Pleasanton Tri for Fun Triathlon

I will start out by explaining the need for better communication amongst the participants prior to race day. We registered through snail mail to avoid the processing fees, and a week later my check was cashed and that was the only way I knew they received my payment and registration! No email to confirm, so I had to email to verify a few weeks before the event that we were registered. It took a few days to get a response and when I did I was informed in fact we were not registered! I emailed back confirmig the date my check was cashed, then reply was sent back saying our registration was misplaced but they found it. Whew! But no other information is provided prior to race day, and that’s frustrating to first timers as myself.
Day of Event: I will say the preparation for race day was much more organized. We arrived at 5:45am and everything was practically set up, easy to retrieve your bib with plenty of friendly volunteers. I had to ask around a lot where to go, what to do, it was our first sprint triathlon, but everyone was helpful. There is a pre race speech given by past participants who were very informative and motivating!
400 yard swim: They break you up into age and male/​females. Which I liked, easier to swim next to my fellow women especially when you may be in really close proximity. I hit a few people with my arms and legs but everyone was really friendly to my apolgies. The water at Shadow Cliffs I will have to say is DISGUSTING! Seriously, just walking to the starting point of the swim, makes me gag thinking about it. Gooeuy, seaweed type algae in between your toes that goes up past your knees when you step in it! The visibility in the water is zero, but the swim not bad physcially. 3 booeys that form a sqaure with the shoreline and easy to see. I had been training a lot in a lap pool and did one one open water swim, and was prepared for this portion of the triathlon.
11 mile bike: LOVED this route! A few hills, but overall a nice flat ride with pretty views of wine courntry in Livermore/​Pleasanton. Traffic is blocked off and we get the road mostly to ourselves.
3 mile run: This was torture for me, it was hot, and there were a few more hills than I expected. But water is provided along the trail, it switched back a lot, but try to follow the chalked in arrows and you will be Ok.
The finish line MC was awesome, saying your name and where you are from loud and clear with enthusiasm! I finished in 1hr 32 mins, I timed myself on my watch, but for $ 15 extra you can request a timing chip. I didn’t make my goal of 1.5 hours but was pretty close, and didn’t train too much, mostly only for the swimming portion. A check off my bucketlist, and it’s local so have to be appreciative to OnYourMark Events to continuing this tradation of Sprint Triathlons in the area. Just wish for better communication and a better swimming location!

