Challenge Yourself!

Tri for the Y Triathlon and the Crank & Shank Duathlon are annual events held by the Cumberland County YMCA. These are fundraising events for the Y, and we encourage participation by people with a variety of fitness levels and competitive experiences.

The money raised at these events will go toward our financial assistance program, ensuring that we continue to make our programs and services accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay.

On May 19, 2012 at 9:00 am, the Cumberland County YMCA will host our 3nd annual 'Tri for the Y' Triathlon,
and its companion event, the 'Crank & Shank' Duathlon.

Sponsor an Athlete  

Why participate? Watch this great segment on WCSH-6's 207 to learn more about the event and the Financial Assistance Program at the Cumberland County YMCA.

Both events will take place in Freeport, at the Casco Bay branch of the Cumberland County YMCA. 

Tri for the Y
Triathlon

Crank & Shank
Duathlon

The Tri for the Y Triathlon will be a sprint triathlon consisting of:

  • 325-yard pool swim
  • 13-mile bike ride
  • 3 mile run

Tri for the Y is intended to encourage participation by people with a variety of fitness levels and competitive experiences.

We encourage families to participate so we are allowing ages 12 and up at this event.

The Crank & Shank Duathlon will consist of:

  • 1.5 mile run
  • 13-mile bike ride
  • 3 mile run

Crank & Shank is intended to encourage participation by people with a variety of fitness levels and competitive experiences.

We encourage families to participate so we are allowing ages 12 and up at this event.

    The 2011 Athlete Guide is now available. Click here to download it now.  Some information may be different for the 2012 event. The 2012  will be available no later than April 15th.

    The Y will also be offering a slate of pre-event training clinics, designed to encourage first-time triathletes and duathletes to participate. 

    Why Enter a Duathlon?

    Duathlon is suited to anyone who enjoys biking and running. It caters to all age groups. It is the perfect endurance sport for those who are less inclined to swim.  What makes the Crank & Shank Duathlon different from the rest is the added Duathlon Relay.  There is no other race in Maine that offers this.  It is a great race to do with family members!  Why not give it a try!

     Who Benefits From These Events?

     The Cumberland County YMCA is committed to offering programs and services to the community that promote a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, regardless of ability to pay.  To that end, we turn no one away because of an inability to pay. 

    The money raised at these events will go toward our financial assistance program.  In total, the YMCA provided more than $600,000 in financial assistance to members of our community last year. 1 in 3 members of the Y received some form of financial assistance in the past year.  The proceeds from these events will ensure that we continue to make our programs and services accessible to all.

    In addition to supporting a healthy community, your participation in these events will provide you with an enjoyable day of family fun!  We look forward to seeing you on race day!

    If you have questions, or need any further information than is provided on this website, please do not hesitate to contact us at triforthey@cumberlandcountyymca.org.

    Volunteers Needed!

    Click here now to volunteer!This event can't succeed without the volunteers who help us keep the event safe and make sure everything runs smoothly. Being a volunteer is also a great way for the friends or family of racers to cheer competitors on up close and personal.  Volunteers get a great t-shirt, refreshments during the day, and the satisfaction of helping the race run safely and professionally. In total, we need over 100 volunteers in a variety of positions. Click here to learn more about volunteering at the race, or click on the green button to volunteer today!


    General Information >
    Course Information >
    Registration Information >
    Training >
    Course Directions & Maps > 
    Award Categories >
    Fundraising >
    Volunteers > 
    Frequently Asked Questions >

    Race Information

    Race Date:     Saturday, May 19, 2012
    Race Time:    
    9:00 am Race Start
    Location:    
    Casco Bay YMCA, 14 Old South Freeport Road, Freeport, ME

    Race Categories

    Individual Triathlon:     Swim 325 yards, Bike 13 miles, Run 3 miles  
    Individual Duathlon:    
    Run 1.5 miles, Bike 13 miles, Run 3 miles  
    Triathlon Relay:           
    Consists of 2 or 3 people completing the following three segments as a team:
                                          Swim 325 yards, Bike 13 miles, and Run 3 miles
    Crank & Shank Duathlon: 
    Run 1.5 miles, Bike 13 miles, Run 3 miles
    Duathlon Relay:           
    Consists of 2 or three people completing the following three segments as a team:
                                      
      Run 1.5 miles, Bike 13 miles, Run 3 miles

    Entry Fees

    Individual Triathlete:   $85  (Includes $10 race day insurance)*
    Individual Duathlete:
      
    $85  (Includes $10 race day insurance)*
    Triathlon or Duathlon Relay Team Member:  
    $50  (Includes $10 race day insurance)*

    Your entry fee includes your place at the start line, a great t-shirt, well-marked and supported course, post race refreshments, and a family fun filled day!

