Carleton University, Ottawa Canada

The 13th Annual Ottawa Early Bird Triathlon & Duathlon is a great early season warm up for the avid participant, and a super first time event for the beginner. The pool swim is safe, warm and features a time trial start to help ensure you are not lapped. The cycle course is scenic and traffic-free along Colonel By Drive. The run courses are traffic-free on grass and recreational pathways.

We have Sprint and Long Triathlons, as well as Sprint and Long Duathlons - so there is something for those who want a short or a longer cycle. In addition, we have the SwimCycle race for those with knees that don't like running.

The "Dr. Freedhoff Try a Tri Challenge " event is for anyone who wants to do a short tri.  But it is especially well suited for beginners and young participants. If you have always wanted to try a tri, this is a great opportunity.

And don't forget the Super Sprint Triathlon for those more competitive, experienced triathletes who don't want to Try a Tri, but who do want to race a short fast one.

race director

Terry McKinty - terry@somersault.ca

tourist information

Ottawa Tourism

event highlights

• New Colonel By Dr. run course
• Official performance certificate available online
• Undergrad university student entry fee discount
• Medals to all finishers at the finish line
• Personalized participant bib numbers
• Junior races
• SwimCycle race

bytown storm triathlon team - the official charity of early bird
The Official Charity of the Early Bird is the Bytown Storm Triathlon Team (BSTT). Please consider making a donation on race day or better still, download the pledge form and get your friends to pledge your support to the team. The Bytown Storm is open to all teens and pre-teens who may want to try the sport.

For information on the Bytown Storm Triathlon Team, please contact Greg Kealey at endurancentre1@yahoo.ca.

Donations can be made to BSTT during the online entry process.

1. The donation amount will be added to your entry fee. 
2. The amount in the donation box will be directed to the BSTT on your behalf.

kidsport ottawa - the official charity of the somersault series

Somersault is proud to announce that KidSport Ottawa is the Official Charity of the 2010 Somersault Event Series - ‘So All Kids Can Play!’

KidSport Ottawa is a not-for-profit organization that helps disadvantaged children and youth living in the City of Ottawa overcome the social and economic barriers limiting or preventing their participation in sport. This is achieved through the issuance of registration fees and/or equipment grants.

As a Somersault event participant you have the opportunity to support KidSport Ottawa by choosing to make a donation when you are entering online, or by clicking here to download a Pledge Form, which you can use for collecting donations from friends and neighbours before the event, and submit them to a KidSport Ottawa representative when you arrive at the event.

For more information on KidSport Ottawa please visit www.kidsport.on.ca/ottawa

The Champions Challenge program is for those of you who participate in more than one Somersault Triathlon or Duathlon Series race, and might be interested in seeing how you stack up against others in overall, gender and gender age group categories in the Somersault Duathlon & Triathlon Series world.

Each 2010 Somersault Triathlon & Duathlon Series race (except for the the Try A Tri) is part of the Champions Challenge. If you are in one of these races, you automatically score points in the Champions Challenge. Check out the Champions Challenge program at http://www.somersault.ca/championshipstri.htm.

important - there may be a cap on the number of participants

It is important to understand that the Early Bird Triathlon is a pool swim triathlon.  We are grateful to Carleton University for allowing us to use their pool to host the event.

It is important to realize that there is a limit to the number of triathlon participants that can be accommodated in the pool time that we have been allotted.

Therefore we reserve the right to limit the number of triathlon entrants in the Early Bird. There is a risk that late triathlon entries will be not be accepted, due to pool time availability, so you should enter early. 

participation categories (Age as December 31, 3)

the dr. freedhoff try a tri challenge
This is for anyone, but especially for beginners and healthy people who have always wanted to "Try a Tri". The roads are traffic-free for your safety. Most healthy adults can complete this event.

