Frequently Asked Questions

What are the lengths of the distances?

Alpha OPEN = 100m swim | 3 mi bike | 1 mi run
Alpha SPRINT = 750m swim | 12.4 mi bike | 3.1 mi run
Alpha SPRINT Duathlon = 1 mi run | 12.4 mi bike | 3.1 mi run
Alpha SPRINT Aquabike = 750m swim | 12.4 mi bike
Alpha OLYMPIC = 1500m swim | 24.8 mi bike | 6.2 mi run
Alpha OLYMPIC Aquabike = 1500m swim | 24.8 mi bike
Alpha LONG COURSE = 1.2 mi swim | 56 mi bike | 13.1 mi run
Alpha LONG COURSE Aquabike = 1.2 mi swim | 56 mi bike

Note: Aquabike athletes will start with their corresponding distance wave. Finish time for Aquabike will be when athletes enter T2 after the bike portion of the event.

Will there be professional medical personnel on hand?
Yes. A certified EMT will be on duty during all races.

Will the courses be marked?
Yes. All swim, bike and run courses will be officially marked and traffic control signs will be used on the bike and run courses.

Will the bike courses be open to traffic?
Yes. No roads will be closed, all roads are open to traffic. You must stay to the right on the shoulder at all times. At every intersection, you must sit up, slow down and look for traffic, and obey the traffic control or as directed by law enforcement.

Will aid stations be available?
Yes. Aid stations will be available every 10-20 miles on the bike courses, and every 1-1.5 miles on the run courses.

What will be offered at each aid station?
Each bike aid station will offer:
Water
Sunscreen
Vaseline
Sports Drink
Gels

Each run aid station will offer:
Water
Defizzed Cola
Sunscreen
Vaseline
Pretzels
Chips
Gummy Bears
Bananas
Chocolate
Orange Slices
Sports Drink
Gels

What is the Refund / Withdrawal Policy?
Entry fees for all Alpha Win races are non-refundable. Prior to a race, an athlete may request to transfer to a different Alpha Win race that is currently accepting registrations. A $25 transfer fee will apply. Participant cancellations must be declared 15 days prior to the original event in order to be eligible for this one-time registration credit. Participant cancellations made after 15 days prior to the original event will not be eligible for the registration credit. Transfers to events that are sold out are not permitted.

What is the Event Cancellation Policy?
In the unlikely event that a race is cancelled, athletes registered for the event will receive full credit for their registration that may be used toward another Alpha Win event within a 12-month period.  An athlete who will not be racing within 12 months may request a full refund within two-weeks of the cancellation notice.  After that two-week period, refunds will not be available.   Transfers to events that are sold out are not permitted.

If I am unable to make the race, can I give the entry to a friend?
A transfer of a registration to another athlete is not permitted. If you are unable to race, Alpha Win offers the ability to transfer to another race within a 12 month period for a transfer fee of $25.  Please see the Refund / Withdrawal policy above. lease see the Refund/Withdrawal Policy for more information.

Can I change the distance I’m registered for after the fact?
Yes; however, if moving down in distance there will be no refund given for the longer distance registration rate. If you are moving up a distance, you will be required to pay the difference in the registration fee. All changes for distance registration must be made at least one week in advance of the event. Transfers to events that are sold out are not permitted.

Can I sign up the day of the event?
Yes, registration is available online and can be done any time before the start of the race.  If you have registered the day of the race, please inform the Admin Desk when picking up your packet.  Note that your choice of T-shirt size may not be available.

Do you offer discounts? 
Yes, the following discounted registration categories are available for all events: youth, military (veterans and active duty), and student. Members of Alpha Win’s Triathlon Club partners are also eligible for exclusive club discounts on events. For more information on getting your club or group involved, reach out at info@alpha.win.

Do I have to be a USAT Member to race?
All Alpha Win Triathlons are sanctioned by USAT and all participants must be members of USAT or must buy a One-Day Membership.  The One-Day membership can be purchased online during race registration.

What identification do I need on the day of the race, or when picking up my packet?
All participants must present their photo ID when picking up their race packet.  Photo ID can be a driver license, passport, student/school ID, or other card or document issued by a place of work or state or government agency.  A photo of the ID on your phone is acceptable.  A minor athlete who does not have photo ID must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must present their photo ID when picking up the packet for the minor athlete.  If you cannot present your photo ID at packet pick-up, you will not be allowed to race.  Once you have picked up your packet, your bib number will serve as your identification and you will not be required to show your photo ID again.

Are race distances open to the Clydesdale/Athena category?
All distances within the Alpha Win Series are open to athletes wishing to compete in the Clydesdale / Athena Category. There will be four categories with the same start and cutoff times:
• Clydesdale (Men 220 lbs+): 39 and under, 40 and above
• Athena (Women 165 lbs+): 39 and under, 40 and above

Can Physically Challenged Athletes race in the Series?
Yes. All distances within the Alpha Win Series are open to Physically Challenged Athletes. Category will be co-ed and scored the same with the same start and cutoff times. Awards for all.

