Welcome to the Reservoir
We can't wait to get racing at the Boulder Reservoir! Temperatures are expected to reach 72°F during the race, with a water temperature of 66°F as of May 24th. This guide has everything you need to show up prepared — read it through before race morning.
Race Day Schedule
Sunday, May 31 · Boulder Reservoir
- 5:30 AMGate opens to Boulder Reservoir
- 6:00 AMBody marking & packet pickup
- 7:15 AMLong Course race waves begin
- 7:20 AMAll bikes must be in transition
- 7:30 AMOlympic distance waves begin · Duathlon start
- 7:35 AMSprint Triathlon waves begin (NEW for 2026)
- 9:30 AMPost-race food serving begins
- 9:45 AMSwim cut-off (1h 45m after last wave)
- 10:30 AMOlympic awards (approx.)
- 1:30 PMAquabike awards (approx.)
- 1:45 PMMandatory bike cut-off
- 2:45 PMLong Course Tri & Du awards (approx.)
- 3:35 PMRace cut-off — finish line is the last to come down
Packet Pickup
Transition & Parking
Parking
Park entry fee is waived until 7:15 AM. Arrivals after that should be prepared to pay regular entry. Follow parking attendants to the north or south overflow lots.
Transition Access
Only participants are allowed inside transition. Family & friends should stay behind the barricades for athlete safety.
Body Marking
Get marked by a volunteer at the entrance to transition on race morning.
Bike Racks
Assigned by bib number (based on distance & division). Each athlete gets 2.5 ft of width — please set up in your assigned area.
The Courses
Swim
Wave starts (not a rolling start) — athletes go off together by assigned wave. Listen for your wave call and line up on the beach in advance. Boulder Reservoir provides safety boats, jet skis, kayaks, volunteers, certified lifeguards and directional buoys. You may rest on a kayak as long as it doesn't help you forward. In an emergency, wave your swim cap and a boat will come to you. Request a brightly colored cap from the Race Director at packet pickup if you'd like extra eyes from our water safety team.
Bike
A scenic rural course with rolling terrain and flat sections to settle into your aerobars. Wide shoulders and limited traffic make for great passing. Long Course rides 2 laps (LC continues straight on Jay Rd to start lap 2 instead of returning to the reservoir). Olympic rides 1 lap. Sprint rides 1 short lap, turning off Highway 36 at Neva to head back to the reservoir.
Run
An out-and-back on packed dirt path and asphalt. Long Course = 3 laps, Olympic = 2 shorter laps, Sprint = 1 lap. First half is rolling with slight elevation; perfect course for a long-course PR. Spectators can cheer at the lap turnaround.
Sprint Triathlon (NEW for 2026)
0.47 mi swim · 17.3 mi bike · 3.1 mi run. An awesome way to kick the season off. 1-lap bike course (short lap turning off Highway 36 at Neva) and a 1-lap run. Sprint waves start at 7:35 AM.
Duathlon
LC: 5K run · 56 mi bike · 13.1 mi run. Olympic: 5K · 29 mi · 5K. Start line is the SE corner of the parking lot at 7:30 AM.
Aquabike
LC: 1.2 mi swim · 56 mi bike (2 laps). Olympic: 0.9 mi swim · 29 mi bike (1 lap). Crossing the timing mat back into transition ends your race — stroll to the finish for your medal.
Aid Stations & Support
Bike Aid
Gatorade and water. 1 aid station per lap on 63rd near Coot Lake. Roads are open to traffic — stay on the shoulder unless passing.
Run Aid
Gatorade, water, gels and gummies — approximately every mile.
Bike Mechanical
Pre-race minor maintenance from Arvada Tri on race morning. Come prepared to do basic on-course repairs yourself.
Drop Zones
Discard bottles and nutrition wrappers within the marked boundaries at each aid station. Keep Boulder clean — no littering on the course.
Medical
Medical support is at the finish line and on the bike course. Flag a support vehicle, aid-station volunteer, or another athlete if you need help — all stations have two-way radios.
Hydration
Start hydrating one week out, and especially the 2–3 days before. Best way to avoid the medics.
Timing, Food & Logistics
Timing Chips
Wear on either ankle for the entire race. Don't swap with another athlete. If you drop out, return your chip to staff or the Timing Trailer. No chip = no time. $20 replacement fee for unreturned chips.
Live Results
Posted at the Timing Trailer and live at my.raceresult.com/groups/4530.
Post-Race Food
Pizza and snacks at the food tent. Vegetarian option available.
Shirt Swap
Stop by the Timing Trailer after your race to swap sizes if extras are available.
Zero Waste
Sort leftovers at the compost & recycle stations. No glass bottles are allowed at Boulder Reservoir.
Lost & Found
Check or return items at the Timing Trailer near the finish. Items held 2 weeks before being donated. Email info@bbsctri.com.
Rules & Safety
Age Group
USAT calculates your age as of December 31 of the race year. Race in the bracket you'll be in this year.
Bib & Body Marking
Required and visible at all times to avoid USAT penalty.
Sanitation
Use only the portable units provided. Anything else is a USAT indecent exposure violation.
Bib Transfers
Bibs are non-transferable. Violations may disqualify you from awards and future events.
Inclement Weather
The Race Director and/or Park Management may reschedule, modify or cancel any portion of the event for safety. No refunds for weather-affected events.
Full USAT Rules
Awards & Prizes
Top 3 overall in every race. Age group and division awards in the Triathlons, Duathlon and Aquabike. Results post throughout the day at the Timing Trailer — finish times use the appropriate gun time, so start in your correct wave.
Winners must be present to receive prizes. Anyone not present has 2 weeks to claim — email info@bbsctri.com for shipping. Charges may apply.