Is this USAT Sanctioned Race?
Yes, this is a USAT Sanctioned event, making it a great way to add points to your USAT rating. If you have no idea what this means, then perhaps this is a good opportunity to learn more about what the USAT can offer you.
YES, you can benefit from your new or existing membership because you will be required to become a member, even if it is only for one day.
Events such as this require insurance. Let’s face it, although you may be the picture of health and vigor, accidents happen. We are doing our very best to organize a top notch triathlon but, in spite of our efforts, the fact remains there are there are inherent dangers, and risks involved in this type of event.
Being a member of the USAT not only can be a great way to learn about other races throughout the country, but it also means that the insurance costs for this event are much less painful to bare. (LINK TO USAT)
In order to meet or exceed my expectations, what should I understand before registering and participating in the race?
This is the very first time that there have been permits issued for this state park to hold this type of event. The Matanuska Lakes State Park will NOT be closed during the race. We are expected to be courteous to all who are present to enjoy the beauty of this area. There are dozens of individuals in city administration (Matsu Borough, Palmer, Wasilla), and nonprofit organizations such as VMBHA to whom we owe our gratitude for hundreds of hours of work and trail maintenance. We have and will continue to work hard to see that the trails and natural resources of our beautiful state are used sustainably. We expect all participants to act in a manner that will promote a healthier community by respecting nature and others in the park whether or not they are participating in the race. THE PARK WILL NOT BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DURING THIS RACE TIME AND SAFETY AND COURTESY FOR ALL IS EXPECTED.
How Can I Be Better Prepared for the Race?
First of all, get to know the course and be prepared. That means know the trails. Aside from running or biking, the very best way to know the trails is to volunteer with the Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers and put in time working on this and other Matsu trails. Even better, become a member of VMBHA: http://www.vmbah.org/
For those that feel athletic training tips help and want to be more awesome than the rest of the athletes, sign up for Carla Goldberg’s Triathlon Training Camp. She has group workouts once a week, going over each aspect of the race, the course, transition tips, etc. Go to Body Transformations http://www.CarlasBodyTransformations.com for more info.
Are Teams Allowed?
Yes! This triathlon is an individual and team event. We would love to have you take part.
How Will I Not Get Lost During the Race?
The trails will be well marked. See maps of the course and surrounding area:
http://www.alaskavisit.com/includes/media/docs/MatGreenbelt.pdf gives an over view of the trails in the area. Carla Goldberg will be doing several group rides and runs of the course many weeks beforehand.
Where Can I Stay if I Want to Come Early or Stay Late?
The race is at in the Matanuska Susitna State Park Campground. It has bathroom facilities (2 toilets) and all the water you can pump from the well. The campground has plenty of room for you to park your monster motor home or pitch a tent IF YOU HAVE A RESERVATION AND ARE STAYING OVER FROM FRIDAY NIGHT. IF YOU ARE JUST PARTICIPATING SATURDAY- THE PARKING WILL BE VERY LIMITED. We highly recommend reserving a spot ahead of time. Here’s a link for more information about the campground (insert link).
What are some things to do in the area?
The area is beautiful and there are miles of trails connected to the campground. There are also places to eat, hike, shop – anything you please. It’s a great place to spend a few days. Ever been to a mine, seen musk ox, walked downtown Palmer and looked at all the cool shops, seen the only wind turbine in downtown Palmer, or eaten breakfast at the Valley Hotel and lunch at Vagabond Blues? Here’s more info about the Mat-Su Valley (insert Mat-su Valley links, parks, city links, etc.)
