FAQ

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  • How long is the course? 
    • The Hermosa Beach Triathlon features a 1/4-mile ocean swim, a 10-mile bike on a flat course, and a 3-mile run on the Hermosa Beach strand
  • What is the minimum age to participate?
    • The minimum age to participate is 14 years old as of December 31 of the year of the race
  • 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. You may pruchase insurance at the time of registration.
  • 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.

    • 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 8, 2026 12:00 pm Packet Pickup Opens at Sports Basement located at 14351 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne, CA 90250; 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Triathlon Clinics at Triathlon Lab; 4:00 pm Early Packet Pickup Closes
    • Sunday, August 9, 2026 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? The 2026 wave start schedule will be announced 2 weeks before the race.
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 – 195-200 lbs
Clydesdale Men’s Open Division – 200+ lbs
Athena Women’s Open Division – 165+ lbs
Mountain Bike Men and Women Division
Relays Male, Female, Mixed and Physically Challenged
ParaTriathlete Men and Women Divisions
  • 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
    • Swim 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