Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about Cal Tri races. For detailed race-specific information, visit the official Cal Tri Events FAQ on RunSignUp.
Registration & Pricing
How much does it cost to race?
Cal Tri Events early bird pricing starts at $85 all-in — no hidden fees, no surprise add-ons. Pricing increases as race day approaches, so registering early gets you the best deal. Youth athletes ages 7–17 race free when accompanied by a registered adult.
What's included with race registration?
Your registration includes:
- Access to the free pre-race swim & transition clinic the day before your race
- Optional Skills Camp add-on (available at select races)
- Full race support: marshals, timing, aid stations
- Finisher recognition
- Access to race photos on Flickr
Do kids race for free?
Yes! Athletes ages 7–17 race free when accompanied by a registered adult. Youth athletes compete in age-appropriate youth distances across formats including Triathlon, RunBikeRun, SwimBike, SwimRun, 400yd Swim, and 5K Run. Learn more about Kids Race Free →
Where do I register?
All registrations are handled through RunSignUp. Visit the Race Schedule page, find your race, and click the Register button. Youth add-ons and clinic sign-ups are included in the registration flow.
Transfers & Deferrals
What are "the best 15 words in triathlon"?
"Free race transfers, deferrals, and participant transfers, as late as the day before the race."
Life happens. Cal Tri Events lets you defer your race entry, transfer to a different race, or transfer your registration to another athlete — free of charge — up until 11:59 PM the night before your race.
How do I defer my registration?
You have until 11:59 PM the day before your race to defer. Log into RunSignUp and choose to defer from your registration management page. After deferring, you must also claim your deferral by December 31 at 11:59 PM to apply it to a future race. How to defer →
Can I transfer my registration to a different race?
Yes. You can transfer your registration to a different Cal Tri Events race at no charge. Log into RunSignUp and use the transfer option in your registration. The deadline is 11:59 PM the day before your original race.
Can I give my registration to someone else?
Yes — participant transfers (bib transfers) are free. The receiving athlete must create a RunSignUp account and accept the transfer. The deadline is 11:59 PM the day before the race.
What is the Divine Intervention Policy?
If a Cal Tri Events race is canceled due to a natural disaster, accident, or other event outside human control, registered athletes receive a full refund — automatically, with no action required. Cal Tri Events absorbs the 2% processing cost. Read the full story →
Race Day
What race formats are available?
Cal Tri Events offers up to 18 event options at each race, including:
- Olympic Triathlon
- Sprint Triathlon
- Super Sprint Triathlon
- RunBikeRun
- SwimBike
- SwimRun
- 400yd Swim
- 5K Run
- Youth distances in all formats (ages 7–17)
Not every format is available at every race. Check your specific race page for options.
Do I need a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are optional at most Cal Tri Events races. Water temperature and wetsuit legality are posted before race day. If you plan to use one, bring it to the pre-race clinic so you can practice sighting and swimming in it before race day.
Do I need a road bike or a tri bike?
Any bike in good working condition is acceptable — road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and tri bikes are all welcome. Your bike must have functioning brakes. Aero bars are allowed; if you use them, you must be comfortable riding in that position and able to brake quickly.
Is there parking at race venues?
Parking details are specific to each venue. Race-specific instructions are sent to registered athletes via email in the week before the event and are posted on the race RunSignUp page.
When should I arrive on race day?
Transition opens approximately 2 hours before the first wave start. We recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before your wave to allow time for packet pickup, bike racking, and transition setup. Exact timing is in your race-day email.
Clinics & Skills Camp
What is the pre-race clinic?
The free 90-minute swim & transition clinic runs at 7:30 AM the morning before every Cal Tri Events race. Expert coaches — sometimes including professional athletes and Olympians — lead participants through open-water swim technique and transition practice. Bring your swimsuit, goggles, and wetsuit if you plan to use one. Learn more →
How do I sign up for the pre-race clinic?
When you register for your race on RunSignUp, look for the "Add Clinic" option. It's a free add-on — just one click. Already registered? Log into RunSignUp and manage your current registration to add it.
What is Skills Camp?
Skills Camp is a free two-day intensive coaching camp offered at select races. It covers swim mechanics, bike handling, run form, heart rate training, nutrition, and transition strategy. Space is limited. Learn more →
VOGO — Volunteer One, Get One
What is VOGO?
VOGO (Volunteer One, Get One) lets you volunteer at a Cal Tri Events race in exchange for a free race entry at any future Cal Tri Events race. It's Cal Tri Events' way of rewarding the volunteers who make race day possible. Learn more →
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Volunteer registration is managed through RunSignUp. Visit the VOGO page for links to each race's volunteer sign-up. Volunteer roles include Swim Marshal, Bike Marshal, Run Aid, and Water Support.
Are there paid positions at Cal Tri races?
Yes — lifeguards are a paid position. If you are a certified lifeguard interested in working at Cal Tri Events races, email info@californiatriathlon.org.
Visit the Official Cal Tri FAQ
For race-specific details — course maps, cut-off times, athlete guides, and more — visit the Cal Tri Events FAQ on RunSignUp.