Registration FAQ
Can someone else pick up my race packet for me?
No. Everyone will be required to show their own valid picture ID at packet pickups. This includes each member of a relay team.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
Click here for Packet Pickup
What is the minimum age for the 5K?
8 years old by day of race
What is the minimum age for the Tri Solo?
11 years old
What is the minimum age to do the Swim or Paddle portion of the Tri relay?
11 years old however you can be 8 years old or older to do the 5K portion of the Tri relay.
Can we have a stroller in the run?
Yes, but you need to be in the very back of the group of runners. ie., at the back of the start line.
Are pets allowed?
No
Will there be a race briefing before the race starts?
Yes. Important last minute information will be relayed to everyone at the race start. Please review the course layouts:
http://www.neverquitnever.com/race_info/course_layout.php
Where is the Lost & Found located?
Lost & Found will be at the registration tent.
I’m unable to do the race I signed up for, can I give someone else my number to race for me?
No, Race entries are non transferable and will not be deferred to a future race, nor refunded.
Registration is closed; can I register on race day?
No.
I hear there are awesome prizes!
5K Run Location
Where and when is the 5K Run?
How many water stations are on the run course?
5 water stations on the 5K run course. 1.25K, turnaround point and 3.75K marks. There will be an additional water station at the 5K finish line between the run and the swim.
Transition area will have water too.
Tri Challenge FAQ
Where is the race?
In front of the One Ocean Resort Hotel in Atlantic Beach, Florida.
What is the Tri CHALLENGE?
The Tri Challenge consists of three 'legs'; 5k run, 500 meter ocean swim and 1.5K ocean surfboard paddle. This is new and different than any other event and the name says it all, The Tri Challenge.
What is a SOLO Tri?
A Solo Tri participant will do all three legs on their own and bragging rights. Any Solo Tri finisher will be given a unique t-shirt stating they are a "Solo Tri".
What is a Tri Relay Team?
A Tri Relay Team can have 2 or 3 persons. For example, a two person relay team can have one person run and the other person can swim and paddle. Or mix it up where one person runs and surfboard paddles and the other person can swim. A three person relay team will have one person run, one person swim and one person surfboard paddle.
What is the order of the Tri Race? What do I do first?
1st - 5K Beach Run (2.5k out and back)
2nd - 500 Meter Ocean swim
3rd - 1.5K Ocean Surfboard paddle (Only surfboards. No paddle boards, lifeguard paddle boards, kayaks.)
(A long surfboard will give you the best results)
What are timing chips and how does the timing chip work in a relay?
A timing chip uniquely identifies athletes as they cross over electronic mats. The waterproof chip collects and processes results at the end of the race. The timing chip MUST be worn on the ankle during all three legs of the race and only exchanged between relay mates in the designated relay area in transition. This year, you will receive your disposable timing chip at pre-packet pick up or on race day if you did not receive at pre-packet pick up. All Tri, SOLO and relay participants must check in at least two hours prior to start of race for body marking. Body marking will be available as you check in throughout the day, for your race. Please be on time.
Where is body marking?
Body Marking for Tri Challenge participants will be at Packet Pickup.
What is a transition area?
A transition area is a secured area where participants place their race items they use to transition from one segment to the next. Participants must have a Tri wristband and body markings to enter the transition area. Volunteers will be available in transition areas if you need any assistance and will watch your gear during the race. Participants are not allowed back into the transition until after the last person has entered the water and the race director has announced that transition is open to retrieve your gear after the race. Please adhere to the transition closed rule as this is to allow all participants to race without interference.
Am I allowed to carry my swim cap and goggles during my Run?
Yes, you must carry your swim cap and goggles. Most runners kept the swim cap tucked into their shorts and the goggles around their wrist or neck. Tri Relay participants will naturally have them on themselves waiting for their teammate in the transition area.
If I'm racing in the Tri where can I leave my gear and who can watch my shoes, shirt and race necessities while I'm swimming and/or paddling?
