RACE PACKET PICKUP & PRE-RACE INFORMATION

GET READY FOR RACE DAY AT WEST BRANCH!

PACKET PICKUP DETAILS

• Date: Sunday, July 25, 2027
• Time: 5:45 AM – 7:15 AM
• Location: West Branch State Park — Beach Area

RACE SITE ADDRESS

West Branch State Park
5570 Esworthy Rd
Ravenna, OH 44266

IMPORTANT PACKET PICKUP REQUIREMENTS

ALL ATHLETES MUST PICK UP THEIR OWN RACE PACKET.  PLEASE NOTE: There is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION — Packet Pickup ONLY!

PRE-RACE MEETINGS — BE RACE READY!

Brief pre-race meetings will be held before the start of each race distance to review important course information, race procedures, safety reminders, and answer last-minute questions.

TRIATHLON & AQUABIKE ATHLETES

Pre-race meetings will take place at the beach before the start of each distance (Super Sprint, Sprint, and Olympic). The swim starter will provide a course overview, important swim instructions, and an opportunity for a brief Q&A before athletes enter the water.

DUATHLON ATHLETES

Pre-race meetings will take place at the Duathlon Start Line, located near the Finish Line Chute, before the start of each distance. We’ll review the run and bike courses, important race procedures, and answer last-minute questions.

ARRIVE EARLY. KNOW YOUR COURSE. HAVE FUN!

We encourage all athletes to review the course maps, race details, and event information on our website before race day. While our HFP team is always happy to help, pre-race meetings will be brief to keep the event running on schedule.

Be Prepared. Race Smart. Find Your Finish Line at West Branch!

HFP Racing — Where Ohio Goes to TRI!

Please see Terms & Conditions before registering.

ENTRY FEES Do Not Include a Race T-shirt
Race	REGISTER OPENS TO 3.31.2027	4/1/2027 - 4/30/2027	5/1/2027 - 6/15/2027	6/16/2027 - Race Week
Super Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike - HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION ONLY (18 & under)	$40	$55	$65	$85
Super Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike - GENERAL REGISTRATION	$70	$80	$90	$105
Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike - HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION ONLY (18 & Under)	$50	$60	$75	$100
Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike - GENERAL REGISTRATION	$85	$100	$115	$125
Olympic Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike - GENERAL REGISTRATION	$100	$115	$130	$150
Sprint Tri/Du Relay	$130	$150	$175	$200
Olympic Tri/Du Relay	$165	$185	$210	$240

WEST BRANCH STATE PARK

SCENIC BEAUTY. ROLLING ROADS. AN UNFORGETTABLE RACE EXPERIENCE!

Location: 5570 Esworthy Rd, Ravenna, OH 44266      Directions: Get Directions to the Race Site

Park Information: Visit West Branch State Park

Nestled in the Northeast Ohio, West Branch State Park offers a spectacular setting for swimming, biking, running, and FUN! The park features beautiful blue waters, rolling countryside, scenic woodlands, open meadows, and dramatic ravines.

EXPERIENCE THE COURSE

SWIM — Beautiful West Branch Lake (aka Michael J Kirwan Reservoir)

Triathletes and Aquabike athletes begin their race in the scenic waters of West Branch Lake, surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.

BIKE — Rolling Northeast Ohio Countryside

Enjoy a memorable ride along winding country roads surrounding West Branch State Park. The rolling terrain provides an exciting challenge and beautiful views along the way.

RUN — Scenic Views & a Memorable Finish

Duathletes begin with an out-and-back run within the park. The final run features an out-and-back course along the wooded Alliance Rd offering unique racing experience.

LODGING — MAKE IT A RACE WEEKEND!

COME FOR THE RACE. STAY FOR THE ADVENTURE!

Why make it just a race day when you can make it a weekend getaway?

Bring your family, invite your friends, and explore everything West Branch State Park and experience all that the Park has to offer!

The park features camping opportunities, hiking trails, boating, fishing, and plenty of outdoor recreation. Nearby communities also offer hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and local attractions.

Planning to stay overnight?

• Camping: Explore campground accommodations and reservation options through Ohio State Parks.
• Hotels & Vacation Rentals: Additional lodging options are available in nearby cities and surrounding communities.
• Family Activities: Enjoy hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and exploring the park’s scenic trails.

