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TOUGHKids Athlete Guide

We can’t wait to see you at TOUGHKids! Registration is still open if you want to join with family or friends. The 2026 Athlete Guide is now available—please review it carefully as there will be no pre-race briefing. Remember, this is an all-weather event, so be ready for rain or shine!

Message from the Event Director

Welcome to the TOUGHKids Triathlon! This event is all about one thing: having fun and celebrating the spirit of multisport!

Remember, sportsmanship is at the heart of our race. This isn’t a battle for individual glory—it’s a joyful experience shared with friends, family, and fellow athletes. Please stay safe, respect the course and those around you, and show kindness to every participant.

Parents: We know how proud you are of your kids, and we want the best for them. Let’s all commit to creating an environment where safety, fairness, and encouragement are given to every child and parent alike.

If you’re feeling excited now, just wait until race morning—you’re in for an unforgettable day! You’ve trained hard and prepared well. Now, all that’s left is to relax, enjoy, and soak in every moment of this event we carefully designed to be safe, organized, and full of fun for the whole family.

Rain or shine, the race will go on!

  • Love every second—from: Setting up your unique transition area
  • Taking that exhilarating first jump into the lake
  • Surrounded by cheering friends and family
  • Crossing the finish line and proudly earning your medal

Remember, every child who finishes is a champion. Your place doesn’t define your victory—your courage and effort do.

Athletes, welcome to the wonderful world of multisport! We hope this is just the start of a lifelong passion. Looking forward to seeing you out there!

Youth Equipment Video

Watch this special Video by Jeff Boyer, CSCS USAT Level 2 certified Youth & Junior Coach and Head Coach of Barracuda Tri. For questions or more information, contact Jeff at info@barracudatri.com or 914-960-7762.

Schedule

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Lake Welch, Harriman State Park
12 pm – 4 pm: Packet Pick-Up
Parents must sign a waiver for each of their children racing, therefore, you cannot pick up anyone’s else packet.
 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Lake Welch, Harriman State Park
7:00 am – 8:30 am:  TOUGHKids Packet Pick-Up Only
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Main entrance closed to traffic. 
8:45 am: All racers’ head to the beach
8:45 pm: Transition closed until approx. 12:00 pm.
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Park closed to traffic for TOUGHKIDS race
9:00 am: TOUGHKids Ages 4-6 race begins
9:05 am: Ages 7-8 racers head to the beach
9:20 am: TOUGHKids Ages 7-8 race begins 
9:25 am: Ages 9-10 racers head to the beach
9:40 am: TOUGHKids Ages 9-10 race begins
9:45 am: Ages 11-12 racers head to the beach 
10:00 am: TOUGHKids Ages 11-12 race begins
10:15 am: Ages 13-14/TOUGHTEEN racers head to the beach
10:30 am: TOUGHKids Ages 13-14 / TOUGHTEEN race begins
11:30 am: Park roads re-open when last racer heads out on run course
12:00 pm: Transition re-opens when last racer finishes
11:30 am: Awards Ceremony 
1:00 pm: All bikes/gear must be removed from transition by this time.
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Expo Open. We have lots of great gear for kids, so don’t forget to bring cash/credit cards.

Packet Pick-up

Friday, 9/11, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Packet Pickup for ALL RACES
Location: Registration Tent, Lake Welch, Harriman State Park

Saturday, 9/12, 7:00 am – 8:30 am
Location: Registration Tent, Lake Welch, Harriman State Park

Parents must sign a waiver for each of their children racing, therefore you cannot pick up anyone’s else packet.

Parents need PHOTO ID to collect children’s packets along with the child’s USA Triathlon membership card, if they own one. If you lost the card or it has expired, print a copy or renewal receipt at USATriathlon.org. Each participant will receive a goody bag and T-shirt.

You will receive the T-shirt size you ordered. We will gladly swap sizes AFTER registration closes. Stop by the Race Info Tent 11:40 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to exchange your shirt.

Race Packet

Enclosed in each athlete’s packet

  • Assigned Swim Cap: no substitutions / color changes.
  • Bib #
  • Bike Frame #
  • Helmet #
  • Disposable Chip
  • Wristband
  • T-Shirt

The wristband grants you

  • Access in/out of Transition Area
  • Post race refreshments
  • To race on the course (swim/bike/run)
  • Receive an Award

Race Day Marking

  • Skin (body marking)
  • Bike frame & Bike helmet
  • Front of run shirt /Race belt with Bib (not back); Bib # has a medical alert form on the back for you to complete.

