The Swim course
Length:800m- NOTE- this is a correction from the Alaska Runners Calendar information
Location:Matanuska Lakes State Park / Greenbelt trail system.
Map Link: http://www.matanuska-greenbelt.org/
Required Equipment: A wetsuit is not absolutely required, but strongly encouraged.
Sponsors:
Smart Energy Works, Palmer AK
BIONIC Chiropractic, Palmer AK: www.drbionic.com
Alpine Chiropractic, Wasilla, AK: www.alpinechiro.net
Active Soles, Palmer, AK: http://activesoles.net/
Bicycles, Palmer AK: www.mountainbikealaska.com
Swim Course Description
The triathlon starts with approximately an 800m swim in a deep, cold lake (check this web site for last minute race updates as minor changes may be require based on weather, or other unforeseen events or information.) It will be a mass start. Expect some unintended physical contact in the first minutes of the swim. 
We endorse safe, courteous swimming and we strongly suggest you look up to see where you are because currently there is no black line painted on the bottom of the lake. The swim course will take place in a part of the lake that is not overgrown with weeds. If you do find yourself amongst weeds, you should probably look up and see where you are going!
You will swim a loop course out into the lake. The entry and exit points will be at the same area. The entry and exit are very limited in space- ONLY PARTICIPANTS will be allowed in this area.
What about a Wetsuit?
Temperatures are often cold to very cold in the lake. These are not “California cold” waters, these are Alaska cold waters. The lake gets deep quickly, hence the cold temperature. Wet suits are recommended for the swim, but not for the bike ride, although it might help you fend off the mosquitoes! We strongly recommend that you test your wetsuit prior to race day so that there are no surprises. Wet suits can be purchased or rented at local merchants. With a wetsuit you should be fine, but just in case, the Matanuska Susitna Dive Rescue team will be on site to help out.
What about Drafting During the Swim?
Drafting during the swim is allowed and highly recommended. However, know what you are doing or you might get kicked in the face. Especially if the person you are drafting off of knows you are there. If you don’t know how to draft in the water, you should consider signing up for Carla’s Triathlon Clinic.
Reminder: Every swimmer will be required to wear a swim cap that displays the athletes bib number. The swim caps that have been purchased for the race are Latex, if you are allergic to Latex, please bring your own swim cap to wear during the swimming portion of the race.