Many of Dr. Freedhoff's BMI Bariatric Medical Institute clients have found that setting a goal of the completing a Try A Tri has had a positive affect on their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle and a healthy body weight. More than 50 BMI clients participated in last year's Early Bird Try A Tri; many for the very first time. For more information on the BMI Bariatric Medical Institute, Click Here.

junior program

We are proud to introduce the Junior Program in 3.  This program is designed to encourage those 12 years and older to participate, by including 2 year categories beginning at 13 & under, up to 18-19.  Athletes in these categories will feel comfortable in Somersault events, and are automatically ranked in the Junior Champions Challenge.

student discount

Students born in 1986 or later, and enrolled in school during the 3 year, receive a 40% discount on the entry fee.

super sprint triathlon
The Super Sprint is a short distance triathlon for those who are not newcomers or novices, but who want to race a short distance. This category and race will be separate from the Try A Tri Challenge race. The Try A Tri is intended for the first timer, or once a year novice or recreational participant. The Super Sprint race is designed to allow experienced triathletes to do a shorter race, without competing in the same race as newcomers, novice and recreational participants.

sprint swimcycle
The SwimCycle consists of the swim and the cycle portion of the Sprint Triathlon. It is intended for those whose knees are letting them down, or who just don't want to do the run.  Those that enter this category, will head to the Finish Line after the cycle leg. Sprint SwimCycle participants will start the race with the Sprint Triathlon swimmers in the pool.

early season entry fee discounts
As a courtesy to those of you who enter many Somersault events, who plan well ahead, or who are just thrifty, we have a generous early season entry fee discount program. The discounts are outlined below. For more detailed information on the early season discount program, go to http://www.somersault.ca/earlydiscounts.htm.

free change of event if entered by January 31
Each early season entry received by January 31, 2010, is eligible for one free change to another event in the same calendar year, if the event change request is made by the Sunday May 9th. Each entry received after January 31, 2010 and before March 1, 2010 is eligible to change to another event in the same calendar year, for an administration fee of $15, if the event change request is made by Sunday May 9th.

Please Note: There are no partial refunds if the event change request is to a less expensive event. There will be an additional charge if the change is to an event with a higher entry fee.

entry fee discounts and deadlines

entry fee schedules after discount deadlines

accreditation, officiating, safety, and medical surcharge
In addition to the entry fee, a surcharge of $5 per entrant and $8 per relay team is being levied to cover the costs of retaining race officials, safety, and medical personnel costs, and the club of event program.

entry fee conditions
There are no refunds for any reason - this includes event cancellation or event changes. Credit card payment is only accepted for online entries. Entries received after Monday May 10th are subject to a late fee. Entries received at Race Kit Pick Up, are also subject to an additional late fee and must be paid in cash.

Souvenir t-shirts are included free with your entry up to Sunday May 16th only - no exceptions.

entering online is recommended

We encourage you to enter online.  That way you receive an immediate confirmation of payment. Avoid the hassle of writing a cheque, and mailing or dropping off your form.

important deadlines

race kit pick up & late registration
Pre Race Day - Friday, May 21st, 2010
Parking Lot # 6, Carleton University

(Map Below at bottom of page)

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Race Day  - Saturday, May 22nd, 2010
Parking Lot # 6, Carleton University

(Map below at bottom of page)
6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

awards and prizes

Everyone
All participants receive a completion medal at the finish line of their race.

Race Winners
The first place male and female solo winner of each race, receives a merchandise prize.

Top 3 Overall
The first three overall finishers in each race - male and female - will be honoured in an award presentation ceremony that will take place in the Awards Area shortly after they finish.

Category Top 3 Finishers
Each Age, Weight, and Relay Category top 3 finishers, is eligible for a Gold, Silver, or Bronze 'Award Medal Ribbon'. This 'Award Medal Lanyard' must be picked up on race day, any time after the results are posted at the Awards Table, or at an Award Ceremony.

Award Medal Ribbon Must Be Picked Up on Race Day
The 'Award Medal Ribbon' must be claimed on race day. Check the official results to see if you finished in the top 3 in your category, and then you may claim your 'Award Medal Lanyard' at the Awards Table or at the Awards Ceremony.

If you do not receive your 'Award Medal Lanyard' on race day, you may send a self addressed, stamped envelope indicating the award, to 'Somersault, 411 Lefebvre Way, Ottawa, K1E 2W5', and one will be mailed to you.

official performance certificate
In response to many requests for this service, we are pleased to offer each race finisher, the opportunity to download and print an official certificate of their event performance. That's right, by Wednesday after each event you will be able go online to the event web site, punch in your race number and obtain a certificate that highlights your race, finish time and place in the race.

souvenir t-shirt
N.B. T-shirts are unisex sizes. Click here for sizing information. If your entry is received by Sunday, May 16 you will receive a free souvenir T-shirt if you attend the event. There are no exceptions to this deadline, so enter early. 

