Event Information
If you participating in the race, please read ALL of the information on this page. This is a point to point course and presents with some logistical considerations that you must be aware of prior to race day. You should also read all the information contained in the links below. You can access these pages here or anytime from the Event Info menu at the top of our site.
- Competitor Updates
- Entry confirmation
- Course Maps
- Expo Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Hotel and Travel Information
- Merchandise
- Photos and Video
- Professionals
- Results
- Training Information
- Volunteers
- Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series
Congratulations to these individuals who have done all 10 Triathlons:
Bob Zeiger
Joseph Courtney
Richard Osman
Craig Cooper
Steven Ogata
Carl Warren
Leah Davis
Michael Wyman
Howard Roth
Peter Reale
Richard Crater
Daniel Belson
Terence Young
William Heise
David Meyer
Wayne Joness
Robert Husser
Stephen Flores
Frederic Uno
Steve Polley
Michael McCaffery
Metro Bus Detours
Check out a listing of the Metro Bus Detours on Race Day (PDF document).
Course Crossing Points
Department of Transportation LA Triathlon Route Map with crossing points
New Bike Course
The 2009 race introduces some changes on the bike course, bringing the Sprint course to a much more accessible 15 miles, along with the .4 mile swim and 5k run. The start remains at Venice Beach and the run will continue to go through downtown with the finish at the newly completed L.A. LIVE entertainment area.
Finish Festival and T2 at L.A. Live!
The venue for the finish is truly spectacular and unlike anything at any triathlon. It will be a true stadium effect that will incorporate the brilliant LED screens at L.A. LIVE and also move our T2 to Chick Hearn Court. We have worked closely in the past with AEG (owner of STAPLES Center) and with Herbalife moving their new corporate headquarters to L.A. LIVE, it sealed the deal. Check out the LA Live website for aerial views, photos, stores, restaurants and the latest events at this exciting venue.
USA Triathlon Sanctioned
The LA Triathlon is now sanctioned with USA Triathlon. With our involvement in the Life Time Fitness Series on a national basis, we felt providing consistency across the races was paramount and sanctioning the Toyota US Open in Dallas last year began the process. What this means is that our insurance, rules and officiating will be through USAT. This will mean that all participants will need to be either an annual member of USAT or procure a one-day membership for $10 which can be purchased during registration.If you are interested, read the USAT Competitive Rules. For more information, visit the USAT website. Everyone also must sign two waivers:
- a signed copy of this Pacific Sports waiver
- a signed copy of this USAT waiver.
Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series – Race to the Toyota Cup
2009 Battle of the Sexes – presented by EDGE® Available at Target®
BATTLE OF THE SEXES:
Edge® Available at Target® presents the Battle of the Sexes. Calculating the average difference between male and female finish times, the Equalizer was born. We’ll apply the Equalizer to your finish times to determine which gender reigns supreme in this all out Battle of the Sexes.
THE EQUALIZER:
Commonly referred to in other athletic endeavors as a “handicap”, the Equalizer is the handicap established between men and women in each of the three fields (pro, elite, and age-group). Following each race, we will determine one Battle of the Sexes winner in each field by subtracting the Equalizer time (below) from female finish times in each division.
Equalizer
Pro division: 10:58
Elite division: 13:15
Age-group division: 17:00
PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
During the official awards ceremony, one winner in each division (pro, elite, and age-group) will receive a prize on behalf of Edge® Available at Target®.
Prizes:
Pro Prize
Winner $1,000 and Edge Cycle Jersey
Elite Prize
Winner Edge Cycle Jersey
Age-group Prize
Winner Edge Cycle Jersey
Distances
Point to point Olympic distance course:
- Swim: 1.5K (.9 miles) at Venice Beach
- Cycle: 40 Kilometer (24 miles) through Venice, Koreatown, and surrounding areas
- Run: 10 Kilometers (6.2 miles) Through Downtown and ending at LA Live
Point to point Sprint Course:
- Swim: .4 miles at Venice Beach
- Cycle: 14.1 miles through Venice, Koreatown, and surrounding areas
- Run: 3.3 miles Through Downtown and ending at LA Live
Start Times
- Professionals: 7:15 a.m.
- Elite: 7:25 a.m.
- Olympic: 7:30 a.m.
- Sprint: 9:00 a.m.
- Bike only: 7:50 a.m.