How do I register my Guide Runner?
For athletes eligible to be accompanied by a Guide Runner, please complete your race registration, then contact Alpha Win at Info@Alpha.Win to receive an invitation for the Guide Runner to register for the same event. There is no entry free for the Guide Runner, but the registration form must be compelted by  the specified deadline of the event. For triathlons only, a Guide Runner will also be required to be a USAT member or purchase a one-day membership for $15.  The One-Day membership can be purchased online during race registration.

Are there age minimums?
Yes. Each distance has an age requirement as follows:
Open – 7 years of age and above
Sprint – 12 years of age and above
Olympic – 12 years of age and above
Long Course – 16 years of age and above

What awards are given?
Each athlete who finishes a race will receive a finisher’s medal. Overall awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each distance. Age group awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each five-year age group or special category in each distance.

What are the age-group breakdowns for awards?
Alpha Win Series will follow USAT five-year age-group breakouts for annual sanctioned rankings. Your “USAT age” is the age you will  be on December^. 31 of the current year.  Example: you might be 23 when you race in June, but your birthday is in July and you will turn 24.  Thus, your “USAT age” for awards at he June race will be 24.

What categories are offered?
Alpha Win offers the Aquabike category for all Triathlon distances except the Open. The Aquabike consists of the swim and bike portions of any given distance. The finish line for the Aquabike is entrance through the T2 tower after the bike portion. A Sprint Duathlon is also available, which follows a run, bike, run format. The first run is 1 mile, followed by the normal Sprint 12.4 mile bike and 3.1 mile run portions.

Will there be relay/teams?
Yes. Relay teams are welcome to register in an distance, except the Open.

What are the estimated water temperatures for each event?
The water temperature for each event is shared with athletes prior to race day in the race week email.

What are the time limits or cutoffs?
Triathlon:
Swim
Sprint – Total race time 30 minutes
Olympic – Total race time 1 hour
Long Course – Total race time 1 hour, 10 minutes

Bike
Sprint – Total race time 2 hours
Olympic – Total race time 3 hours, 30 minutes
Long Course – Total race time 5 hours, 10 minutes

Run
Sprint – Total race time 3 hours
Olympic – Total race time 5 hours
Long Course – Total race time 8 hours, 30 minutes

Marathon:
Half Marathon – Total race time 3.5 hours
Marathon – Total race time 6.5 hours

What if I don’t have a bike? Can I rent one?
Yes! Our official bike rental partner, Unlimited Biking offers a wide variety of bikes and sizes
for our Napa Spring and Hudson Valley events. With the convenience of bike pick-up and drop-off options, you can ensure your ride goes
smoothly without worrying about the logistics. Visit their website here!

VIP Spectators:

VIP Spectator Tickets are available to purchase for $25.

What else do I need to know before race day?

Packet Pickup:

Alpha Win always offers packet pick-up the day before a race, in addition to race morning. We recommend picking up your packet prior to race day, giving you more time to familiarize yourself with the race materials and set up in the transition area. All athletes must have photo identification with them in order to get their packet. Additionally, all relay team members must be present at pick-up in order to get their race packet.

Inside your packet, you’ll find your timing chip, bike stickers, run bib, and athlete wristband. The diagram below outlines where your race materials go. Please put on your wristband before entering the transition area race morning.

Tips for your timing chip:

For triathlons, your timing chip must be worn on the ankle (left or right, your preference). Be sure to wear it under your wetsuit if wearing a full-length suit, so it doesn’t come off when you change to your bike clothes. Remember, the timing chip must be worn throughout the entire race in order for you to receive an official time. Timing chips must be returned immediately after completing your race; a fee of $25 will be charged if a timing chip is not returned.

For running races, the timing chips are attached to your racing bib.  They will look like two adhesive squares – do not remove them!

More tips to make race day smooth:

We recommend arriving at least one hour prior to the start of your race. For triathlons, there will be a pre-race meeting on the beach before the swim – we suggest being on the beach 20 minutes before the swim to get acclimated, and to be sure you are present for the pre-race meeting. Be sure your water bottle(s) are full with your preferred hydration, and bring any snacks/nutrition you may want to have on hand.  While aid stations are available on most legs of the run and bike, every athlete is different and race-day fueling is important to a good race!  Dress appropriately for the weather, with long sleeve and short sleeve options – you never know what Mother Nature might have in store.

Be sure to check pre-race emails and our social media for important updates and expected weather and water temperature. Most importantly, have fun!

How can I contact Alpha Win?
For further inquiries please contact us by phone or email:
Phone: 845.247.7275
Email: Info@Alpha.Win