Carleton University, Ottawa Canada

The 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

Eric Collard - ecollard@rogers.com

tourist information

Ottawa Tourism

event highlights

• Official performance certificate available online
• Undergrad university student entry fee discount
• Medals to all finishers at the finish line
• Personalized participant bib numbers
• SwimCycle race

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 2008 Somersault Triathlon & Duathlon Series race (except for the Super Sprint Tri and 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.

bytown storm triathlon team - an official charity
An 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 BSTT. The Club 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.

online donation and pledge forms
You may find it easier to make a donation or solicit pledge support, using the online event entry form.

BSTT Donations

1. Donations can be made to BSTT during the online entry process.
2. The donation amount will be added to your entry fee. 
3. The amount in the donation box will be directed to the BSTT on your behalf.

BSTT Pledge Support

1. You can only solicit online pledges once you have entered the event.
2. Your email entry confirmation will include a URL link to your personal pledge page.
3. Email your friends asking them to make a pledge on your behalf, using that link.
4. State the name of BSTT in your email.
5. Pledge funds will be forwarded to BSTT as they are received.

Ottawa Tourist Information

somersault's commitment to youth
Somersault Promotions is dedicated to providing support to children and youth in sport and physical activity.

limit to number of triathlon 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 time to host the event.

However, it is important to realize that there is a limit to the number of triathlon participants that we can accommodate in the pool time allotted.

This means, that we reserve the right to limit the number of triathlon entrants in the event, and that there is a risk that late entries will be not be accepted, due to pool time availability.

Entries at Race Kit Pick Up may not allowed, for this reason, at the organizers discretion.  

participation categories (Age as December 31, 2008)

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 are participating in this year's Early Bird Try A Tri, many for the very first time. For more information on the BMI Bariatric Medical Institute, Click Here.

super sprint triathlon
The Super Sprint is a short distance triathlon for those who are not newcomers or novices, but who want to race only a shorter 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, 2008, 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 11th. Each entry received after January 31, 2008 and before March 1, 2008 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 11th.

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 5th 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 11th only - no exceptions.

entering online is recommended

We encourage you to enter online.  This 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 16th, 2008
Parking Lot # 6, Carleton University

(Map Below at bottom of page)

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

Race Day  - Saturday, May 17th, 2008
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 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 Top3 Finishers
All Age, Weight, and Relay Category top 3 finishers, are eligible for a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Place Medal 'Add On'. This 'Add On' must be picked up on race day, any time the results are posted, at the Awards Table. The 'Add On' cannot be claimed after race day - sorry.

Award Medal "Add On" Must Be Picked Up on Race Day
The Award Medal "Add On' must be claimed on race day. 'It will be available to you at the Awards Table with 20 minutes of your race finish. Just check the official results to see if you finished in the top 3 in your category, and then claim your 'Add On' at the Awards Table.

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 shirt
If your entry is received by Sunday, May 11, 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
We invite you to upgrade your souvenir event t-shirt to a high quality Tech T-Shirt for an extra $15. 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.
  

You are not eligible for the souvenir tech t-shirt after event day.

Men Please Note: When ordering a Tech T-Shirt, men should order a shirt 1 size smaller than you wear in a cotton T-Shirt.

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.

chimo hotel - the official somersault event hotel
The CHIMO Hotel in Ottawa, is the official Somersault Event Hotel for 2007l.  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 a convenient drive from the event site, and close to excellent shopping, restaurants, and National Capital Region attractions. Visit the Chimo Hotel web site(www.chimohotel.com). All rooms come with Free high speed internet access, free local phone calls, a mini-fridge, and coffee maker.

When calling to reserve a room, state that you would like the "Somersault Promotions Preferred Corporate Rate" (plus applicable taxes - 15%).  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. Please have your race number with you, as this is how we confirm that you are eligible for the refreshments.

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 (Anklet) 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, 2008
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 your time.

Swim Caps Optional and Not Provided

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 or 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.

The Dr. Freedhoff Try A Tri & the Super Sprint Tri (100m swim) will start at 8:00 a.m.
100m swimmers 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 either 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 Long and Sprint Triathlons and the SwimCycle (500m swim) will start at 8:30 a.m. with the slowest swimmers starting by approximately 9:45 a.m.
A 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 16th, 2008
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 17th, 2008
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).

3Km Run Course - Sprint Du
The 3Km 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 onto the grassy shoulder beside Colonel By Drive and they return to the T-Zone on the grassy shoulder of Colonel By Dr.

Please note: Runners may not run on the pavement of Colonel By Drive on the return run to the T-Zone - doing so will result in disqualification. The reason for this is that cyclists may already be on the roadway.

3Km Run Course - Dr. Freedhoff Try A Tri Run
The 3Km run is an out and back course. Runners start in the T-Zone and they run South beside Colonel By Dr. on the grassy shoulder of the Parkway to the 1Km turn around point.  Here they turn around and return on the same course to the T-Zone.

Please note: Runners may not run on the pavement of Colonel By Drive Parkway - doing so will result in disqualification. The reason for this is that cyclists will be using the paved roadway.

34.2Km (3 laps), 22.8Km (2 laps) & 11.4Km (1 lap) Cycle Course
Cyclists leave the T-Zone onto Colonel By Drive heading North. They turn around at Pretoria Bridge and then travel South to Hog's Back Rd., where they turn around again and return to the T-Zone on Colonel By Dr. This constitutes 1 lap.

Try A Tri - 1 lap.
Sprint Triathlon and Sprint Duathlon - 2 laps.
Long Triathlon and Long Duathlon - 3 laps.

5Km Runs
The 5Km run is on an out and back course.  Runners leave the T-Zone in Parking Lot #6 and follow Colonel By Dr. on the grass shoulder to University Drive.  Here they turn left onto the paved recreational pathway between University Dr. and the Rideau River and continue to the 2.5Km turn around point near Raven Rd. The runners turn around here and retrace their steps to the T-Zone or Finish Line near the T-Zone in Parking Lot #6.

Please note: Runners may not run on Colonel By Drive at any time during the run - doing so will result in disqualification.  

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.