    *If you are a USAT Member we will gladly refund the $10 fee by applying it to your fundraising page or give you a check.

    Packet Pick-up

    Packet pick-up will take place Friday, May 18th at the Casco Bay YMCA in Freeport from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.  You can also pick up your packets on race day from 7:00 – 8:00 am.

    USAT Sanctioning

    The Tri for the Y will be a USAT sanctioned race.  If you are not a USAT member the $10 fee for race insurance will be included in your registration fee.  If you are a USAT member we will gladly refund the $10 fee by applying it to your fundraising page or by check.

    Rules

    Please look over the USAT Rules.  You are responsible for understanding them and abiding by them.
    http://www.usatriathlon.org/about-multisport/rulebook.aspx

    Inclement Weather

    The Tri for the Y will not be cancelled for any reason other than severe conditions that post extreme danger to athletes and volunteers. Race Management reserves the right to alter the course in whatever way they deem is in the best interest of the athletes and volunteers.  This includes, but is not limited to, shortening or changing the course, removing one of the sports, postponing the start, etc.  There are no refunds in the case of weather caused changes or cancellations.  If canceled, the races will not be rescheduled.

    Cancellation Policy

    Cumberland County is a registered (501)(c)(3) organization. There will be no refunds for this event.  Your registration is not refundable and is non-transferable.

    Course Information

    Race Date:  Saturday, May 19, 20112
    Race Time: 
    9:00 am Race Start
    Location:
     
    Casco Bay YMCA, 14 Old South Freeport Road, Freeport, ME

    Swim

    The swim will take place in the Casco Bay YMCA pool.  The length of the swim is 325 yards or 13 lengths of the pool. This pool has 8 lanes and there will be two people swimming in each lane.  Each swimmer will stay on their own side of the lane to complete their distance. 

    There will be approximately 15 waves. The waves will be put together based on individual swim times for the 325 yards. Each swimmer must submit their swim time for the 325 yards on their registration.

    Duathlon 1st Run

    For duathlete’s and duathlete relays the first portion of the race will start with a 1.5 mile run.  The race start will take place outside the transition area at the Start line.  The duathletes will start when the 2nd wave of the swim starts.

    Bike

    The bike course consists of 13 miles out and back through scenic South Freeport. These country roads are low traffic roads with rolling hills and some big climbs. On race day the course will be well marked and supported with plenty of volunteers.  There will be no aid station on the course, and you are responsible for bringing your own water for the bike portion of the race.  We will have bike support if you need help on race day. There will be some challenging hills for first time triathletes.  Please be prepared. We encourage you to meet some friends at the Casco Bay YMCA in Freeport and ride the course together prior to the race.  Maps are available at the front desk.

    Run

    This is a 3-mile course that is fairly flat with one long slow climb.  It will take you to through a quiet South Freeport neighborhood.   There will be aid stations at mile 1 and at mile 2.

    Transition

    The transition area will be located outside the airnasium in the employee parking lot at the Casco Bay YMCA. The transition area will open at 7:00 am on race morning and will close approximately 15 minutes before the start of the race.

    Before entering the transition area on race day you will be body marked, and your bike will be checked for working brakes and handlebar plugs.  You will also be checked to make sure you have a proper bike helmet.

    When entering the transition area look on the bike racks for your race number.  You need to place your bike on the side of the rack that your number is located. You will get approximately 2 feet of space on the left of your bike for your race equipment.

    Once the race starts, only volunteers and race management are allowed in the transition area.  Athletes that have started the race may enter the transition area.  No other athletes will be allowed in the transition area while the race is in progress. After you have finished the race, you will not be allowed back into the transition area until the last person has transitioned from their bike to the run.

    Finish

    After you have crossed the finish line, post race refreshments will be provided.  We will also have other post race festivities.  Please enjoy your day!

    Relay Teams

    Relay teams are made up of two or three people.
    Two person relays; One person will do two legs of the race while the other does one.
    A three-person relay will require each person to do one leg of the race.
    Relays are required to tag off at the transition area.  The cyclist cannot take his bike off the rack until the person doing the first leg of the race (either swim or 1st run) has tagged the biker.  The cyclist cannot tag the runner before re-racking the bike.

    Registration

    Registration for this event will open soon.   

    Race Date: 
      Saturday, May 19, 2012
    Race Time:
      
    9:00 am Race Start
    Location:
     
    Casco Bay YMCA, 14 Old South Freeport Road, Freeport, ME 04032
    Entry Fees:
     
    Individual Triathlete    $85 (Includes $10 race day insurance)*
                            
    Individual Duathlete    $85  (Includes $10 race day insurance)*
                      Triathlon or Duathlon Relay Team Member  $50 (Includes $10 race day insurance)*

    Your entry fee includes your place at the start line, a great t-shirt, well-marked and supported course, post race refreshments, and a family fun filled day!

