What Happens on Triathlon Race Day? Timeline & Where Does Your Gear Go !

Having completed many triathlons myself, the one question that frequently pops up during the racing or even after I cross the finish line is ” How long do I have till they wrap up? “

Triathlon venues usually stay open until 2 to 3 hours after the cut-off time of the race itself (or the run cut-off). For example, if you are racing a 70.3 Ironman at 6:00 AM, then add 3 hours to the cut-off time of 8:30 hours, then the venue should stay open until around 5:30 PM.

However, this is general guidance based on common practice and my personal experience. Every race organizer may decide to do their race differently.

On the other hand and for a complete guide on Triathlon distances and good finish time, check out our post on Triathlon Distances & Average Timings Analysis (Infographic); Pick Your Right Fight!

How did I come up with this conclusion?

I have scanned several Ironman and ITU (World Triathlon Series) event schedules where I was able to identify consistency in the time gap between the cut-off and venue closing. This is also identical to my personal experience in dozens of triathlons.

Important Tip: several races with different distances might be planned on the same day and venue. For these events, you will have to use the distance with the latest cut-off time in calculating the closure time.

Where do I find the timing of the venue closure for my race?

You can find out when your triathlon race venue will close by checking the Athlete Event Schedule or the Athlete Guide. They are usually posted on the race webpage. Some times they phrase it as “Event Village and Expo closure timing”.

If you could not find any information, then maybe check your email. In small race events it is common for the organizer to send these details just one day before the race.

What happens to my stuff if I don’t make it on time?

It happens. Maybe you lost your way or just decided to call it a day. But then, what happens to your stuff ?

Usually, race organizers push everyone to collect their belongings (meaning their drop-bags and bikes) from the transition area just after they cross the finish line, with some exceptions where they provide a next day collection option.

In case you could not collect your belongings at the indicated timing, and even though organizers state they are not liable for your items, in my experience, there is no reason to be worried if this is a reputable organizer like IronMan or ITU.

Usually, they will send your stuff to the lost and found section, which is equally secure, especially if you have your bib number on them. – which they use to cross-check your info. I wouldn’t be surprised if they gave you a call later to arrange for your collection if you couldn’t collect on the race day.

If you can not make it and you’re really worried about your stuff, directly give them a call after you walk out of the race.

On a side note, also check out Triathlon Race Body Marking And Identification Methods: Complete Guide

From my experience, race organizers have always been extremely helpful, especially in situations like this. One time I picked up the wrong drop-bag and they immediately set up the exchange process and returned my stuff back .

You will find the right person to contact by checking the Athlete guide. It could be a good idea to try calling the lost and found section if they have a number for it. Worst case scenario, just send them an email. Emails are good because it’s written evidence that you can use later on in the unlikely event if things go south.

Also, if you are crazy worried about your stuff, consider buying insurance. Make sure that they would cover such incidents. There are some packages and companies specialized in covering triathletes and their gear. Here is one by Bikmo,

Important Tip 2: For short triathlons, transition and storage might be a bit messy because of the larger number of participants. Try to mark your stuff and memorize the transition route.

What happens after I cross a triathlon finish line until venue closure?

After you just arrive, take a minute to celebrate. Even if you are unhappy with your timing, you could think of it as a good workout for the next one 🙂

Now it’s time to wrap your head around what to do next. Here is a list of things to expect right after finishing a triathlon. This varies from one race organizer to another, and I have to say, it usually depends on how much they charged you.

Here is a list of things to expect right after finishing a triathlon:

• Receive the medal and take a victory photo: This is the most common act after crossing any finish line. After all, you need some proof of your bragging rights on social media.
• Post-race buffet: For small races, it’s usually just a banana, but for bigger ones, the feast is big. Usually, it’s not the food that matters at this point as much as the company of other athletes who have been through the same experience. This helps in building connections and future friendships.
• Collect your finisher shirt: The Sweet finisher shirt ! (sometimes jacket). Just make sure not to forget to collect it and to get the right size.
• Eat: here is an article I wrote about How Long After A Triathlon Should I Eat?
• Head to the medic: There is a good chance if you are racing long-distance triathlon that you will end up with some blisters, chafing or other small injuries. If so, it might be a good idea to let one of the medics have look at it.
• Ice bath: This is very helpful in hot weather. Aside from the debatable arguments of its connection with a speedy recovery, it’s just awesome to cool off after a tough hot race.
• Collect your start/finish drop bag: Some race organizers will give you the option to transport all the items you need to keep aside just before the start of your race. It would be a good idea to keep some dry clothes in this bag for after the race.
• Showers: There might be caravans with showers. You may want to get cleaned up and chill a bit before heading home.
• Massage: Yes, you read it right. In several triathlon events, finishers get to enjoy a brief recovery massage. The masseuse is usually very well experienced with post-race recovery massage which is really helpful. If you have the time, I would recommend that you do not miss out on this. Here is a post on the benefits of massage for triathletes
• Meet your supporters: At this point, you may exit the finisher area. Now you can go to your family and friends who are eagerly waiting for you.
• Transition drop bag and bike collection: Before leaving the venue, make sure to collect all your belongings. In some cases, they do allow next-day collection, but if you ask me, I would rather get over with it.
• Shuttle back home: Some organizers offer you the option to drive you back home. Although it is not widely practiced, it would not hurt to check. If you did not drive there or do not have anyone to pick you up, you would have to call a taxi (Make sure the taxi is big enough for the bike).