You are eligible for the souvenir shirt only if you attend at Race Kit Pick Up to pick it up. If you do not pick up your race kit, you are not eligible for the souvenir t-shirt.  Please do not request a shirt after the event. 

tech shirt option
N.B. Tech shirts are sized by gender. Click here for sizing information. You can upgrade your souvenir event t-shirt to a high quality Tech T-Shirt for an extra $15, but only before the souvenir shirt deadline. The Tech Shirt comes without the sponsor logos on the back, so it makes a first class casual wear shirt. You are only eligible for the souvenir Tech T-Shirt,

• if you upgrade to the Tech Shirt when entering online, and
• if you pick up your race kit by event day.
  

first timer orientation session
Whether this is your first triathlon/duathlon or just your first time at this event, we invite you to attend a 15 minute orientation session in the Transition Zone at 7:00 a.m. If you are nervous, have questions, or just want to know how we conduct the race, we recommend that you attend. 

pecco's bike tech stop
The Pecco's crew will be on-site to meet all your mechanical needs, from 1 1/2 hours before the races, until after the cycle portion of the event.

wetsuit sales and rentals

Some participants feel more comfortable using a wetsuit during the swim.  PECCO's is offering both sales and rentals this year. Click here to get to their wet suit rental web site, or you can call them at 1- 819-777-2220 ext. 1  and ask for Luc or Martin. Rentals are only $30 for each event.

rent a wheel for the event

Always wanted to try a ‘fast wheel on your bike? Now is the chance with the EuroTriShop.com wheel rental program. You can rent one and try it on your won bike. Check it out at http://www.eurotrishop.com

re:form body clinic massage therapy
RE:FORM Body Clinic offers a holistic experience in evidence-based treatment and care for patients from all walks of life. From chiropractic, soft tissue and massage therapy to nutrition counseling and personal training, expert health care is provided in our state-of-the-art facility. Visit our web site to see a complete list of services that can be customized to fit your needs www.reformbodyclinic.ca.

chimo hotel - the official somersault event hotel
The CHIMO Hotel in Ottawa, is the official Somersault Event Hotel for 2010.  The CHIMO is conveniently located directly off Highway 417, via the St. Laurent Blvd. North exit. The hotel address is 1199 Joseph Cyr Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1J 7T4.

The hotel is to excellent shopping, restaurants, and National Capital Region attractions. Visit the Chimo Hotel web site (www.chimohotel.com). All rooms come with free parking, free high speed internet access, free local phone calls, a mini-fridge, and coffee maker.

If you are attending or have attended a Somersault event in 2010 you are eligible for the "Somersault Promotions Preferred Corporate Rate" ($105 per night plus taxes - Single or Double Occupancy).  You can contact the hotel at 1-800-387-9779, or email chimo@chimohotel.com.

zoomphoto.ca photography
We are pleased to be able to offer a photo program for participants in the Early Bird Triathlon & Duathlon.  Zoomphoto will be offering you classy photos commemorating your participation.  Just go to www.zoomphoto.ca the day after the event for your photo.

food and refreshments
All participants and volunteers will enjoy fruit and bagels after the race. 

post race changing and showers

Following the race, participants can utilize the Carleton University change rooms and showers at no cost.  You must show your number when presenting yourself at the control centre.

toilets

We will provide a very limited number of portable toilets near the Transition Zone in Parking Lot #6.  These are intended for post race participants and pre-race duathlon participants only.  Triathletes will be able to access the toilets in the Pool Building Change Rooms before for your swim.

championchip timing - by sportstats  
We use ChampionChip Timing at all Somersault races.  This timing system requires that all participants wear a ChampionChip Bracelet on your ankle during the race.  This bracelet contains a computer chip that allows you to be timed.  You are responsible for obtaining your ChampionChip Bracelet on race morning from the Sportstats Tent near the Finish Line.  Do this at least 30 minutes before your race - earlier is better!  Races will not be held up waiting for those who forgot their bracelet. You must return your ChampionChip Bracelet immediately after you cross the finish line.  You are responsible for the cost if it is not returned - and it is expensive.

your results - age as of december 31, 2010
Your personal results will be posted within 20 minutes of your finish. Check the results as soon as you can,. If you have finished in the top 3 in your age, weight, or relay category, go immediately to the Awards Table to claim your Award Medal 'Add On'.

