racks.

Body Marking & Timing Chips

Body Marking

  • Temporary Tattoos are included in your race packet for body marking with your bib numbers. You will place one on each arm or forearm if you are wearing long sleeves.
  • Relays – each member will wear a set of tattoos.

Timing Device

  • The timing device has two parts; the plastic timing chip and the velcro strap to secure it to your ankle.  Be sure to run the velcro strap through both loops of the device to secure it around the ankle. Wear your chip strap on your left ankle; you won’t put on the timing chip until race morning.
  • If you are wearing a wetsuit make sure the timing device is under the suit leg so it is not pulled off when taking off your wetsuit.

Course Information

You can find full details of aid stations along with swim, bike, and run course maps here. Please make sure you are familiar with all three courses.

Bike Course:
Run Course
  • Sprint & Rookie = two loops
  • Olympic course = four loops
  • Sprint & Rookie = one loop
  • Olympic course = two loops

You are responsible for keeping track of the number of loops completed.

Swim Waves & Full Schedule

Click here to review the weekend schedule and swim waves.

Post-Race Celebration

After the race, join us at Auditorium Shores for a post-race celebration. There will be food, drinks, and music to celebrate your accomplishment!

Meet the Bands

  • Austin Taiko   – On Course
  • The 4477        – On Course
  • Fusion ATX    – Festival Headliner

Parking

Parking is also available at many downtown parking lots and garages. Please do not park in the lots of local businesses, restaurants, or on the streets in the local neighborhoods. We encourage the use of public transportation. Specific parking lots open to CapTex athletes and spectators are:

Palmer Events Center Parking Garage

Thursday – Sunday
Monday
$10 $20

One Texas Center – 505 Barton Springs Rd.

The parking garage is open for $10 parking.

Results & Awards

  • All finishers will receive a medal at the finish line.
  • Awards will be given based on categories and the top 3 in each Age Group, you can review awards categories and age groups here.
  • Results may change during and after the event. Results are not official until announced by race staff. To contest or update results, you can visit the results tent on-site or after the event please contact RunFar Timing.
  • Results will be posted on MyChipTime.

Special Offers

Looking for your next event?

Swim, bike, and run The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas! The annual Kerrville Triathlon takes place on September 28 – 29 in beautiful Kerrville, Texas. Nine different events feature a swim course in beautiful Nimitz Lake, bike course through the picturesque Texas Hill Country, and run course along the refreshing Guadalupe River.

Use code CapTexTriExpo2024 for $10 off registration at the Kerrville Triathlon Festival. This code is good through June 30th.

Common Question & Answers

Can my friend/spouse/ etc pick up my packet for me?

  • No, you must be present with your photo id and proof of USAT membership to get our packet. No one else can pick up for you.
  • Guardians can pick up minors, 17 years or younger, but the minor must be present.

Do I have to wear the tattoos and bib number?

  • Yes, you must be body marked – tatoo’d – for this event. Read above on how to apply the tattoos to your arms.
  • The bib number must be worn on the run. It is preferred if you can also wear the bib on the bike, but it is not required.

Can I do a practice swim before the race?

  • No, there are no lifeguards on duty before the event to allow for a practice swim.

Can I wear a wetsuit?

  • At CapTex Tri the water temperature is usually wetsuit legal, under 78 degrees. But, depending on the summer it has been known to be warmer. The official call is not made until the official reading on race morning.

I am nervous about the swim. If I run into trouble, what can I do?

  • Certified lifeguards will be in kayaks lining the swim course monitoring all swimmers. At any point, if you become tired or frightened, you may hold onto the kayak without being disqualified as long as it is not making forward motion. Flotation devices such as noodles and buoys are not permitted.

Can I swim with my friend/spouse/etc?

  • We understand this is not as fun but as a USAT sanctioned event and for safety on the course you must start in your assigned age group.

Is this a draft legal event?

  • As a USA Triathlon-sanctioned event drafting is not legal. You must maintain a minimum distance of 10 meters from other cyclists unless trying to overtake.

What are the course cut-off times?

  • Please review the schedule page to see all the required times for the different distances.

Can I listen to music during the race?

  • Participants may not use communication devices of any type, including but not limited to cell phones, smart watches, and two-way radios, in any distractive manner during the competition. A “distractive manner” includes but is not limited to making or receiving phone calls, sending or receiving text messages, playing music, using social media, taking photographs, or using in a one or two-way radio communication. Using any communication device in this manner during the competition will result in disqualification.
Female triathlete gives a thumbs up after setting up her triathlon area at the 2018 CapTex Triathlon.
Welcome