FAQ – Hermosa Beach Triathlon

How long is the course?
- The Hermosa Beach Triathlon features a 1/4-mile ocean swim, 10-mile bike and 3-mile run along the shores of Hermosa Beach, California

What is the minimum age to participate?
- The minimum age is 14 years old.
What is the $14 USAT Fee?
- The Hermosa Beach Triathlon is a USA Triathlon Sanctioned event. The fee will be waived for all USAT members. If you are not a USAT member you will be required to purchase a 1-day USAT pass. For more information on USAT sanctioned events please visit the USA Triathlon site HERE.
What are the award categories?
- We give out awards to the top five participants in each age group!
What is the mountain bike division?
- The mountain bike division is for those participants who are racing using a mountain bike instead of a road bike. The width of your tires must be 1.75 inches or larger. These tires can be smooth, knobby, or with tred.
Do I need to wear a wetsuit?
- Wetsuits are not required, but most people choose to race in them. The water temperature is usually 67-70 degrees.
Can I transfer my individual race entry to another person?
- No, individual registrations MAY NOT be transferred from one person to another. Relay teams may switch members and should contact hermosabeachtri@mesp.com to make the change. Please note that each change or addition to a relay team will result in a $25 fee.
Do you offer refunds?
- All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to other athletes.
Can I have someone else pick up my race packet?
- No, you must pick up your own packet. Bring your bib number, a valid photo ID and your USAT card if you are a member.
- For Relay Teams, each member must pick up their own packet and sign physical waivers during packet pickup.
- For participants under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must be present at packet pick up and sign physical waivers on the minor’s behalf.
Is there race day registration?
- We encourage you to register early as the Hermosa Beach Triathlon will likely sell out before race weekend. The race has sold out every year since 2018.
Is there a relay team category?
- Racers can form teams of two or three to compete in the triathlon. When registering, choose the relay team option and complete the form with all information from all members of the relay team. Relay team members competing in two legs of the race must enter their registration information twice.
What is the event schedule?
- Saturday, August 9, 2025 12:00 pm Packet Pickup Opens at Triathlon Lab located at 1512 Aviation Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90278 (310) 374 – 9100; 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Triathlon Clinics at Triathlon Lab; 4:00 pm Early Packet Pickup Closes
- Sunday, August 10, 2025 5:30 am Packet Pickup Opens, Transition Area Opens, Body Marking Begins; 6:45 am Registration Closes / Packet Pickup ends; 6:45 am Mandatory Pre-race Meeting at the Main Stage, Transition Area Closes; 7:00 am Race Starts; 9:00 am Transition Area Re-Opens; 9:45 am Awards Ceremony
What is the wave start schedule?

WAVE #	TIME	SWIM CAP	DIVISIONS
1	7:00	NEON GREEN	Male 14-17
			Male 18-24
			Male 25-29
2	7:06	RED	Male 30-34
3	7:12	POWDER BLUE	Male 35-39
4	7:18	ROYAL BLUE	Male 40-44
			Male mountain bike
			Thunderthighs
			Clydes 200-224 lbs
5	7:24	NEON YELLOW	Male 45-49
			All Relay Teams
6	7:30	NAVY	Male 50-54
			Male 55-59
7	7:36	PINK	Female 14-17
			Female 18-24
			Female 25-29
			Female 30-34
8	7:42	WHITE	Female 35-39
			Female 40-44
			Female 45-49
9	7:48	PURPLE	Male 60-64
			Male 65-69
			Male 70-74
			Male 75-79
			Male 80+
			Clydes 225+ lbs
10	7:54	SILVER	Athena
			Female 50-54
			Female 55-59
			Female 60-64
			Female 65-69
			Female 70-74
			Female 75-80
			Female mountain bike

What are the age divisions?

Individual Age Groups	Men and Women: 14-17, 18-24, 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+
Thunderthighs	Men’s Open Division – 185-199 lbs
Clydesdale	Men’s Open Division – 200-224 lbs and 225+ lbs
Athena	Women’s Open Division – 165+ lbs
Mountain Bike	Men and Women Division
Relays	Male, Female, Mixed and Physically Challenged Note: Relay teams must check in together
ParaTriathlete	Men and Women Division

Do you have to pay for parking?
- Yes, most parking down at Hermosa Beach Pier is garage parking or meter parking. You may be able to find non-permit street parking but for easier access garage parking or meter parking is your best bet.
- Please be mindful that many parking locations are limited to 2 or 3 hours. Visit Hermosa Beach Parking to find locations that allow more than 3 hours
- You must obey all Hermosa Beach City Parking ordinances or your car may be towed
What should I bring with me on the day of the Tri?
- A wetsuit (if you plan on wearing one). Wetsuits are not required but most participants do choose to wear one
- Goggles
- A bright colored towel (this will make it easier for you to find your bike in the transition area)
- Helmet
- Sunglasses
- Cycling shoes (if you wear them)
- Water bottle (there will be water in the expo and as you cross the finish line as well)
- Running Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Change of clothes for after the race