Safety Pins: Pins are available at Packet Pick-up in the event you need them, but are not inside your packet.

Race Day Checklist

Transition Area

  • Bag or backpack
  • Energy source
  • Sunscreen
  • Extra Towel
  • Water Bottle and/or Energy Drink
  • Jacket / Sweatshirt
  • Post Race Clothes
  • Proper psi in bike tires
  • Tire wrenches
  • Sunglasses

Swim

  • Timing Chip
  • Swimsuit
  • Goggles
  • Goggles Defogger
  • TOUGHMAN Swimcap
  • Towel

bIKE

  • Bike
  • Bar ends plugged
  • Bike number affixed
  • Bike Shorts
  • Bike Shirt
  • Bike Helmet
  • Bike Pump

Run

  • Safety pins / race belt
  • Running Shoes
  • Running Shorts
  • Running Shirt
  • Running Socks
  • Visor / Hat
  • Race number

Lost and Found

TOUGHMAN Triathlon is not responsible for lost or stolen items. We will offer a lost and found box for items turned in at the Volunteer Tent.

Race Morning Instructions

Since you and 500 other athletes will be arriving at the same time, please follow these directions for a smooth race morning:

  1. Give yourself plenty of time to drive, park and unload.
  2. Find the Registration Tent
  3. Get on any line to pick up your 
    race packet
  4. Wear your timing chip
  5. Place your Bike Number onto your bike frame and head to transition
  6. Rack bike 
    (8 bikes per rack, 3 per side)
  7. Set up gear
  8. Place Bib Number onto front of shirt/shorts
  9. Place Helmet Number onto 
    helmet
  10. Get body marked with race #
  11. Use bathrooms
  12. Take timing chip, swim cap & goggles and head to the beach by 8:45 am.

Transition Area

  • Opens at 7:00 am, closes at 8:45 am for setup. Do not touch or move other racers bikes or equipment.
  • We have open racking for the TOUGHKids race.
  • There should be 8 bikes per rack and tell the child to remember where they rack.
  • Rack by your bike by the seat, not the handlebars.
  • Do not lean your bike against another bike/pole.
  • Parents can help set up their child’s transition area, but they are not allowed in transition during the race (except parents of 4-6 year olds who are allowed one (1) helper throughout the entire race).
  • Bike must have a BIKE Frame NUMBER attached in order to enter transition & wristband must be on.
  • Please label all your belongings to avoid confusion on race day.
  • Mylar balloons are acceptable for marking spot.
  • Transition does not re-open until 12:00 pm. YOU CANNOT REMOVE YOUR ITEMS UNTIL THAT TIME.

Expo

  • Chip Station is located next to the Registration Tent in the event of any issues.
  • Wear your Timing Chip around your ankle, being careful to secure it at the correct tightness. NO CHIP = NO TIME and NO AWARDS.
  • If your child does not finish the race: turn in the chip to the nearest volunteer or staff member.

Swim

Saturday, September 12

  • Family can be with you on the beach prior to the race, but not allowed in the athlete corral, except 4-6 year olds who may have 1 helper
  • Swim start is a land start
  • Freshwater swim with sandy bed (no rocks)
  • Buoys and rope will clearly mark the course
  • Kayakers and lifeguards will be in the water for assistance/guidance/emergency. Holding on is OK, but if brought in then DQ
  • Swim finish marked by a huge TOUGHKids inflatable arch
  • Don’t forget your goggles!

TRANSITION – T1

  • Helmets must be worn at all times from leaving transition to returning to transition
  • Walk or trot with your bike in the transition lanes to the designated Bike Mount area before riding
  • No ipods allowed on bike
TOUGHKids Wave Cap Color Wristband Time
Ages 4-6
1
Yellow
Yellow
9:00 am
Ages 7-8
2
Orange
Red
9:20 am
Ages 9-10
3
Neon Green
Green
9:40 am
Ages 11-12
4
Red
Blue
10:00 am
Ages 13-14
5
White
White
10:20 am
Toughteen
5
Silver
Silver
10:30 am

Bike

  • Follow the volunteer instructions on where to ride.
  • Only the 11-14 year olds and TOUGHTEEN ride 2 laps, and must count their laps.
  • Remember “Ride Right” - ALWAYS stay to the right to let others pass (no riding 2-3 aside)
  • Any type of bicycle is allowed EXCEPT BIKEs with AEROBars– road, mountain, cross, bmx, tricycle, training wheels, hybrid
  • ANSI approved helmets must be worn at all times from leaving transition to returning to transition.