Explore West Branch State Park & Information

Please allow extra travel time on race morning for parking, packet pickup, transition setup, and pre-race meetings.

BEAUTIFUL PARK. GREAT RACING. UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES!

HFP Racing — Where Ohio Goes to TRI!

RACE INFORMATION — WEST BRANCH 2027

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR A GREAT RACE DAY!

Whether you’re racing your first Super Sprint or chasing a new personal best at the Olympic distance, we’re excited to welcome you to the 2027 West Branch Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike!

Our goal is simple: provide a safe, organized, welcoming, and FUN race experience for athletes of all ages and abilities.

GENERAL RACE INFORMATION

FIRST RACE? WELCOME TO THE HFP FAMILY!

New to triathlon, duathlon, or aquabike? You’re in the right place! Our events are designed to welcome first-timers while providing exciting challenges for experienced athletes.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A Great Race Experience: Scenic courses, enthusiastic volunteers, and a supportive atmosphere.
• Finisher Medal: Every finisher receives a commemorative medal celebrating their accomplishment.
• Post-Race Refreshments: Enjoy food, drinks, and some well-earned recovery time after crossing the finish line.
• Shirt or No Shirt — Either Way, You Win! Race shirts are available as an optional purchase during registration.
• Race Divisions: Age Group, High School, Collegiate, Clydesdale, Athena, Paratriathlon, Aquabike, and Relay options, as applicable to your selected event.
• USA Triathlon Sanctioning: HFP Racing multisport events are USAT sanctioned and follow applicable competition and safety rules.

REGISTRATION POLICY

All HFP Racing registrations are non-refundable.  Optional registration insurance may be available during checkout. We encourage athletes to review the coverage terms and conditions before purchasing.

IMPORTANT RACE WEEK COMMUNICATIONS

WATCH YOUR EMAIL ON WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY BEFORE RACE DAY!

Registered athletes will receive a pre-race email containing important event information, including course updates, parking instructions, schedules, and last-minute details.

HFP Racing communicates through our iContact email system.  IMPORTANT: If you’ve previously unsubscribed from HFP Racing emails, you will not receive these communications. Please also check your spam, junk, and promotions folders.

SPECTATORS — BRING YOUR CHEERING CREW!

We LOVE having family and friends at our events!

Spectators are welcome to cheer athletes through the swim, bike, and run portions of the race and celebrate their accomplishments at the finish line.

For everyone’s safety, spectators must remain in designated viewing areas and follow instructions from race officials and volunteers.

PARKING INFORMATION

ARRIVE EARLY. PARK SMART. ENJOY RACE DAY!

Athlete and spectator parking is available in the West Branch State Park Beach parking lots.

IMPORTANT PARKING RESTRICTIONS:

Once racing begins, vehicles may not be permitted to exit the main beach parking area until the final cyclist has returned to the park or law enforcement authorizes vehicle departures.

Need to leave early?

Please use the designated overflow parking area, located along the first road to your right when entering the park, subject to race-day traffic instructions.

• Follow parking signs and volunteer directions.
• Allow extra time for race morning arrival.
• Do not park on the grass.
• Plan ahead if family members need to leave before the race concludes.

These restrictions help protect athletes traveling on the bike course.

RACE NUMBERS & STICKER KITS

YOUR RACE NUMBER IDENTIFIES YOU ON THE COURSE!

Each athlete will receive an assigned race number at packet pickup.

Your race bib must be worn as directed during the bike and run portions of the event. Race numbers help volunteers, race officials, timing personnel, and emergency responders identify athletes.

RACE STICKER KIT

Your packet will include numbered stickers that match your race bib.

• Bike Sticker: Attach to your bicycle as instructed.
• Helmet Sticker: Attach to your bike helmet.
• Gear Bag Sticker: Use if provided and applicable to your event.

Please apply your stickers before entering the race course.

BODY MARKING

Body marking is NOT required at HFP Racing events.

Your assigned race bib, bike stickers, and timing chip provide the identification needed for race operations.

TIMING CHIPS — IMPORTANT ATHLETE INSTRUCTIONS

YOUR CHIP. YOUR TIME. YOUR RESULTS!

 

HFP Racing uses RACE RESULT electronic chip timing equipment to record athlete performances. Please follow these instructions to help ensure accurate timing.