- Awards at 12:30 pm
Traffic Issues
The Triathlon will begin at Venice Beach at 6:45 am with the swim segment. The bike course will proceed through the Fairfax District, Museum Row, Hancock Park, Hollywood, Downtown, Chinatown, and Elysian Park areas. Crossing points are listed for intersections that cars can cross at the direction of DOT traffic personnel, considering the safety of the bikers or runners. All streets will be opened by noon. It is advised that persons with unessential travel avoid driving in areas affected by the event. Vehicles will not be allowed on the course at any time. However, several crossing points have been designated to allow traffic to cross the route. The Department of Transportation will be aggressively enforcing all temporary parking restrictions for this event to secure the safety of the participants and to facilitate the movement of traffic around road closures. Typical vehicle recovery costs are in excess of $130, which does not include the $60 citation fee. For additional information:
- Department of Transportation LA Triathlon Route Map with crossing points
- Department of Transportation website (List crossing points and other pertinent information)
- Department of Transportation hotline: (323) 224-6534
- Check out a listing of the Metro Bus Detours on Race Day (PDF document).
Age Groups and Divisions
You can register for one of these divisions only. For example, you can register in your age group OR in a special division, but not both. It is possible to change divisions after you register, however, if you move to a division that requires an additional fee, you will be responsible for paying the difference. It you move to a division or race that is less expensive, refunds will not be issued.
- 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+ (sprint and Olympic)
- Clydesdale/Athena Open Division (Men over 200 lb., women over 145 lb.) (sprint and olympic)
- Elite Amateur. Olympic distance race only. SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS
- Coed Relay (sprint and Olympic)
- Male Relay (sprint and Olympic)
- Female Relay (sprint and Olympic)
- Collegiate (Olympic Distance Race Only)
- Professional (Olympic Distance Race Only)
- Challenged Athlete (please let us know what type of support your will be using or in need of)
- Public Service/Military
- Herbalife Corporate Triathlon Championship
Awards
All participants will receive a commemorative 2009 Kaiser Permanente finisher medallion. Special medallions will be given to the overall winners in the amateur field and the top five winners of each age division, including Athena and Clydesdales. Awards will also be given to the three top relay teams andthree winners of the Collegiate and High School Divisions. Other awards include merchandise and gift certificates.
Wristbands
You will get a wristband when you pick up your race materials. You must place your wristband on your wrist. This will allow you into both T1 and T2 on Sunday. Without this wristband, you will not be allowed in either transition area or the post race athletes food and beverage or massage area.We suggest you put this on at the expo so it is not lost.
Chip Timing
Our timing firm is Premier Event Management (PEM). We are employing their standard procedure which will require picking up your timing chip at Transition 1 (T1) in Venice. Once you check into T1, rack your bike and get bodymarked inside T1, proceed to the chip area to pick up your timing device. When you cross the finish line, the chip will be removed from your ankle immediately following the race. If you are racing in a relay, the chip will serve as you "baton" and must be exchanged between the three relay members when transitioning.
Each athlete will be issued a unique timing device and is responsible for its return after the event. By picking up the timing device each athlete agrees to pay the $30 replacement cost if the device is lost or not returned. The device will be attached to you throughout the race. Your times will be recorded as you pass over mats which will electronically record your times, including transition times. It is a very accurate system. If you do not finish the race for any reason or you do not start the race, return this anklet to the finish line staff.
- Chips are non-transferable! Be careful not to switch chips with anyone.
- Wrap the chip anklet around your left ankle before starting the race.
- Start in your assigned wave or risk not being scored.
- To receive an official time, you must run or walk across the timing mats at the start line, on the course, and at the finish line.
- Return the chip anklet to us in the corral after the finish line.
Equipment, Body Marking and Photo Info
Wet suits will be allowed and are optional for the amateurs (not allowed for the professionals). You must wear a cycling helmet to participate. You must wear your timing chip throughout the race. No drafting rules (disqualification) will be in effect on the bike. Absolutely no headphones of any kind (iPod, CD Player, Walkman, etc).
Action Sports International will be at the race shooting photos of all participants which you will be able to order. They identify you by your race number, so it is very important that are able to be identified. You will be given two small numbers in addition to your bib number, one for the front of your helmet and the other for around the seat post of your bike. These numbers match your bib number. Your bib number must be worn during the run portion of the race ON YOUR FRONT. Please do not alter this number in any way. Bike, helmet and bid numbers must match in order to be allowed out of the transition area. Swim cap must be worn during the swim and helmet worn during the bike. Body marking is not required but pens will be available at the Expo and on race morning. It is extremely helpful for photography and security reasons and we encourage it. After the race, go to our photos and video page for a link to sign up to have them notify you when your photos are ready.