I could not find accurate and complete details regarding this event prior to participating in it, so I will dedicate a review just on that.
Pre-​event:
Registration online (with extra processing fee), or through snail mail. We did it through mail. We received NOTHING prior to the event. and had to call to confirm we ARE registered.
Day of event, on arrival:
Shadow Cliff opens at 530am, we arrived a little after 6 and everything was well underway. First thing on arrival was to rack bikes in the transition area, follow by checking in. There were tables with liabilty forms to fill out (for the park), booth with alphabetized lines for checking in to pick up your bib and timing chip if applicable, booth to pick up your free shirt, other station/​booth for sponsors or fund raising (coffee, snacks). Volunteers standing to permanent mark your bib number onto your body parts. I also saw bins of beverage and fruit for after the event.
The transition area was right next to the registration area which is right next to the lake. This was where all your gears are kept (bikes, towels, shoes, socks, energy boosters). This is where you go between each legs of the race.
645, there was a short speech to first timers where they attempt to explain all the tracks/​routes to you. I had a hard time following, I just follow the crowd and things works out fine.
First leg: 400y swim
Waves start in increments of 5 minutes. 1^st wave: men 17 – 39; 2^nd: men older than 40; 3^rd: women 17 – 39; last wave; everyone else, families with kids are allow to go in this wave. They suggest fast swimmers start at the beginning of their wave, slower ones stay in the very back (ME!).
The course is a giant square with corners marked by ball buoys. The course is 3 sides of the square with last side being the beach (sorry hard to describe). There are shells closer to shore, then you stepped into a mass of soft, gooey things enveloping your legs and you go WTF is that? People postulate they’re mud, or duck poop. Life guards on long boards are posted all around the course to look out for anyone that needs help. Rule is, if you touch a life guard or their board, you are done with the swimming portion. If you need help, stop swimming and wave your arm. Some ppl says they get kicked or it’s really crowded. I had no problem with that probably because I stayed in the back and took my time. Plenty of people did back stroke/​breast stroke to get through the course. Towards shore I saw moss/​algae in the water, and came to the stark realization that THIS is the gooey/​soft mass we felt in the beginning.
Water is surprisingly warm (I was freezing on land). Visibility is close to 0% near shore when mud is kicked up everywhere. It does improve the further out you go, however, you probably can’t see much beyond 5 feet ahead of you. The water is NO where as gross as some other reviewers made it out to be. I was expecting sewage water after reading those. I did see a lot of dirt and crap stuck on me after I got out of the water and in random nooks and crannys.
Leg 2: 11 mile bike
People transitions fast after their swim. Dries their foot put on their socks/​shoes and out they go. This portion is done on public roads surrounding the park. CHPs are available in intersections to stop traffic. Cones are set out to give ample space for bikers. Volunteers are also out in different places to ensure participants know where to turn/​not to turn. This is a pretty relaxing portion of the race and you can enjoy your view of the vineyards. Only one short uphill was tough, almost did me in. If it was any longer, I would need to push my bike up.
Leg 3: 5K run
My legs were stiff after the bike ride. I was worried about face planting onto the ground. The course is inside the park, clearly marked with chalk arrows/​volunteers. Same trails are used multiple times to make up the total distance. Water stations are located in various places. Slight uphill at times, but not bad at all once your legs adjust to running. Could feel a little hot under the sun.
End of race:
As you come to the finish line, they pull up and announce your name/​location based on your bib #. Makes you feel kinda accomplished/​special (even if you’re one of last to come in). Time to binge on the fruits/​pastries (couple choices) and grab your drinks. Turn in the bottom of your bib for raffles (mostly small prizes). By 10am, majority of people have left and almost everything has been taken down. Overall, pretty efficient and well organized event; contrary to what I envision prior to coming.

I suffered e coli with stomach cramps for 2 weeks and course of antibiotics.
Please be careful. Even though the lake is open it still does not meet state safety levels according to this link.
I do love this tri but will not be participating in the future.

Some good posts about the Tri for Fun already, so I will just add a few bits that haven’t been mentioned:
— Having FLUSHABLE TOILETS on site is a big PLUS. If you have been to other events with only portable toilets, you know what I mean…
— The LAKE WATER is DISGUSTING. It is filled with slime, grime, and other crap that reduces underwater visibility to zero. Some swim without putting their head in the water.
— The course is flat and VERY DOABLE. Among the finishers this weekend were some 70 year olds and a 10 year old.

This is a pretty nice event for beginners as well as a good tune up for veterans in the world of triathlons. It’s not officially timed but if you want to get a close to accurate time on the clock, swim in the first wave. That’s when the time starts for everyone. The swim was easy but the transition area was kinda packed so my bike and other stuff were in the dirt and I ended up getting my wet suit a little muddy. You can lean you bike against the fence or tree and set up your area there or someplace but it really helps to stay out of the dirt (I learned the hard way). Anyway, the bike starts out up hill so make sure your bike is on the lowest gear. The run is pretty strait forward, then up and down some pretty easy hills on a dirt trail to the finish line. touchdown!

Did it again this year and the enthusiasm is just as eclectic as last years! This event will definitely be an annual TO DO! Plus all the free samples and fresh fruit after the race helps too =)

SWEET SUCCESS. My friend Laura and I started training for this mini triathlon about a week and a half ago and somehow we still completed it. It was our first triathlon and we were super nervous and bombarded Mark with a gazillion ridiculous questions. He was so nice about it! He answered all the questions promptly via e-​mail and over the phone.
Based on his recommendation, we got to the Park at 5:30 to register and we got an awesome parking spot and missed the enormous lines that formed around 6. There were a lot of newbies and there were people of all ages, which was pretty cool.
The swim was a bit intimidating, especially because I suck at swimming (I stuck to the breaststroke and occasional doggie paddle…). BUT it all worked out and although a lot of people finished before us, a bunch finished after too.
The bike ride was about 11 miles on the road and was virtually all flat. It was well marked with cones and traffic was patrolled by police.
The 3.2 mile run was on a packed dirt trail and formed a clover-​like path with multiple water stations. It was hilly, but they were small and gradual.
Finishing my first triathlon was glorious. Granted it may have been mini and only for fun, but it was a total adrenaline rush, and now I want to try a real one! This was a great, well-​organized event, and next summer I want to do it again. I feel like a total beast. WOOHOO!