The Transition Area. The transition area will be small if you bring only the necessities then we’ll have room for everyone. Swim transitions will open to retrieve your items after the last swimmer enters the water. Paddle transition will open to retrieve your items after the last surfer enters the water. Only participants with Tri wrist bands are allowed in transition areas. NO EXCEPTIONS. You will have to have someone watch your items.
Are wetsuits allowed?
Yes. It will not affect your scoring at all. But the water temp should be quite pleasant to just use a swim suit.
Are we required to wear event specific rashguards and swim caps?
No, but a swim cap is recommended.
Can you describe the 500 meter ocean swim?
The 2nd leg of the challenge is the 500 meter ocean swim. The swim will start as soon as you cross the 5K run finish line. If you are on a relay team please exchange the timing chip in the designated area in transition. The Swim portion will start about 50 meters after you enter the ocean, typically waist deep. Orange buoys with a 6 foot pole and a visible flag on top will mark the swim course. Swim out, turn north or south depending on the direction of the current (you will be briefed on the day of event on the direction of the current) and turn in towards the beach to the Swim Finish gate. Lifeguards will be out along the swim course for safety. If you need to take a swim break please rest while hanging onto a lifeguard paddle board. You are not allowed to have the lifeguard advance from where you stopped. Once you are ready to swim again, you will begin where you stopped to rest. The goal is that you will actually be swimming approximately 500 Meters in the ocean, so please train accordingly. You can swim in the ocean everyday with an on-duty lifeguard nearby. Just let them know that you are doing your ocean swim training and swim in front a manned life guard tower so they can keep an eye on you. (Swim course layout: http://www.neverquitnever.com/race_info/course_layout.php)
Will the 500 meter ocean swim be difficult?
For most people, a 500 meter is not difficult at all. However, it does not hurt to practice swimming in the ocean days and weeks before you do this event. If you are serious about swimming well, practice swimming in a pool well in advance of this race by months if possible. Please note, swimming in the ocean is tougher that swimming in a pool.
Please get in shape and practice, practice, practice.
How long does a 500 meter ocean swim typically take?
In the 2010 event (which had very calm glassy water) The shortest time was 9:41, the longest was 27:36
If the water is choppy, as the event is in the afternoon and the ocean is usually not as calm in the afternoon) then you can expect a harder swim. The 2012 race will be treated much more seriously by many athletes as the Never Quit Beach Fest is growing, and the Tri Challenge really is an amazing challenge. So to do your best, please train, not just in the pool but in the ocean.
I am a great runner, but need help with the swim and paddle. Do you know a great place that can help?
Yes. We have a training and tips section of the web site available to our participants. But one on one training is the best way to go. Email us with your contact information (click here) and we will set up you up with a qualified ocean swim and paddle instructor. Visit the Life Guards and ask if they will help train you after hours. Please make sure that you make a donation to the Life Guards for their assistance. This is not mandatory but Never Quit asks that you take care of those who take care of you.
What should I expect for the 1.5k Ocean Paddle and what do I do if I'm in a relay team?
Relay mates will repeat exchanging timing chips in transition from ankle to ankle. Relay and Solo's are now ready to start the final leg, the 1.5 K Ocean Surfboard Paddle. Grab your own surfboard that is in the surfboard area and cross through the surfboard "Start" timing gate and paddle out along a marked 1.5k ocean course. Larger orange buoys (without a pole and flag, take this part out) will be set along the paddle course with lifeguards on paddle boards to help paddlers and for safety. You will be in a prone or kneeling position on your surfboard, no stand up paddling allowed. When you are on your return trip back to the beach, you can ride a wave to the beach on your belly, kneeling, or standing. When exiting the paddle, you must have your surfboard in hand when you cross the finish line. Athletes who do not have boards in hand will not be eligible for times or prizes. (Paddle course layout: http://www.neverquitnever.com/race_info/course_layout.php)
Will the 1500 meter ocean surfboard paddle be difficult?