If you find mistakes in the results, go to the Sportstats Vehicle near the Finish Line and provide them with the information you think is correct.  Have the results people make changes before you leave the event site, because they may not be able to do it after race day.

Results will be posted at www.somersault.ca the evening of the race.

race day schedule

swim procedures

know your swim time

It is very important that Triathlon participants know your anticipated 500m swim time and that Try A Tri/Super Sprint Triathlon participants know your anticipated 100m swim time.  

You must know your anticipated swim time before race day, so please arrange to do a swim over your race swim distance (500M or 100M), before the day of the race, so you know about what time you will swim at the race. It does not need to be an official time, just one that you feel you will swim on race day.

You will be seeded on the pool deck at the race, based on that time.

imperial barber shop swim caps compulsory

the start order and procedure

The swim portion of the event, will start with the fastest swimmers in the pool first and the slowest in the pool last - with everyone in between them in the order of your anticipated swim time - fastest to slowest.  This will improve the swim experience as it will reduce the number of swimmers who are passed by another swimmer in the pool during the race.

On race day, on the pool deck, you will be assisted in finding your place in the start order of swimmers - fastest to slowest anticipated swim time - (it's a really long line!).  Please estimate your anticipated swim time realistically - neither you nor your fellow participants will appreciate it, if you are not swimming at the pace you estimated! Time Signs on the pool deck will help guide you in finding your proper place in the start line.

Particpants in the Dr. Freedhoff Try A Tri & the Super Sprint Tri (100m swim) must be in the pool by 7:30 a.m.
100m swimmers (there will be at least 600 of you!) will participate in heats of 5 swimmers (1 per lane), from the fastest to the slowest anticipated times. Swimmers will start every 30 seconds by pushing off the end of the pool.  Each swimmer will swim 2 lengths of the pool, climb out of the pool, and walk to the exit door of the pool building.

The faster particpants in the Long Triathlon, Sprint Triathlon. and the SwimCycle (500m swimmers) should be in the pool by 8:00 a.m. and all particpants in these events should be in the pool buidling by 9:00 a.m.
Each 500m swimmer will start in lane 1of the pool every 15 seconds, by pushing off the end of the pool.  Each swimmer will swim 10 lengths of the pool, going down and back in each of the 5 extra wide lanes. after finishing the down and back swim in each lane, you duck under the lane rope, to go down and back in the next lane, etc., until you exit the pool from lane 5 after your 10th length.

Since there will be 400 or more of you in the 500M swim, it will take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes for the last swimmer (the one with the slowest anticipated time) to actually start the swim.  So please be prepared for a lengthy wait if you are one of the slower swimmers. It is a great time to meet other participants and compare stories!

to and from the pool

Remember too, that it is a 500m run from pool to the Transition Zone. You may want to bring a pair of shoes with you to the pool.  You will be required to leave your foot wear at the pool exit, before entering the pool building through a separate, adjacent door. You may not have footwear on the pool deck. Footwear brought onto the pool deck will be removed immediately.  

Entrance to the pool will be through a different door than the swimmers exit - to avoid congestion at the swim exit from the building.

how to get to carleton university
Carleton University is the race site. It is located on Bronson Ave. in Ottawa. We recommend that you use a Mapquest Map, the link to which is provided under "Maps" on our home page at www.somersault.ca. The parking lot is just to your right shortly after entering the grounds of the University from Bronson Ave.

Coming from the East (Orleans - Montreal)
For those coming from the East on the Queensway (Hwy 417), take the Bronson St. South Exit, and follow it to Carleton University. You can also follow the Airport signs, as Bronson is also the route to the Ottawa Airport.

Coming from the West (Kanata or Kingston)
For those coming from the West., take the Bronson St. South. Exit off the Queensway (417) and follow Bronson St. South to Carleton University. You can also follow the Airport signs, as Bronson is also the route to the Ottawa Airport.

parking
Race day parking will be in Parking Lot #7 on the Carleton University campus.  Check the map below.

