Kinetic Multisports

Premier Triathlons on the east coast, offering exceptional quality and value

Kinetic Multisports Help Desk & FAQ’s

We are so glad you are racing with us and are here to help!  Please take a moment to review the FAQ’s below before firing off an email  (best option) or calling the race hotline. Most of your answers can be found in the FAQ’s below and if it’s not on there, on the website or in the athlete guide, it probably should be. Generally, someone is in the office and ready to help from 9am – 3pm Monday through Thursday. Please note that our team travels and is on site Friday-Sunday from April to October and does not get to check and or respond to emails on the weekends.

Registration Questions

Refund/Deferral/Transfer Policies

Refunds
No refunds. Even if you get hurt/sick, email or call, the no refund policy still applies.

Race Insurance – Minimum $2.99 or 8.1% of the registration fee.
Life happens, protect your entry fee with RegShield – Protecht”s FanShield-RegShield Race Insurance. Available during registration for a minimum $2.99 or 8.1% of the registration fee, we cannot recommend this product enough. If purchased, RegShield will handle your claim directly.  It can only be purchased while you are registering.

Deferral
Race Deferral (Postpone your entry to the same race/distance next year) – $25/$50
Greater than 30 days this option is available for $25
30 days or less this option is available for $50
The deferral option expires at midnight the Friday night before each race. This option is self service and should be done via your profile in run sign up our registration partner.  Go to your profile to defer:  www.runsignup.com/profile

What happens when I defer a race?
When you defer a race that means you have a spot in the same race for the next year.  Because of USA Triathlon membership requirement to race you will have to re register for the next year’s race.  We will send you an email in December with a free reserved entry link for you to use to register for the following year’s race. Should this event NOT happen the following year, athletes will be allowed to transfer to any other Kinetic race of equal or lesser value in that calendar year.

Deferrals are done from within your Run Sign Up profile. (www.runsignup.com/profile)
Athletes that defer to the following year will receive a “reserved-entry” link via email in December.  Athletes have to re-register at this point (for free), sign the updated waivers, etc. You are not automatically entered.

To defer your entry to the following year go to your RSU Profile, select “Manage Registration” and follow the deferral prompts from there. Help Video

Transfer
Transfer to another race (owned by Kinetic Multisports) – $25 
Greater than 30 days this option is available for $25
30 days or less this option is available for $50
Transfer to another race (event) help HERE
If the Transfer option is not there, it means we are inside the Friday night at midnight before the race cutoff, sorry. If you run into problems, check out this handy Run Sign Up HELP GUIDE

Event/Distance Switching
You may change the distance of the race you are doing (longer or shorter) or change to the Aquabike or to a Relay Team anytime up to 60 minutes before the race starts or it can be done onsite at packet pick-up. There is no fee to do this, however you will be charged the current price differential from what you paid if going to a more expensive/longer event; ie Sprint to Olympic. There is no refund if you go from a more expensive option to a less expensive option. Event/Distance Switching is taken care of within your RSU profile or onsite at check in. Run Sign Up HELP GUIDE

Event Cancellation
Should this event be cancelled due to an Act of God or circumstances beyond the control of the event, 50% of the athletes entry fee will be available to register for any Kinetic Multisports race later that year or the following season.  Athletes will receive an email the week following the race with instructions on how to use this credit.  Athletes have to re-register at this point, sign the updated waivers, etc. You are not automatically entered.

We appreciate you racing with Kinetic Multisports and endeavor to be as flexible and compassionate as possible. We must be fair when enforcing these policies and that means being consistent and firm in their application. More information on these policies is outlined below, we appreciate your understanding.

How do I know what races I am registered for?
We use Run Sign Up as our registration platform.  You can see all the races you are registered for and edit your profile by going to:
http://www.runsignup.com/profile
You will see the races that you are signed up for there!

How Do I Register?
Simply click on the register button on each race page and select the distance and day that you want to race. Click here for a Help Guide

How Do I Register for a Relay/Team/Group?
Simply click on the register button on each race page and select the distance and day that you want to race, Run Sign Up refers to them as Groups. The price is for the team NOT each person.  Click here for a Help Guide

Relay Team Issues
You must create a team name and register your team. You will then need to contact your team members and have them log into their profiles (or create one) and select your team by name to join. Everyone will need to either put in their USAT member # or purchase a one day membership to complete the registration process.

How Do I Register for the Aqua Bike?
Simply click on the register button on each race page and select the distance and day that you want to race. Aquabike is an event in the registration process.