For most people, a 1,500 meter ocean surfboard paddle is not difficult, especially if you are on a relay team and all you have to do is the surfboard paddle.
However, if you are a SOLO Tri, it is a different story. Almost everyone who was a SOLO said that the paddle was the hardest leg for them, and many who said this were avid surfers who paddle all the time. They said that after the 500 meter swim their arms were like spaghetti arms. A few people crossed the finish line with their surfboards, and vomited as they crossed, so it was hard.
To make your paddle easier, quicker, and less of a strain on your arms, do the following:
1. Get a long board, something over 8 foot would be best.
2. Practice paddling in the ocean.
3. Get in shape
If you are serious about paddling well in this event well, then practice well in advance of this race by months if possible.
The 2012 Tri Challenge PADDLE portion will take place around 8:45AM for most people, so the water will typically not be as calm as it is during the early morning.
Choppy water makes for a much harder paddle, so please, get a longer board if possible, get in shape and practice, practice, practice.
How long does a 1500 meter ocean paddle typically take?
In the 2010 event (which had very calm glassy water) The shortest time was 16:31, the longest was 1:16 (That is One Hour and 16 minutes)
(This guy who got 1:16 Never Quits)
If the water is choppy in 2011, as the event is in the afternoon and the ocean is usually not as calm in the afternoon) than you can expect a harder paddle. The 2012 race will be treated much more seriously by many athletes as the Never Quit Beach Fest is growing, and the Tri Challenge really is an amazing challenge. So to do your best, please train, and not just days before the event. Weeks and months are best.
How do I prepare for the swim or ocean paddling legs?
If you are not comfortable swimming in the ocean or you aren't an experienced surfboard paddler, please start training now so you are prepared on race day. It is highly recommended to practice running and then swimming immediately afterwards to familiarize your body on what a run to swim feels like. Information can be found on the Never Quit Facebook link. Try calling your friends and see if they know of anyone who is a swimmer or a surfer or post to find relay teammates.
It is advised that you use a long board surfboard as they paddle easier and faster. Typically, a long board is over 9' in length. Wetsuits are allowed during the ocean surfboard paddle leg. However, the water temperature is quite warm in the month of June. Use at your own discretion.
NO Lifeguard paddle boards, Tandem boards, Windsurfers, or Stand up paddle boards will be allowed in the paddle portion of the event as this will give you an unfair advantage.
Please use a standard Surfboard or long board that surfers surf on.
I don't have a surfboard but I want to do the ocean paddle, is there a place to rent or purchase a board?
For Surfboard/Longboard Rentals for the Tri Challenge, you will need to prepay the $25 per day with one of the following to reserve your board, but each of these shops only have 20 boards to rent and there will be close to 500 people in the Tri event. A great option is to purchase a used or new surfboard which starts as low as 180.00. Purchasing a board allows you to train and surf and have the best summer of your life. You can always sell the board at anytime and loose the value of a few days of rental cost.
1. Sunrise Surf Shop. 904-241-0822 http://www.sunrisesurfshop.com (Pick up surfboard no later than 6pm June 8)
2. Aqua East Surf Shop. 904-246-2550 http://www.aquaeast.com (Pick up surfboard no later than 7pm June 8)
3. Rent Beach Stuff. 904-305-6472 http://www.rentbeachstuff.com (You can pick up your surfboard the morning of June 10 between 6am to 7am)
Tri Challenge One Day License (Insurance) FAQ
What will insurance cost for the Tri Challenge?
In 2010 it cost $10 per leg, in 2011 and 2012 Never Quit will cover the cost for your insurance. When you pay your entry for the event, your insurance is already covered. Simple.
I am participating as part of a relay team. Does each member on my team need to purchase a one day license?
No, this year it is all covered when you register for your event.
Remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Train smart so we can all have fun
Take a deep breath and relax
Don’t forget to thank our volunteers;
we wouldn’t be able to race without them.
Please email us with any additional questions.