RECEIVING YOUR TIMING CHIP

1. Pick up your race packet and assigned bib number.
2. Present your bib number when receiving your timing chip.
3. Verify that your timing chip number matches your bib number.
4. Secure your timing chip using the provided ankle strap.
5. Wear your timing chip on your LEFT ankle throughout the race.

IMPORTANT: Timing chips are assigned to individual athletes. Do not exchange chips with another athlete.

HOW TO WEAR YOUR TIMING CHIP

• Thread the strap through the timing chip.
• Position the chip securely in the strap holder.
• Fasten the strap around your LEFT ankle.
• Pull gently to confirm the strap is secure.
• Double-check the strap before your race begins.

Athletes may use their own compatible ankle strap if it securely holds the issued timing chip.

RELAY TEAM TIMING

Relay team members exchange their timing chip at their assigned bike rack inside the transition area.

For triathlon relays, exchanges occur between the swimmer and cyclist, then between the cyclist and runner.

For duathlon relays, exchanges occur between the runner and cyclist, then back to the runner.

FINISHING YOUR RACE

ALL TIMING CHIPS MUST BE RETURNED AT THE FINISH LINE!

Timing chips are HFP Racing equipment and cannot be used at other events.

Lost or unreturned timing chips will result in a $35 replacement charge.

UNABLE TO FINISH? PLEASE NOTIFY US!

If you are unable to complete your race:

1. Notify an HFP Racing team member or race official.
2. Report to the timing chip collection area near the finish line.
3. Return your timing chip and inform the timing team that you did not finish (DNF).
4. Do not cross additional timing mats after withdrawing from the race.

This helps ensure accurate results and allows us to account for athletes on the course.

TRANSITION AREA — KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

AN ORGANIZED TRANSITION MAKES FOR A BETTER RACE!

The transition area opens at the posted race morning packet pickup time.

All athletes must have their bicycles racked and equipment organized at least 15 minutes before the first swim wave, unless otherwise directed by race officials.

SETTING UP YOUR TRANSITION SPACE

• Bike racks are identified by race distance.
• Rack your bike in the designated area for your event.
• Plan for approximately four bicycles per rack.
• Keep your equipment organized within a space approximately the size of a standard bath towel.
• Be considerate of neighboring athletes and keep walkways clear.

TRANSITION AREA RULES

1. No Overnight Bike Storage: All bikes must be brought to transition on race morning.
2. No Glass Containers: Glass is prohibited inside transition.
3. Athletes & Authorized Personnel Only: Spectators, friends, and family members must remain outside the transition area.
4. Walk Your Bike: Riding bicycles inside transition is prohibited.
5. Helmet Safety: Your helmet must be securely fastened before removing your bike from the rack and remain fastened until your bike is returned to the rack.
6. Bike Mount/Dismount: Mount only after crossing the designated mount line and dismount before the designated dismount line.
7. Equipment Removal: Athletes must show their race bib number when removing bicycles and equipment after the race.

HELPFUL TIP: Arrive early enough to pick up your packet, receive your timing chip, set up transition, review the entrances and exits, and make your way to the starting area.

RACE FLOW — SWIM. BIKE. RUN!

SWIM — TRIATHLON & AQUABIKE

After completing the swim, athletes exit the water and proceed into the transition area.

• Follow the designated Swim In route.
• Locate your assigned bicycle rack.
• Prepare for the bike segment.
• Relay swimmers exchange the timing chip with their cyclist at the assigned rack.

Swim splits are recorded at designated timing points.

DUATHLETES: Your race begins with the first run. After completing that run, enter transition and proceed to your bicycle.

BIKE — ALL EVENTS

• Fasten your helmet before removing your bicycle from the rack.
• Walk your bike to the designated Bike Out area.
• Mount only after crossing the mount line.
• Follow the marked bike course and obey traffic control personnel.
• Dismount before the Bike In line when returning to transition.
• Walk your bicycle back to your assigned rack.

REMEMBER: NO RIDING INSIDE TRANSITION!

Bike splits are recorded using designated timing points along the course and transition routes.

RUN — TRIATHLON & DUATHLON

After returning your bicycle to the rack:

• Remove your helmet after racking your bike.
• Exit transition through the designated Run Out chute.
• Follow your assigned run course.
• Cross the finish line and celebrate your accomplishment!