Helpful hints for bodymarking and tips to make sure the photographers can see your bib number:
- Use a permanent marker
- Bodymark BEFORE applying sunscreen
- Place the small (approx. 2"x4") race number sticker on the FRONT of your helmet.
- Keep you race bib on the FRONT of your body at all times during the race.
Location of Aid Stations
- Transition 1 at the swim finish
- Bike Course at Highland and 6th
- Run at T2 Exit (also is the turnaround south of 11th on Figueroa)
- Run course at Grand and 8th St. (2 times)
- Run course at Grand at Disney Concert Hall (2 times)
Sprint run course hits aid stations 4 times and olympic run course hits aid stations 6 times.
Gatorade Endurance Formula will be served at each of the aid stations along the race course. Read more about Gatorade Endurance Formula.
Mile Marks
Olympic Run Course (10K)
- Mile 1: Grand/7th St
- Mile 2: Grand/3rd (after turnaround)
- Mile 3: 11th in between Grand & Hope
- Mile 4: Grand/6th (second loop)
- Mile 5: Grand /Hope Place
- Mile 6: 11th/after Flower
Sprint Run Course (5k)
- Mile 1: Grand/7th St
- Mile 2: Grand/3rd (after turnaround)
- Mile 3: 11th in between Grand & Hope
Cycle Course
- Mile 5: Venice and Hughes
- Mile 10: Olympic Blvd in between Hudson & Rimpau
- Mile 15: Olympic Blvd & Hoover (heading west for second loop)
- Mile 20: Olympic Blvd & Meadowbrook (heading east toward finish)
Distance of Olympic Course = 25 miles
Distance of Sprint Course = 14.1 miles
Medical Director
Our medical director is Thad H. Woodward M.D., in conjunction with the Harbor UCLA/Team to Win Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. There will be a very well equipped medical tent at the finish line.
Goodies you will get by participating
A 100% cotton heavyweight race logoed t-shirt, TYR swim cap, Gatorade Edge bottle, Ameriprise water bottle, and goody bag filled with sponsor gifts and giveaways. At the finish you will receive a
Toyota logoed, ice-cooled towel and a beautiful finisher medallion. The Finish Festival will include an athlete post race area with food and beverages, complimentary post-race massage, live entertainment, and sponsor booths.
Transition Area Logistics
Transition 1 (T1) Bag Procedure
(typical T1 items include, wet-suit, goggles, swimsuit, small personal effects)
- Participants are heavily encouraged to bring their own bag to drop off at the expo. We will have a size limit of 36" x 12" x 18" (a standard cubic shaped gym bag). If you do not have a bag at T1, we will give you a trash-type bag for your use. We definitely discourage this.
- At the Kaiser Permanente Thrive Health & Fitness Expo, upon check-in you will receive with your race numbers two adhesive luggage tags (much like those you get when boarding airlines and checking luggage). One tag will be used on your T1 bag, the other for T2 bag.
- Wrap the adhesive tag around a strap of your bag.
- Mark anything and everything in the bag itself with your race number.
- When you finish the swim segment of the race, stuff ALL items into this T1 bag.
- Very important, ANYTHING not in the bag will be considered lost and found. We will not stuff your bag for you.
- Absolutely no bicycle pumps will be allowed in T1. Note: Take care of filling your tires before you bring your bike to T1. You must put everything in your bag yourself. Everything. There will be limited bike pumps available from us at T1.
- T1 bags will be loaded by us on to buses and transported to T2 by our shuttle contractor. The first load will leave at 7:30 am and will continue until all bags have been delivered.
- They will be available at T2 at designated "T2 Bag Pick Up" upon completion of your race.
- Final note on T1. We will allow bikes ONLY on race day, not the day before. The transition area will open at T1 at 4:30am. Sprint participants will be allowed to enter the transition area after the Olympic distance race starts.
Transition 2 (T2) Bag Procedure
(typical T2 items include running shoes, singlet, small personal affects)
- Participants are heavily encouraged to bring and use their own bag. We will have a size limit of 18" x 6" x 18" (a standard backpack size bag). If you do not have your own bag, we will give you a drawstring goody bag for this use at the Expo. You must bring all of your T2 gear to the Expo upon check in. No exceptions.
- At the Kaiser Permanente Thrive Health & Fitness Expo, upon check-in you will receive in your technical bag two adhesive luggage tags (much like those you get when boarding airlines and checking luggage). One tag will be used on your T1 bag, the other for T2 bag.
- Wrap the adhesive tag around a strap of your T2 bag. If it is a drawstring bag, wrap it around the drawstring
- Mark anything and everything in the bag itself with your race number.