How Do I Register for the Double?
Would you like to race both days of one of our Festival weekends?  If so when you register you will need to select an event on Saturday and an event on Sunday.  Once you select two events you will receive a discount of 20% on the 2nd event at checkout! By using this discount you will only receive 1 t-shirt & 1 pair of race socks. All finishers of the Double will receive a special Double Finishers Award at the awards ceremony of the Sunday Event!  #DoTheDouble

How Do I know what category do I sign up for?

Age Group: This is most people racing. Remember your age is based on how old you are on the 31st of Dec the year of the year of the race.
Collegiate: This category is reserved for those competing in the USAT Mid Atlantic Collegiate Triathlon Conference (MACTC)races.
Athena: Female athletes weighing 165lbs and over.
Clydesdale: Male athletes 220lbs and over.
Military: Active Duty|Retired|Vetran|First Responder|Law enforcement|Fire|EMS
Collegiate: Current members of a college.  If you graduate in the spring you can still compete in the Collegiate category in the fall.
Relay: Can be 2 or 3 people completing the 3 segments of the race. Run, Bike , Swim (3 person relay: each person will do 1 leg; 2 person relay 1 person will do 2 segments and the other will do 1)

Can I Purchase Race Registration Insurance?

Yes! You can purchase race registration insurance during the registration process.  This is a third party insurance company and covers your entry fee if you cannot make it to the race for one of the covered reasons. Prior to filing a claim, be sure to read the fine print of what is a covered reason and what is not.

Covered – Car trouble, work conflict, sickness, injury, etc.
Not Covered – Schedule conflicts, weddings, other races.

Remember, this does not apply if the race is cancelled due to weather, hurricanes, COVID, etc.

RegShield – Protecht”s FanShield-RegShield – The insurance premium is a minimum of $2.99 or 8.1% of the registration fee.
FAQ and how to make a claim with RegShield HERE 

Can I Switch my entry to another distance in the same weekend at the same race site?
Yes! You may switch your registration to another race on THAT same weekend at the same race site provided there is still space in the other event. There is no fee to do this unless the event you are switching to is higher and must be done before online registration closes.  If the event you are switching to is less there are NO refunds.  You can do this by editing your race registration or referencing your confirmation email. Click here for the Help Guide

Can I Transfer My Registration to Another Athlete?
NO! We DO NOT allow the transfer or selling of race entries between athletes for any reason.

If I've moved, do I need to notify you about my change of address?
Yes, please update your profile information in your RunSignUp account so we have the most current information for you, especially if we are mailing you something!

Can I Get a Refund for my Registration?
Sorry, but event entry fees are non-refundable. This policy is agreed to during the registration process and does not change, even if you email us requesting a refund. Our policy has to be enforced fairly across the spectrum of requests, believe me, we have seen them all. If you are worried about not being able to make it you have several options:

1 – Wait to register. Entry fee’s increase the closer we get to race day and races do sell out, so keep that in mind.
2 – Purchase race insurance (see Race Insurance FAQ)
3 – If you are already registered and did not purchase race insurance, you may defer to the following year for a fee. (see Deferral FAQ)

Learn about how we are racing safely below:

#GoKinetic[/su_spoiler]

USAT

What is USA Triathlon (USAT)?
USA Triathlon is the US National Governing Body for the sport of triathlon. USAT is responsible for sending a team to the Olympics each year (solid work in 2021, 2024 go Taylor!), developing the sport (#GoCollegiateTri) and making sure RD’s put on safe, fun, fair races. Kinetic Multisports has sanctioned with USA Triathlon since 2005 and we are proud to support their mission by providing multiple, high quality races and hosting multiple state, regional and Collegiate championships.

All Kinetic Multisports triathlons are sanctioned by USAT. This means that all racers must be either an Annual Member of USAT or they must purchase a special “one-day” USAT membership. This membership provides the necessary liability and excess medical coverage necessary to host an event.

What is a USAT Membership?

Annual Member: USAT annual memberships are available directly through USAT for Adults (24yo and older), Young Adults 19-23 get a 28% discount on their annual membership and $10 per year for youth under 18. If you are racing more than one race, go with the Annual Membership. You'll support the sport we love, be included in the National Rankings and you'll get a slick magazine 4x/year. For more information, please contact USA Triathlon by visiting their website or calling 719.597.9090.

One-Day Member: If you are not an annual member, you must purchase the special "one-day" USAT membership when registering.

What is USAT Verification?
Our registration system (RunSignUp) ties in with the USA Triathlon database and will verify your membership, or lack thereof, for the day of the race. So, if your membership is expired on race day you will need to either renew your membership or purchase the $15 One-Day Insurance License (for the one day license there is no actual license it is recorded online when you register).