Run splits and finish times are recorded through the event timing system.

AQUABIKE — SWIM. BIKE. DONE!

Aquabike athletes complete the swim and bike portions of their selected distance without a running segment.

Follow the designated Bike In and transition instructions, and listen for race-day directions regarding your official timing finish point and post-race finish area access.

WATER TEMPERATURE, SWIM CAPS & WETSUITS

BE PREPARED FOR RACE-DAY WATER CONDITIONS!

Two of the most common questions we receive are:

What’s the water temperature? Can I wear a wetsuit?

Here’s what you need to know.

WATER TEMPERATURE

Water temperatures vary based on seasonal weather conditions.

Preliminary Water Temperature: When available, HFP Racing will share an estimated water temperature approximately 12–24 hours before the event through our athlete communications and official event channels.

Official Race-Day Water Temperature: The official reading will be taken approximately 60–90 minutes before the first swim start by the Race Director or designated race official.

The official race-day reading determines wetsuit eligibility.

SWIM CAPS

All Triathlon and Aquabike athletes will receive an official race swim cap that must be worn during the swim.

HFP Racing typically provides latex swim caps.

Have a latex allergy?

Please contact customerservice@hfpracing.com before race day to request a silicone swim cap.

WETSUIT RULES

HFP Racing follows USA Triathlon’s wetsuit regulations.

78°F OR BELOW — WETSUITS PERMITTED

Athletes may wear wetsuits and remain eligible for competitive awards.

78.1°F TO 83.9°F — WETSUITS OPTIONAL, NONCOMPETITIVE

Athletes may elect to wear a wetsuit but will not be eligible for competitive awards.

These athletes will be identified separately from award-eligible competitors in the results.

84°F OR ABOVE — NO WETSUITS

Wetsuits are prohibited for athlete safety.

Additional cold-water requirements may apply under USAT rules.

IMPORTANT: All athletes should be prepared to swim with or without a wetsuit depending on official race-day water conditions.

For additional information, visit the USA Triathlon Competition Rules.

READY TO RACE WEST BRANCH?

Review your course maps, arrive early, know your race distance, and come prepared to have a great time!

YOUR RACE. YOUR PACE. YOUR FINISH LINE!

HFP Racing — Where Ohio Goes to TRI!

VOLUNTEER — BE THE REASON SOMEONE CROSSES THE FINISH LINE!

GREAT RACES DON’T HAPPEN WITHOUT GREAT VOLUNTEERS!

At HFP Racing, our volunteers are the heart of every event! From cheering athletes along the course to handing out water, assisting in transition, and celebrating finishers, our amazing volunteers help create the welcoming, supportive, and FUN race experience that makes HFP special.

You don’t have to be a triathlete to make a difference! Whether you’re volunteering for the first time or returning for another race, there’s a place for YOU on our team.

HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

IT’S EASY TO GET INVOLVED!

We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available before, during, and after the race. No previous experience is necessary — just bring a positive attitude, a willingness to help, and some enthusiasm!

LEARN MORE & VOLUNTEER WITH HFP RACING

Have questions? Email customerservice@hfpracing.com and let us know you’d like to volunteer at Caesar Creek!

VOLUNTEER AS A GROUP — MAKE AN IMPACT TOGETHER!

GOT A GROUP? WE’VE GOT A PLACE FOR YOU!

HFP Racing events are a fantastic opportunity for community organizations, school groups, college clubs, fraternities, sororities, running clubs, triathlon clubs, and businesses to give back while having FUN together!

We have volunteer opportunities that are ideal for groups of 5–15 people, including:

• Course support and athlete direction
• Water stations and athlete hydration
• Finish line celebrations
• Athlete services and event support
• Event setup and breakdown assistance

Group volunteering is a great way to build teamwork, earn community service hours, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of athletes.

Interested in bringing your group? Email customerservice@hfpracing.com with your group name, estimated number of volunteers, and interest in supporting the event.

BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL!

Every encouraging word, cup of water, and helping hand makes a difference.

YOU bring the energy. YOU create the experience. YOU help athletes FIND THEIR FINISH LINE!

HFP Racing — Where Ohio Goes to TRI!