T2 - TRANSITION

  • Walk or trot with your bike from the Dismount line to the transition area.
  • No iPods allowed on run.
  • Race number must be worn on FRONT of run clothing

BIKE COURSE AND PROFILE

Please keep in mind these following safety tips, to ensure that everyone maximizes their bike goals and we minimize any accidents or injuries:

  1. Stay to the RIGHT, unless you are passing. There are some narrow sections with two-way traffic where this will be very important. Slower cyclists need to be aware that there will potentially be faster cyclists that will need to pass. Please give them plenty of room to your left.
  2. Faster cyclists passing on the left should provide a friendly warning.
  3. Earphones are not allowed and illegal per USAT rules.
  4. No riding 2-3 aside —this is a race not a ride.

Equipment Guide and USAT Rules

The use of banned equipment will result in disqualification (DQ)
USAT YOUTH RULES FOR ALL AGE GROUPS
Violations of any of the following will result in a time penalty or DQ

Swim

  • No flotation devices of any kind
  • No fins, paddles or gloves
  • No pulling along rope

Transition

  • No parents allowed (ages 7+)
  • No retrieving gear until it re-opens
  • No riding bike inside transition
  • No dropping bike carelessly on ground
  • Helmets must be buckled before exiting T1l
  • Shoes must be worn on the bike
  • No personal audio devices

Conduct

  • Cyclists must ride in a safe manner. No drafting.
  • No unsportsmanlike conduct from athletes or parents.
  • No rude, abusive or discourteous language or behavior.
  • No unauthorized assistance of any kind ages 7+.

Finish Line & Athlete Recovery Zone

As you cross the finish line, you enter the Athlete Recovery Zone where you will receive your finisher’s medal, have your chip removed, and be offered bananas and bagels. Photos are taken of all athletes crossing the finish line, and catchers are available if you need medical assistance. Nutrition is provided, including water, Gatorade Endurance, bagels, fruit, and bars. Please leave the Recovery Zone as soon as possible to allow other athletes to come through.

You will also have the opportunity to take individual athlete photos at our Media Backdrop next to the awards stage prior to the Awards Ceremony. Medical support is available on-site through the White Plains Hospital Mobile Trauma Unit, along with our Medical Team and EMS.

Alert! Park Closed

Saturday, September 12
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Main entrance closed to traffic. Please note the main entrance will be closed for the TOUGHKids Triathlon so enter on Route 106.

Results

  • Get live race results on our website, powered by Split Second Timing. Follow our homepage and social media on race day to track athletes in real-time.
  • Preliminary results will be posted on the results board when each Age Group finishes and on Facebook
  • Final results will be posted at approx. 2:30 p.m. at: www.toughkidsTri.com
  • Athletes not competing the entire course will show as DNF

Awards

  • Awards Ceremony will start at approximately 11:30 a.m.
  • Age group awards given to the top 3 girls and top 3 boys of each age group.
  • Athletes that do not complete the full course are not eligible for prize placement.

POST RACE

  • Transition is open 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.. You must remove ALL items during that time.
  • Expo will be ongoing until 4 p.m.

Spectators

  • Arrive before 8:30 am.
  • Bring your parents, grandparents, friends and siblings - all welcome!
  • Dogs are not allowed at the park.

Race Day Results

Get live race results on our website, powered by Split Second Timing.

Follow our homepage and social media on race day to track athletes in real-time.

TOUGHMAN Shop

Open Friday 12pm - 4pM
Saturday 8aM - 4pM
Sunday 6aM - 3pM

Products will be available to purchase, view or sample (bring cash and credit card) TOUGHMAN Shop will have adult and children’s apparel as well as cowbells and accessories.

Our Sponsors

A triathlon for kids ages 4-14.
September 12, 2026
Lake Welch Beach – Harriman State Park in Stony Point, NY

quicklinks

TOUGHMAN WESTCHESTER
TOUGhman triathlon

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