My USAT Membership is Not Found?
Make sure your name is listed in your profile/race registration exactly as it is listed on your USAT Membership card. The USAT system is very precise, but has trouble with Michael vs. Mike, Dr., III, etc. Contact membership@usatriathlon.org for assistance.

Will there be USA Triathlon officials at each race?
We will have officials at most, but not all races.

USA Triathlons Most Commonly Violated Rules
Read over the most commonly violated rules HERE

USA Triathlons Competitive Rules
Read over the USAT Rules rules HERE

Upgrade Your One-Day License to an Annual Membership!
If you have purchased a One-Day License within the last year, you can apply that $$  towards the purchase of an annual membership! All you have to do is visit the event sanction hub and enter your One-Day License code to receive $$ off the purchase of an annual membership! Note: This will create a new member ID, it will not renew existing membership accounts, please contact the USA Triathlon membership team if you would like to retain your original membership ID number.

Weather

What is the Weather Policy?
In most cases we will race in the rain (you get wet in the swim anyway).  However, should the conditions become dangerous and not just challenging, we will take steps to keep athletes and the supporting communities safe. Should there be a reason to modify, postpone or cancel an event that information will be relayed to you via email, the event web page, Social Media and over the PA system if at the event site. Oftentimes, we can delay the start a bit to wait for a storm to roll through or fog to clear up. These changes will be communicated at race site.

Lightning – If there is lightning present at the start of the event, we will delay the start of the race (in most cases up to an hour). We will NOT start an event if there is lightning in the immediate area. Thankfully, lightning usually happens in the afternoons. If lightning occurs during an event we need all athletes to seek shelter in a hardened structure or their vehicles.
Hurricanes – If a massive weather system such as a hurricane is bearing down on a race site we will notify athletes as soon as possible about the potential for cancellation. Storm tracks change and it is not possible to predict with 100% accuracy where a system will go and what it’s impacts will be. Look for communication from us several days prior to the race.
Water Quality – We test the water quality at all our venues. If the water is not safe to swim in due to elevated bacteria levels or other concerns, we will change to a bike-run format.
Cancellation – Should this event be cancelled due to weather, an Act of God, or circumstances beyond the control of the event, athletes will be deferred to the same race the following year. Athletes will receive a “reserved-entry” link in Dec. Athletes have to re-register at this point (for free), sign the updated waivers, etc. You are not automatically entered. 

Cancelling or modifying a race is not an easy decision. We all want to race, but sometimes Mother Nature makes the decision for us.  Your safety is in our hands and we take that responsibility seriously.

Timing Chips

Can I use my own timing chip?
NO, we have a clean, sanitized timing chip for you to use.

What do I do with the timing chip if I drop out of the event and I don't cross the finish line?
Please bring the timing chip to the finish line and turn it in to a team member. DO NOT turn it in to a volunteer. It must be returned to the finish line.

What happens if I lose my timing chip during an event?
Because we use these timing chips throughout the year, we have to replace any that are lost (and ChampionChip timing chips are not cheap!). It is your responsibility to make sure that the timing chip is returned to us after the event. There will be a team of volunteers at the finish line who will make sure that your timing chip is removed, but if you lose your timing chip during the event, we will automatically contact you via e-mail and give you instructions for sending us a check for $50.00 to pay for the lost chip. Please note that we provide you with ankle straps to hold your timing chip and historically these ankle straps have done an excellent job of securing the timing chips during the event. For example, during the last season, we experienced under 10 lost chips with over 15,000 chip uses during the year.

What should I do with my timing chip & strap if I do not make it to the race in the morning?
Please place the timing chip into the mail: Kinetic Multisports,  PO Box 516 Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

The Swim, Wetsuits and Water Temp

What is a Time Trial Swim Start?
All races will now start in a Time Trial Swim Start format.  One to Two people will start every few seconds. Our staff will be on site to control the flow of athletes entering the water.
For the Smithfield Sprint Triathlon Pool Sprint there will be between 10 to 15 seconds between each swimmer.  Check out this video highlighting the Time Trial Swim Start HERE

Does this race have lifeguards?
Yes! All races will have lifeguards, safety kayakers and EMS units supporting the swim course. However, these folks are here to handle emergencies, not give swim lessons. Attend a clinic or two and get confident in open water, don’t just show up race day and wing it.

Water Temperature History?
CLICK HERE

Why should I wear a wetsuit?
First of all for the obvious reason of staying warm in colder water. Secondly, because wetsuits are faster for most triathletes. Very accomplished swimmers do not see as much of an advantage (if any) in wearing a wetsuit as far as speed is concerned. But an overwhelming majority of triathletes wear them whenever they can because a wetsuit makes most people faster in the water.