Entrance into the University and to the parking lot, will only be available from Bronson Ave. on race morning. The Colonel By Drive entrance to the University will be closed to motor vehicles for the race.

registration and race kit pick up

The Transition Zone and Race Kit Pick Up Tent is located in Parking Lot #6 adjacent to Parking Lot # 7.  It is a 300m walk to the Registration Tent and T-Zone from the parking lot.

race kit pick up & late registration
Pre Race Day - Friday, May 21st, 2010
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Parking Lot # 6, Carleton University (Map Below)
You will probably be able to park in Lot #6 to pick up your race kit - if not, use Parking Lot #7.

Race Day  - Saturday, May 22nd, 2010
6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Parking Lot # 6, Carleton University

(Map below)

campus map

map of the courses
Somersault event maps are featured through the Google Maps service.  Participants may easily view course maps using your Explorer or Firefox browsers.

Click here for instructions on how to best view the course maps

Check out the course maps by clicking on "Course Maps".

course descriptions
500 & 100M Triathlon Swim Courses
The swim is in Building #9 on the map above. Swimmers complete a continuous swim over 2 (100M), or 10 (500M) lengths of the pool depending on their race distance. The swims feature time-trial starts - from fastest to slowest seed times - ensuring that few swimmers will be "lapped". Swimmers leave the pool as they finish the swim, and run to the T-Zone in Parking Lot #6 - (Map above - Swim Procedures Above).

2Km Run Course - Sprint Du
The 2Km run is on an out and back course. Runners start on Colonel By Drive, and they run South on Colonel By Dr. to the 1Km turn around point, adjacent to Hartwell Locks.  Here they turn around , proceed back on Colonel By Drive and return to the T-Zone .

2Km Run Course - Dr. Freedhoff Try A Tri Run
The 2Km run is an out and back course. Runners start in the T-Zone and they run South on Colonel By drive to the 1Km turn around point.  Here they turn around and return on the same course to the T-Zone.

30.5Km (3 laps), 20.5Km (2 laps) & 10.5Km (1 lap) Cycle Course
Cyclists leave the T-Zone onto Colonel By Drive heading North. They turn around at the 5Km point North of Pretoria Bridge. They then return to the second turn around point at the Bronson Rd. ramp to complete 1 lap (10Km).

• Try A Tri & Super Sprint participants do not turn here, but continue to the Dismount Line at Parking Lot #6 T-Zone.
• Sprint Tri/Du participants complete  2 laps of the course before returning to the Parking Lot #6. 
• Long Tri/Du participants do 3 laps of the above loop before returning to the Parking Lot #6 T-Zone.

Try A Tri & Super Sprint = 1 lap.
Sprint Triathlon and Sprint Duathlon = 2 laps.
Long Triathlon and Long Duathlon = 3 laps.

5Km Runs - Sprint Tri/Du & Super Sprint Tri
The 5Km run is on an out and back course.  Runners leave the T-Zone in Parking Lot #6 and run on Colonel By Dr. to the 2.5Km point. The runners turn around here and retrace their steps to the T-Zone or Finish Line near the T-Zone in Parking Lot #6.

Click here for the new 'course map' : eb.jpeg (Internet Explorer) or eb.pdf (Adobe Acrobat) format

rules and regulations
Click here to go to event Rules & Regulations. Remember it is your responsibility to know and adhere to the rules.

your first tri
Click here and go to our beginner and novice site for assistance.

volunteers
If your kids, spouse, family members, or friends are attending as spectators, why not volunteer them as race officials and let them join in the fun too!  Email us ahead of time if you will help, so we can assign you - info@somersault.ca. Check out http://www.somersault.ca/volunteers.htm for more information on individual or group volunteering at Somersault events.

Clubs, teams, and non-profit organizations are invited to inquire about our volunteer donation program - a donation in return for a group of members volunteering for the day.

race info updates
We will email 3 weekly Early Bird Newsletters to participants with the latest updates prior to the race.  These newsletters are very important as they will identify changes, answer your questions, and recommend race day procedures that will make your event day a better one. 

Please provide an accessible email address on your entry form if you wish to receive these Newsletters. You may want to use a personal email address rather than your work email, because many employers utilize filters that will not let the Newsletter through.