    *If you are a USAT Member we will gladly refund the $10 fee by applying it to your fundraising page or give you a check.

    Waiver

    Everyone must sign a USAT waiver before you are allowed to race.  If you register you will sign the waiver electronically.  If you sign up by paper it is on the back of the registration.

    Course Directions & Maps

    Swim

    The swim will take place in the Casco Bay YMCA Pool.

    Bike

    • At transition proceed to bike out. 
    • At exit from YMCA take right to Old South Freeport Road. 
    • At stop sign take right to South Freeport Road
    • Turn right to Porters Landing Road
    • Porters Landing Road will turn into Lower Mast Landing Road
    • Turn Right to Flying Point Road  (up-hill climb – caution)
    • Bear left to Pleasant Hill Road  (up-hill climb – caution)
    • Turn right to Kelsey Ridge Road
    • Turn left to Windsor Post Road
    • Turn left to Pleasant Hill Road  (fast downhill – caution)
    • Follow to Flying Point Road  (fast downhill – caution)
    • Take Left to Lower Mast Landing Road
    • It will turn into Porters Landing Road
    • Left to South Freeport Road
    • Turn left to Old South Freeport Road
    • Return to YMCA.  Follow signs for bike in.

    Run

    • At transition follow signs for run out.
    • Take right at YMCA Exit to Old South Freeport Road.
    • At Stop Sign take right to South Freeport Road.
    • Take Right to Lambert Road.
    • Take Right to Sherwood Drive (long slow uphill)
    • Turn around at Cousins Drive and come back down Sherwood Drive.
    • Turn right onto Lambert Road
    • Turn around at parking lot before dirt road.
    • At end of Lambert Road take left to South Freeport Road.
    • Take Left at Old South Freeport Road.
    • Take Left to YMCA FINISH Line!

    Click here to view the Bike Course Map

    Click here to view the Run Course Map

    Awards

    Awards will be issued in the following categories for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place.

    Top Male Triathlete
    Top Female Triathlete
    Top Relay Team Triathlon
    Top Male Duathlete
    Top Female Duathlete
    Top Relay Team Duathlon

    Certificates will be issued for age group winners (both male and female) in these categories for the Triathlon and the Duathlon: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place:

    19 & Under
    20 - 29
    30 - 29
    40 - 49
    50 - 59
    60 - 69
    70+

    Fundraising

    One of the key components to the success of Tri for the Y is fundraising! The money raised at this event will go toward our financial assistance program.  In total, the YMCA provided more than $600,000 in financial assistance to members of our community last year.  The proceeds from this event will ensure that we continue to make our programs and services accessible to all.

    All athletes who fundraise over $250 will receive the following prizes:

    TOP FUNDRAISER  ($1,500 minimum)

    • Free Year YMCA Membership
    • Fleece
    • Sports Bag
    • Long Sleeve Performance Tee

    $1,000+ Fundraiser

    • Fleece
    • Sports Bag
    • Long Sleeve Performance Tee

    $500+ Fundraiser

    • Sports Bag
    • Long Sleeve Performance Tee

    $250+ Fundraiser

    • Long Sleeve Performance Tee

    Included with Entry

    • Tri for the Y/Crank & Shank Performance Tee

    The deadline for fundraising prizes is May 18, 2012

    Training

    Join our experienced training team to make sure you are prepared for the event!  A professional expert will walk you through a 14 week training program, including swimming, biking, running, (or running, biking, running) nutrition, transition tips, and tapering.  The program is split into two parts, each running for 7 weeks.  You will need to sign up for Part 1 and Part 2 to complete the entire 14 week program.  Casco Bay branch is also offering a 6 week Triathlon-focused class starting January 2nd.

    Registration for part 1 opens February 7th 
    Part 1 runs from February 13 to April 2
    Part 2 runs from April 3 to May 19

    Triathlon and Duathlon training at Casco Bay

    Triathlon and Duathlon training at Greater Portland

    Triathlon and Duathlon training at Pineland

    Athletes can also attend private or semi-private swim lessons or stroke clinics to help prepare for the swim portion of the competition.

    Members can also sign up for personal training and tailor their needs one-on-one with a personal trainer.

    Transition Workshop May 3rd

    The popular Transition Workshop will return on Thursday, May 3rd at 6:00 pm at our Casco Bay branch in Freeport. The workshop is free, and no pre-registration is required.