- When you finish the cycle segment of the race, stuff ALL items into this T2 bag you will be taking off at that juncture (i.e., bike shoes, helmet).
- Very important, ANYTHING not in the bag will be considered lost and found. We will not stuff your bag. You must put everything in yourself. Everything.
- Drop near or hang the T2 bag on your bike, it will remain there until after the race for you to retrieve.
- Please remember to attach your run bib after you pick it up to whatever you are wearing on the run and include in the bag for T2. We are not responsible for lost items that have not been properly marked with identification information.
Shuttle Logistics
This is a point to point race. If you do not have your own transportation, you will have to take a shuttle EITHER before the race from LA Live (12th & Figueroa Street) or Marina Del Rey Marriott to the start in Venice Beach OR after the race from LA Live (12th & Figueroa Street) back to the start in Venice or Marina Del Rey Marriott. You can take your bike on the shuttle and purchase tickets for those not participating in the race. The cost of the shuttle is $20. To purchase, add shuttle ticket to your entry on Active or you can go back in after you have registered online and purchase additional tickets if you wish by going to the "Shuttle Tickets and Valet Tickets" category or call (714-978-1528) to add tickets to your registration. You will pick up your tickets at a designated area at the expo.
Shuttle service will be provided by Transit Systems Unlimited, Inc. to participants purchasing tickets starting at 4:30 am and continuing until 1:30 pm. Cost is $20. Shuttles will be going from the Marina Del Rey Marriott to Venice Beach, LA Live to Venice Beach - Pre Race, Venice Beach to LA Live – Spectators ONLY (no bikes allowed), LA Live to Venice Beach– Post Race, and LA Live to Marina Del Rey Marriott in a triangle rotation. One tip--the Marina Del Rey Marriott is close enough to the start in Venice that some may choose to ride their bikes there in the morning. Here are the shuttle stops:
- Venice Beach Blvd. North at Pacific Ave. (located adjacent to T1)
- LA Live Pick-up: Corner of 12th and Figueroa Street
Spectators can also purchase shuttle bus tickets. The shuttle ticket is $25 and you can add the ticket to your active account . When purchasing the shuttle ticket, spectators will be able to specify which location and direction they are taking the shuttle.
Elite Amateur Competition, presented by Lifetime Fitness
THE DETAILS:
At the Chicago Triathlon, athletes in the EAC will be judged against the athletes in their age group in the EAC competition only, and not against the athletes in the open age group competition. EAC participants will be seeded into the 1st wave(s) of the International distance event, competing head-to-head with the other top amateur triathletes for awards (three-deep, men & women) in the 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80+ years & older age groups. Athletes competing in the International distance “Open Age Group Division” will be competing for a separate class of awards.
A RACE WITHIN A RACE
Results for athletes competing in the EAC will be included in the USA Triathlon (USAT) age group rankings based on their performance in the EAC, just as if the EAC was the only race taking place on that day.
ELITE AMATEUR COMPETITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To compete in the EAC, an athlete must meet the following criteria:
Athletes (male or female) must complete the 1.5-kilometer swim in 30 minutes or less (not including the run to transition) or the athlete will be disqualified from the race.
Athletes must submit their USAT membership card at registration, current through 8/30/09.
Athletes must submit a copy of their `08 USAT rankings and be included in the top 20% of their USAT age group. Final USAT ranking will be available on February 1, 2009 at www.usatriathlon.org. To determine if you are ranked in the top 20%, divide your place within the group by their group total e.g., if you rank 211 in a group of 1213 then: 211/1213 = 17% placing you in the top 20%.
To be eligible, fax (714-978-1505) attention EAC, or mail a copy of your USAT membership card and USAT ranking sheet to:
Pacific Sports LLC
1500 S. Sunkist Street, Ste E
Anaheim CA 92806
Note 1: If your materials are not received by June 1st, you will be dropped into your respective Open Age Group category.
NOT A MEMBER OF USAT, NOT RANKED, BUT BELIEVE YOU ARE QUALIFIED?
If you believe (based on past triathlon performance) that you are qualified to be included in the EAC, please fax (attention EAC) or mail (address above) your 2008 triathlon race resume for consideration. Race resumes must be received no later than June 1st, 2009. Be advised, at a minimum you will be required to meet the 30-minute swim cutoff to avoid being disqualified from the race, and the decision of the ACT selection committee is final. Upon receipt of your race resume, you will be notified of our decision in 14-days.
You can also submit all resumes and any queries to Kylee at Kylee@PacificSportsLLC.com.