What are the USAT rules regarding wetsuit use?
The USAT rule governing the usage of wetsuits in races is as follows:

  1. Water temperature is 78 degrees or lower: Wetsuits may be worn
  2. Water temperature is between 79 degrees and 83 degrees: Wetsuits may be worn, HOWEVER, the participant is not eligible for any race awards and do not receive any USAT ranking points or series ranking points.  Athletes choosing to wear a wetsuit will be placed in a special wetsuit category to get results. No awards will be given for this special category.  They will not be ranked in their respective age group or overall results.
  3. If you choose to wear at wetsuit in a Kinetic Multisports race that is in this range you will start in the back of the line so we can accurately note that you are wearing a wetsuit and inform you of your choice to remove item or continue in the swim with these conditions.
  4. Water temperature is 84 degrees or higher: Wetsuits are not allowed.
  5. If the water temperature is 60F or lower you MUST wear a wetsuit that covers your torso.

Packet Pickup

Do I have to pick up my own event packet?
 Yes – USA Triathlon rules state that you must pick up your own event packet, you must present a photo ID at packet pick-up. You will have verified your USAT membership or purchased the $15 one day fee when you registered. This rule also applies to all relay team members – each relay team member must pick up his/her own event packet. Please be sure to adhere to distancing guidelines when getting your packet.

Elevation Profiles

What is the elevation of this race?
This spreadsheet has links to all current race maps as well as elevation profiles. So, if you are shopping for a PR course, this is a great place to start. Click here to view the elevation of each race.

Racing

Do I have to finish an event within a certain time frame?
Yes – most of our races have cut-off times for completing races. These cut-off times are in place for the benefit of volunteers and police. In all cases, these cut-off times are very lenient – allowing virtually everyone to finish our events. Cut-off times are posted on the event information pages.

How do pool swim triathlons work?
Pool swim triathlons have become an important part of the triathlon scene in recent years. Pool swim races allow us to begin the triathlon season earlier than normal, and also allow us to utilize venues that have no open water options. At the race, participants begin the swim one at a time in a self seeded order, approximately 1 person every 10 seconds. Participants will “snake” their way across the pool – down and back in each lane – covering the required distance when they exit the pool.  The swim start is self seed, but the pool goes smoother if we go in general speed order. Faster swimmer toward the front.

Will there be aid stations on the bike course?
If it’s a sprint or olympic distance event, there will NOT be any water bottle hand-off locations. If it’s a long course (half), there will be multiple water bottle/sports drink hand-off locations.

Will there be aid stations on the run course?
Yes, at least every mile on the run course, regardless of the length of the event.

What is 'Drafting' on the bike course?
Here is a very basic explanation of drafting, but to learn more we suggest you consult the USAT website and download the rules information posted. (Please see Section 5.10 for “Position Fouls” on the bike.)

“Drafting” is basically riding right behind another competitor on the bike course. By drafting behind someone you gain an unfair advantage because it allows you to ride at the same speed as the person you’re following without exerting as much energy. In the sport of triathlon for age group events here in the U.S. drafting is not allowed.

Results

How do I find results for an event?
You can find results for 2014-current here, 2013 and prior are no longer available.

Are official results sent to USA Triathlon?
Yes, we send the official results to the USAT National office (for national & regional ranking points) within 14 days of the race.

Athlete Tracking Final Results
If you would like to track an athlete during the race, go to the link below, find your race and find your athlete.  https://runsignup.com/Race/FindARunner/?raceId=

Triathlon

Triathlon is awesome and we are glad you are here. Training for races will keep you mentally and physically sharp. This sport lends itself to cross training through 3 sports and supplementing with weights, yoga, martial arts, group fitness, etc and is super adaptable if you are working through or preventing injuries. Triathlon can be a lifelong pursuit, or just a stop along your fitness journey. Read on to learn more and get started racing with Kinetic Multisports.

USA Triathlon Resources
To find more information to assist you in reaching your goals check out this new initiative from USA Triathlon. Click here to get started.

Triathlon Clubs Near You!
The Mid-Atlantic is blessed to have multiple triathlon clubs in pretty much every major city and they are stacked with longtime athletes and programs to support your swim, bike, run habit. From learn to swim clinics, group training and socials, you can connect with others passionate for the multisport lifestyle. Find a club near you, click HERE.

Triathlon Training Articles
To assist you in your triathlon journey.

2025

2025 Schedule
Here is our 2025 schedule, we look forward to hosting you!

Kinetic Multisports Office Hours
0900-1500 Monday - Thursday*
Contact Us  races@kineticmultisports.com (best option)
757-570-9934

*Note - Our dynamic team travels to races and is serving athletes onsite Friday-Sunday during the racing season (April-November)