     

    Last year's workshop got great feedback, both from first-time Tri- and Duathles. Regardless of your experience level, this workshop will help make your transitions smoother and more efficent. Not sure what to wear? How to transition from swim to bike?  Bike to run?  Can I change in between each event? What do I need to bring? Beth Birch, a USA Triathlon Team member with over 17 years of Triathlon experience will answer these and many other common questions.

    Volunteers

    We will need approximately 100 volunteers to make our race a success!  We hope you will be part of our team.  Volunteers will get a great T-Shirt and will also get refreshments during their time with us.  We will need volunteers in the following areas:

    • Pre-Race Registration (Friday & Saturday, May 18 & 19)
    • Race Set Up (Friday May 18)
    • Life Guards (must be qualified)
    • Medical Staff
    • Transition Area Monitors
    • Body Marking
    • Bike Check-In
    • Bike Monitors
    • Run Monitors
    • Finish Line
    • Water Stations
    • Post Race Festivities
    • Clean Up and Break Down

    Remember, we can’t put a race on without volunteers!  We need your help!

    Volunteer Now!

    Frequently Asked Questions  

    The 2011 Athlete Guide is now available. Click here to download it now. 
    Some information may be different for the 2012 event. The 2012  will be available no later than April 15th.

    I want to do the race with my child. Can he/she participate?

    Athletes must be 12 years of age or older to participate individually or as a member of a team. Any athlete under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.  Please view the course before allowing any child under 18 to do the race.

    What do I wear for the race?

    You should wear something that you will swim, bike and run in.  The clothing you wear should be dry fit or polyester or nylon so that it dries quickly.  Cotton is not a good choice.  Bring plenty of layers in case of cold weather or rain.

    How are the Waves assigned?

    Participants will be assigned to a wave based on swim time for the 325-yards.

    What time will my Wave start?

    The first swim wave will start at approximately 9:00am. Each subsequent swim wave will start according to how long it will take the wave prior to do the swim. A wave sheet with your start time will be provided to you on or before the pack pick-up on Friday, May 20.

    What time should I arrive?

    The transition area opens at 7:00 am. If you arrive before 7:00 am, you will not be able to access the transition area. We suggest you arrive between 7:00am and 7:30 am to allow time to park and walk to the transition area. All athletes MUST be set up in the transition area by 8:45 a.m.

    Why do I have to be at the YMCA so early when my wave doesn't go off until much later in the morning?

    We ask that all athletes be in the transition area and set up by 8:45 am because the transition area will be closed to all athletes when the race starts. You may wait for your swim wave anywhere on location except the transition area.

    What should I bring with me on race day to the transition area?

    Bike, approved Bike Helmet, Bike Shoes, Running Shoes, Pre-filled Water bottles, extra clothes to change after the race. Lockers and showers are available.  Self Confidence!

    How is the transition area set up?

    Transition area is set up with bike racks marked with your race number.  Please find your race number on the end of the bike racks.  You must set your bike up on the same side of the bike rack that your number is displayed.  You will have about 18 inches to the left of your bike to set up your transition area.  

    How do I keep track of my transition spot?

    You can put a very bright towel under the items needed in your transition area to help mark your spot.  You may also bring some type of sign to mark your spot but you must not put it in the way of any other athlete.  Balloons will not be allowed.

    Where should I park? 

    Parking areas will be sent you to with your athlete package. 

    Where are the restrooms?

    There are many restrooms available at the Casco Bay YMCA.  We will also have some portable bathrooms set up in transition. Lockers and showers will be available to you after the race.

    Where can a spectator get something to eat or drink?

    We will have food available to purchase at the event.

    Can spectators get into the swim area to see the participants do the swim portion?

    Yes, spectators will be allowed into the swim portion of the race.  Space will be limited.  There will be plenty of space to watch your athlete after they come from the pool and transition to the run.

    Will there be professional medical personnel on hand?

    Yes, we will have plenty of medical personnel on hand if needed. We will also have ambulances on location if they are needed.

    What kind of bike can I ride?

    You may ride a bike from following categories: mountain, hybrid, road or tri bike. You may not ride a recumbent bike or a tandem bike. If you plan to use a bike that has not been ridden for an extended period of time, make sure it is in top working condition before you begin training with it.

    Do Not ride a new or different bike for the first time on race day.
    Do Not arrive at the event with a bike that is not in good operating condition, including the tires.
    Be aware that there is bike maintenance or assistance on the course.


    1st Annual Tri for the Y Triathlon
    Saturday, May 22nd 9 am, Casco Bay YMCA, Freeport, Maine
    Sprint Triathlon

    Race Start:  9:00 am

    Individual Triathlon & Relay Teams  (192 spots available)
    Individual Duathlon & Duathlon Relay Teams (158 spots available)