The Waterman’s Triathlons are nestled on the edge of the Eastern Shore of Maryland in picturesque Rock Hall, MD. Just 18 miles from Baltimore “as the fish swims” (put your bike rack on a boat!), Rock Hall is one of the friendliest, most laid back towns anywhere…and is full of history. George Washington took the Annapolis Ferry to Rock Hall nearly ten times before heading to Philly on horseback to work out America’s Independence! The swim takes place in Rock Hall Harbor on the Chesapeake Bay, protecting athletes from any serious wind or chop. The bike course is a triathlete’s dream with beautiful ribbons of pavement and wide shoulders throughout most of the rural course. The run course is pancake flat and takes athletes through the quaint nautically themed neighborhoods and side roads of Rock Hall, MD.

This race is worth the trip to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Check out some of our VIDEO’s from prior years and see why athletes consistently come back year after year to race. Don’t miss out, register today.

Waterman’s Half

Saturday, Sep. 29, 2018 at 8am

1.2 Mile Swim (harbor); 56 Mile Bike (rolling); 13.1 Mile Run (flat)

Course Details

Swim Course: The swim course is unlike any other swim course on the East Coast. Not only is this beautiful course lined with sailing vessels, it has 2 unique features that make it an ideal swim venue. As you study the maps you’ll notice we swim around the perimeter of the harbor, that’s because the center of the harbor is just 2-3′ deep! So, if you get nervous, swim a bit to your left and stand up! The second feature is that the harbor has a breakwater designed to keep wind or waves from affecting the waters we swim in. So, we are usually swimming in nice, calm waters!

The Long Course swim features an in-water start at the Watermans Restaurant located a short walk away from transition. (Note: The Olympic starts at the City Dock) Starting at Watermans gives us an extra .3 miles giving us a two (2) loop 1.2 mile swim around the perimeter of the harbor which finishes at the end of “A-Dock” adjacent to the Waterman’s Restaurant. Athletes will climb a ladder out then run 300 meters down the dock to transition (Pro Tip: Leave a set of shoes at swim finish to slip into for the run to transition). We expect the water temperature to be in the upper 60’s to low 70’s race weekend. We will post a preliminary water temperature the Thursday evening prior to the event with an official reading taken and posted by our USAT officials race morning. You can also check the real-time status of the NOAA buoy located about 4 nautical miles from the Harbor.

Bike Course: The Long Course bike is a 2 loop, 56 mile route through the beautiful farmland of Kent County. The course is generally well paved and goes through wide open cropland. If it is windy, think twice about riding a disk wheel. With a minimum of turns, you can get into your aero position and crush the big ring. The Eastern Shore is a beautiful part of the country and this bike course takes lets you revel in that beauty for 56 gorgeous miles.

Run Course: The Waterman’s Half Run Course starts with a short 1/3 mile out and back section then proceeds to the main, 3 loop course with several short out and back sections. This pancake flat road course meanders the quaint neighborhoods of Rock Hall where you’ll see crab-pots and sailboats in the front yards of residents. There are aid stations every 1-1.5 miles serving ice water, Gatorade, Coke, bananas and Chex mix. Once you finish, kick back at the finish line with some delicious food and an ice cold beverage.

Course Maps

Waterman’s Olympic

Saturday, Sep. 29, 2018 at 8:30am

1500 Meter Swim (harbor); 25 Mile Bike (rolling); 6.2 Mile Run (flat)

Course Details

Waterman’s Sprint

Sunday, Sep. 30, 2018 at 9am

750 Meter Swim (bay); 15 Mile Bike (flat); 5K Run (flat)

Course Details

Swim: The Waterman’s Sprint swim course is unlike any other swim course on the East Coast. Not only is this beautiful course lined with sailing vessels, it has 2 unique features that make it an ideal swim venue. As you study the maps you’ll notice we swim around the perimeter of the harbor, that’s because the center of the harbor is just 2-3′ deep! So, if you get nervous, swim a bit to your left and stand up! The second feature is that the harbor has a breakwater designed to keep wind or waves from affecting the waters we swim in. So, we are usually swimming in nice, calm waters!

