#TriWeek Virtual Challenge FAQs
Is it really free?
Yes! The non-competitive challenge is totally free to sign-up and do your first, tenth, or hundredth multisport event. The competitive division requires a purchase. The both the non-competitive and competitive divisions offer a $50 option for the #TriWeek Package that includes a USA Triathlon Annual Membership, finisher medal, and opportunity to win great prizes.
Who is this virtual event for?
Anyone who is 13 years of age and older! Whether you’re looking to do your first multisport event or have done hundreds, anyone can participate. New athletes are encouraged to participate in the non-competitive event, while a competitive competition is also available for experienced athletes or those looking to test themselves against fellow athletes across the country. To be considered a finisher, you simply need to complete the required distances for the specific multisport event. The #TriWeek Virtual Challenge is unique in that is a run-bike format, while a traditional virtual triathlon would include swimming, cycling and running, and a virtual duathlon would include running, cycling and running again.
Where should I participate?
Wherever you can safely complete the disciplines, maintaining the recommended minimum of at least six feet of social distancing and abiding by all local, state and federal government mandates. Ride on the trainer or outdoors. Run on a treadmill, track or trail. As long as you can measure your time and distance via a smartwatch, GPS-enabled device or phone, you can sync to the platform.
How do I register?
Competitive challenge: click here
Non-competitive challenge: click here
How far do I have to bike and run?
For the non-competitive run-bike: 40km bike – 10km run.
For the competitive run-bike, there are five tiers to achieve:
- Sprint-distance: 20k bike, 5k run
- Olympic-distance: 40k bike, 10k run
- Middle-distance: 65k bike, 15k run
- Long-distance: 90k bike, 21k run
- Ultra-distance: 180k bike, 42k run
Do I have to complete all of the distance in one run or bike ride?
NO! Both challenges are cumulative so you can ride and run as much or as little as you want and as often as you want to achieve the distances. You can also exceed the distances listed.
What is the difference between the non-competitive and competitive divisions?
Both challenges are structured in a “cumulative” format meaning you can do any distance bike or run you wish. Every bike or run you complete and upload to FitRankings will be added to your cumulative total towards the target distances of each challenge.
However, the non-competitive division has a target distance goal of biking 40 km and running 10 km. The competitive division has five tiers to achieve ranging from sprint distance (20 km bike and 5 km run) to Ultra-distance (180 km bike and 42 km run). Again, you can bike and run as much or as little as you want and as often as you want to achieve the target distances. You can also exceed the distances.
Also, the non-competitive division has a free and paid entry option while the competitive division requires a $50 entry fee.
When will I receive my #TriWeek Package?
Your package has two parts, a USA Triathlon Annual Membership and a finisher medal. The USA Triathlon annual membership will be processed within 3-5 business days from the date of your purchase. New annual memberships will receive further details by email with information on their account. Existing annual memberships will be extended by 12 months from your current expiration date. The finisher medal will be shipped on or around July 17, 2020.
Do I need a USA Triathlon Membership?
You do not need a USA Triathlon (USAT) Membership as this is a free event. However, you can purchase or renew your membership during the registration process. If you plan on participating in future USAT sanctioned events we encourage you to register for a membership to avoid race-day registration fees. The USAT Membership program currently has over 500,000 members who receive benefits such as discounts on products and services, access to a weekly Multisport Zone e-newsletter, USAT Magazine and more! Learn more here.
Note that participants DO NOT have to renew or buy a membership prior to registering. The membership will be purchased through the registration process in the challenge.
Can non-US Citizens participate?
Yes, the Virtual Run Bike Run is open to anybody. However, finisher packages will only be sent to US addresses. Additionally, only US citizens are eligible for randomly-drawn prizes. Citizens from New York and Florida are not eligible for prizes. Click here to view official rules.
Do I have to have a fitness tracker device (like Apple Watch or FitBit) in order to participate?
No, you do not have to have a tracking device to participate. By logging into your FitRankings Profile, you can manually add in your workouts, mileage, and times. However, using a tracker is highly encouraged as most trackers will automatically upload your workouts. Additionally, manually uploaded workouts may not be eligible for awards.
What if I have technical errors and my device did not record my stats properly?
There is likely a problem with how your device is connected. Please refer to THIS PAGE for more details on how to address this.
What if I have a fulfillment issue with my Finisher's Package?
For any fulfillment issue please reach out to virtualtri@usatriathlon.org with any questions.
What if I registered for the free version, but I now want to purchase a finisher's medal?
Make your $35 donation to the USA Triathlon Foundation any time to support the organization’s mission to transform lives through sport and receive your finisher's package. Please note, for the #TriWeek Virtual Challenge, you will receive a finisher’s medal with your donation, but you must purchase the #TriWeek Package for $50 to receive a USA Triathlon annual membership.
How are my results uploaded?
When using a tracking device, your results are uploaded to FitRankings every-time you sync your device with its respective app. For instance, when you sync your Garmin with the Garmin Connect app, all workouts from your Garmin will be uploaded automatically. Note that you must have previously connected each device you track workouts on to FitRankings for this to occur.
Where can I track and view my results?
Click below to view results. You must be logged into your FitRankings account to view your individual results.
- Click here to view results for the competitive challenge.
- Click here to view results for the non-competitive challenge.
Note that USA Triathlon is not calculating typical age group results for these challenges.
How much time do I have to complete this virtual event?
The event will take place from June 22 at 12:01 a.m. MT to July 5 at 11:59 p.m. MT.
What if I signed up for the non-competitive division, but I meant to sign up for the competitive division or vice versa?
If you signed up for the wrong challenge, not to worry, you can just go in and sign up for the other division you wish to participate in. However, please note the competitive division requires a $50 entry fee in the form of the #TriWeek Virtual Package.
Are there any prizes?
For the participants who do not purchase the #TriWeek Package and complete the virtual event, they will be entered in a sweepstakes for an opportunity to win various prizes.
Participants who purchased the #TriWeek Package will receive an exclusive finisher medal as well as be entered in a sweepstakes for an opportunity to win an additional $20,000 in various prizes.
(Prizes and #TriWeek Packages are open to participants who are residents of the United States of America and currently residing in one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, excluding New York and Florida).
What happens if I exceed the distances needed for the bike, or run?
You are welcome to exceed the distances for either of these challenges. Bike and run as much as you like!
How will I know when I complete the virtual event?
You will receive a completion email from the platform congratulating you on this great accomplishment!
What is Time to Tri?
Time to Tri is an unprecedented initiative within the triathlon industry to grow the sport by proactively recruiting and supporting athletes as they train for and compete in their first race. The initiative, a strategic joint effort between USA Triathlon and IRONMAN, was unveiled in early 2018.
What if I don’t have a swimming pool? (Not applicable for duathlon events or the #TriWeek Virtual Challenge)
There are various facilities, clubs and communities that offer indoor swimming pools. Check with your local gyms, YMCA's, and community centers.
Additionally, you can search online through U.S. Masters Swimming.
For additional questions click here to submit.