Approximate Finish Times
- Professional men: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Professional women: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Median Amateur: 2 hours 35 minutes to 3 hours
- Sprint Men: Under 2 hours
- Sprint Women: 2 hours 10 minutes
Cut Off Times
The cutoff time is 12:00 pm. After that point, streets will be opened to vehicular traffic and timing services shut down. For many of you, this will be your first triathlon. To give you an idea, here are some average finishing times:
Olympic distance course: Average overall time would be 3 hours
- swim: 30 minutes
- bike: 1:30 to 1:45
- run: 1 hour
Sprint distance course: Average overall time would be under 2 hours
- swim: 15 minutes
- bike: 1:15
- run: 27 minutes
Finish Line Location and Finish Line Festival
The finish is on Chick Hearn Court, just west of Figueroa. Our finish line festival is at LA LIVE's Nokia Plaza on Chick Hearn Court. We will offer post race food for all participants of the race. This section is for athletes only.
Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Series
The Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon, presented by Herbalife is part of the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Series, along with the triathlons in Minneapolis, New York, and Chicago and Dallas. Check out the website for the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Series
Wave Starts
Please remember these things: Don't forget to wear the chip timing device on your ANKLE. There is more than one start group for each cap color. You must know your wave start number!! It is required that you start in the wave to which you have been assigned, otherwise you will affect another competitor's results and awards.
Organizations Who Benefit
- Beacon House
- LA Leggers
- Students Run LA
- A Running Start Foundation is a 501c3 charity focused on harnessing the amazing running talent in Africa to allow more impoverished but talented youngsters to earn a U.S. university scholarship from their athletic gift or to earn a living as professional athletes. We are actively seeking triathletes who want to both compete and to help fellow African athletes. For information on available race slots and to join our team, see us at http://www.arunningstart.org.
Train for Autism
Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with Autism. Train 4 Autism, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization established by families of children affected by this disorder. Our mission is to empower the millions of Americans that are touched by Autism through involvement in endurance events. Our goals are to engage families, raise funds for research and direct treatment, while promoting awareness, education, and community support. There are some opportunities to participate in the Kaiser Permanente LA Triathlon & raise funds on behalf of Train 4 Autism. Competitors receive a paid entry, training shirt, fuel belt, and pre-race dinner. We will be sponsoring a water station along the race route & volunteers will receive a free Train 4 Autism Shirt. Please visit our website for additional information & join us to make a difference. www.train4autism.org
Beach Conditions
Visit www.watchthewater.org. It has a webcam, water temperature, surf conditions, and more for Venice and all county beaches.
Parking Options
- VENICE BEACH:
Washington lot will open at 4am, the rate will be $6. There is also plenty of parking on the street. Just be sure not to park on the South Side of Venice Blvd. Cars will be towed. - STAPLES CENTER:
Parking lot 2 will open at 4am. It will be $10 to park there. Parking Lot 2 can only be entered from Georgia St, between Chick Hearn Ct. and Olympic. - METRO LINE:
The Metro BLUE line stops at the "Chick Hearn Station" (aka. Flower and Pico Station) which is only a couple blocks from the finish line. The exit comes out at Flower and 12th Street. - OUR VALET SERVICE
Best Spots to Watch the Race
- Venice Beach Swim Start. At the end of Venice Blvd. at the beach. It is the perfect location to watch all the opening ceremonies, wave starts, the pros, and T1.
- LA Live. The finish line for the LA Triathlon. Lots of activity with the finish, entertainment, food and expo vendors. Easy to get to from the start. Just head East on the 10 freeway and off at Grand Avenue.
- Transition Area #2. The hotbed of activity will be at the top of Lot W next to Nokia Plaza. This transition area will house both the age group and pro transitions. Activity and excitement all day long and often where the race is won and lost.
- Chick Hearn Court. Stand in the shade of STAPLES Center and LA LIVE while you cheer for triathletes nearing the end of their bike segment and into the finish chute. This is also the turn around point for the
- Olympic run course. Witness athletes starting and finishing their run from this location with T2 adjacent.
Olympic Blvd. Pick a spot, watch the cyclists on our closed course as they head toward downtown as both Olympic and Sprint Courses turn and merge at this location. - Disney Concert Hall (Grand and 1st Street). At the high point of the bike course nearing the big downhill into T2. Also, the turn around on the Olympic and Sprint run course. It overlooks a beautiful Frank Gehry design and home of one of the city's finest restaurants, Patina. Walk over to the beautiful new Cathedral or Museum of Contemporary Art just a block away.
- Rent a helicopter or a blimp. The Hollywood way to see the race, rent one or bring your own. See the entire swim, bike and run sections from above. The best way to see all the action.