This race features an in-water start at the city dock a short walk from transition. The Sprint is a 750 meter point to point swim around the perimeter of the harbor and finishes at the end of “A-Dock” adjacent to the Waterman’s Restaurant. Athletes will climb a ladder out then run 300 meters down the dock to transition (Pro Tip: Leave a set of shoes at swim finish to slip into for the run to transition). We expect the water temperature to be in the mid 70’s race weekend. We will post a preliminary water temperature the Thursday evening prior to the event with an official reading taken and posted by our USAT officials race morning. You can also check the real-time status of the NOAA buoy located about 4 nautical miles from the Harbor.

Bike: The bike course is fast and mostly flat with the exception of a few minor rollers. The course is generally well paved and goes through wide open cropland. If it is windy, think twice about riding a disk wheel. With a minimum of turns, you can get into your aero position and crush the big ring. The Eastern Shore is a beautiful part of the country and this bike course takes lets you revel in that beauty for 15 gorgeous miles.

Run: The Sprint run course is a one (1) loop course with several short out and back sections. This pancake flat road course meanders the quaint neighborhoods of Rock Hall where you’ll see crab-pots and sailboats in the front yards of residents. There are water stations every mile or so and there is plenty of post race food and music back at the race site.

Course Maps

DetailsPacket PickupLodgingNovice AthletesTrainingVolunteerCharities

Race Information

You’ll love our swag! All athletes receive a Tri-Blend Race Shirt, Custom Race Socks and a shot at a super cool custom Finisher’s Medal. Also, don’t forget the DJ, bounce house for the kids and fabulous post race spread.
Race categories available for this race are Age Group, Aquabike, Relay Teams, Clydesdale, Master’s Clydesdale, Athena, Military and Novice. All categories are scored 3 deep.
All Kinetic Multisports races are USA Triathlon sanctioned events. Click HERE for a brief description of common USAT racing rules and how you can avoid getting a penalty in this event.
All Kinetic Multisports race registrations are non-refundable. There are however options for race registration insurance and a one time deferral. Visit our FAQ’s for more details.
Are you new to the sport of triathlon and a bit nervous? Check out our training page so we can get you connected with a coach, club or training group to get you to the finish line.
Lastly, please, no swimming in the Harbor prior to the actual race. This is an active, working harbor and they are generally not looking for swimmers. If you REALLY need to get your pre-swim in, go to Ferry Park in Rock Hall. This an unguarded beach on the Chesapeake Bay where swimming is allowed.

Wet Suit Rental

Looking for a wetsuit to rent for this event?
Our wetsuit rental partner for this event is BONZAI Sports now located in Vienna, Virginia and online. for more information click HERE

Water Temperature: You can monitor the approximate water temperature in Rock Hall Harbor via the NOAA buoy just offshore HERE.

Race Policies Location Map Participant list FAQs

Photography

Chessie Photos will be attending this event capturing images throughout the race course. Athletes will receive a customized email after the race with automated links to find your images. You may also go directly to their website to review their custom products, and purchase your photos from this and other Series Events.

Chessie Photo
charles@chessiephoto.com

Waterman’s Half/Olympic

Date: Friday
Time: 5:00-7:00pm
Location: Race Site
Pre-Race Meeting: 6PM
If you have questions, this is the meeting attend. An overview of the courses will be given and Q&A will be encouraged.

Race Site Address:
21096 W. Sharp St, Rock Hall, MD 21661

Date: Saturday
Time: 6:30-7:30am
Location: Race Site If you are racing in the Half you will want to have pickup up your packet by 7:30am

Note: Participants must collect his/ her own event packets. Photo ID is required in order to collect event materials. NO ID = NO EVENT. ALL USAT annual members must show a valid USAT membership card or pay the one day membership fee ($15).

Waterman’s Sprint

Date: Saturday
Time: 5:00-7:00pm
Location: Race Site
Pre-Race Meeting: 6PM
If you have questions, this is the meeting to come to. An overview of the courses will be given and Q&A will be encouraged.

Race Site Address:
21096 W. Sharp St, Rock Hall, MD 21661

Date: Sunday
Time: 7:30-8:30am
Location: Race Site

Rock Hall Lodging – Are you looking for a quaint B&B to spend the weekend in Rock Hall during your race? Just click on the link above to explore the town and make a reservation. Be sure to do this EARLY as lodging fills up quickly!

Chesterton, MD (about 30 minutes away)

Holiday Inn Express
150 Scheeler Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620
(410) 778-0778

Quality Suites
160 Scheeler Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620
(410) 810-0555

Kent Narrows, MD (45-60 min from the race site)
Click HERE for a listing of hotels in Kent Narrows. This area is on the Eastern Shore just across the Bay Bridge from Annapolis, MD. There are plenty of restaurants, hotels, and shopping to get your fix before or after your race.

Camping in (or near) Rock Hall

Bay Shore Campground
Located less than 3 miles from Main Street in Rock Hall! Bayshore has tent camping sites. See their website for rates.

Thank you for making this event your first triathlon! There are many more people like yourself who will be racing this type of event for the first time. Please note that if you register as a Novice, you will be scored in the Novice division, not your Age Group. By registering as a Novice you will start the race in the last wave of athletes if the race is an open water swim.

USA Triathlon requires each triathlete to either have a current membership or purchase a 1-day license. The 1-day license can be purchased when you register. The cost of a 1-day license is $15, an annul membership is $50 for adults and $10 for kids under 18.

Below are links to additional information that you will want to review before race weekend.

Find a Club: Are you looking for a fun group of athletes to work out with? Find a club near you using the USAT Club Finder.

Training Articles

Guide To Your First Triathlon – Michael Harlow of Endorphin Fitness
Intro to Triathlon – Kyle Pawlazyk of Endorphin Fitness
How Fast Can You Go – Michael Harlow of Endorphin Fitness
Shoelaces – Camille Ronesi of Endorphin Fitness
Goal Setting – Michael Harlow of Endorphin Fitness
Short Sleeve Tri Suits – Kyle Pawlaczyk of Endorphin Fitness
What Kids Need From Sports – Michael Harlow of Endorphine Fitness
Strength Training and the Endurance Athlete – Camille Ronesi of Endorphin Fitness
Power Meter – Kyle Pawlaczyk of Endorphin Fitness
Hamstring Stretches – Camille Ronesi of Endorphin Fitness
Fishing for Breakthroughs – Michael Harlow of Endorphin Fitness
Failure Is Not An Option – Camille Ronesi of Endorphin Fitness
Winter Training – Team Z
Swim Training – Doug Marocco of PowerBar Team Elite
Off Season Top 10 List – Alysia Kern Lovgren of Catalyst 3 Coaching

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any successful event.

If you would like to volunteer for this race just fill out the form below and we will put you to work!

Affiliated Charities

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation provides full scholarship grants and educational and family counseling to the surviving children of special operations personnel who die in operational or training missions and immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special operations personnel and their families. Please consider making a donation during the registration process. You can also make a donation via their website by clicking HERE.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is a watershed protection agency that fights to keep the water we swim in clean. Please consider making a donation to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation during the registration process.

Waterman’s Triathlon Festival

Long CourseOlympicSprint

September 29-30, 2018

Rock Hall, MD

Waterman’s Half

Saturday, Sep. 29, 2018 at 8am

1.2 Mile Swim (harbor); 56 Mile Bike (rolling); 13.1 Mile Run (flat)

Waterman’s Olympic

Saturday, Sep. 29, 2018 at 8:30am

1500 Meter Swim (harbor); 25 Mile Bike (rolling); 6.2 Mile Run (flat)

Waterman’s Sprint

Sunday, Sep. 30, 2018 at 9am

750 Meter Swim (bay); 15 Mile Bike (flat); 5K Run (flat)

Race Information

Wet Suit Rental

Photography

Waterman’s Half/Olympic

Waterman’s Sprint

Chesterton, MD (about 30 minutes away)

Camping in (or near) Rock Hall

Training Articles

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any successful event.

Affiliated Charities

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