This was my first tri and it was an awesome experience! The pep talk for newbies at the beginning was great and really helped me feel less nervous. I had hear the swim can be harrowing so I stayed towards the back of the pack, but in the middle. It was a bit crazy but not bad, and was over before I knew it. The biking and running portions were well marked and organized.
Great event — perfect for first timers! Can’t wait to try my next one!

I had a blast doing this about 5 years ago. It was a lot of fun and very organized.

Summary based on 1 event as a spectator:
–well organized
–once the race starts car access to the site is limited and the nearest parking is about .5 miles away at the McDonald’s lot. Some cars are metered in and out during the race.
–bike/​run transition area well handled for the 200 or so participants
–during the latter part of the run segment, out-​of-​it park goers may block the path

I did my first Tri for Fun in Aug, 2009. I thought it was well organized, from parking, to the event itself. It does take awhile to get into the parking lot, single lane and all. However, I did not get a t-​shirt.
Overall, it was a good experience. A lot of people bring fancy sports gear, expensive bikes, or eat special goo food. If those things help motivate you, go for it. But if you are cheap like me, remember, you don’t need all of that. Keep it simple and you will do just fine.
Swimming was my high school sport and I thought it would be no problem. I was wrong. The swimming was a bit harrowing but I’m still alive. Thrashing arms, bodies all over. It is not like swimming in lane lines with 5 people in your lane. It was hard to get a breath. Eventually, I did back stroke. I’m so sorry to those people I bumped.
The biking is flat and you do get some wind. Hint: ride your bike behind others.
The running course was a little confusing. There are some parts where it seems like the running path criss-​crosses over each other.
How long did it take? I took about 1: 20. In preparation, I swam, biked, and ran for about a month 2 – 3 times a week.
Most inspiring: a woman in her 70’s finished the race. Awesome!

I love this triathlon series! I’ve done 2 of the tri-​4-​funs and the tri for real and they have all been challenging and spirited. The volunteers are knowledgeable and supportive. The life guards are awesome and there are many of them in the open-​water swim. Safety and security are top notch, I had no concerns about my bike or personal property at these races.
This is a great event for newbies, and seasoned athletes alike. If this is your first race, you’ll be challenged, if it’s your 50^th race, you’ll get a good work out and prepare for upcoming events.
Can’t say enough about the event coordinator and volunteers. They work so hard to keep things going smoothly and help out with friendly advice and answers to questions!

This was the first triathlon I did. I participated in the #1 and #3 tri for funs in 2008. Yep, I had such a great time I did it twice. The race was well organized (yes, it’s slow getting into the parking lot but I’ve found most events are like that) and geared toward newbies like me.
I wrote a pretty extensive race report if you are interested in more details.

If you want to start doing triathlons, this is a great place to start. Four years ago I went to my first event here and was really taken very good care of. I’ve been to many events since and here’s what I think about On Your Mark:
— they are very well staffed with nice volunteers and people who help you along every step of the way.
— plenty of people in the lake to ensure your swim is safe and fun.
— they have a huge bike transition area (I’ve been to events with no bike racks, it’s harder to deal with).
— bike route is marked and there’s plenty of cops to ensure you are safe.
— they mark out the running course well and have people also showing you the way so you don’t get lost.
— good water/​electro stations.
— good snacks at the end. all easily accessible.
— considering there are about 1000 athletes at each event, the fact that parking is right in the park and you only need to walk 2 minutes to bring your bike to transition, I think it’s great. You should get there early to avoid lines for parking but hey — it’s up to you. I’ve been to events where you park A MILE away from the event and trek TO the event to start, whine about that, not the parking here!
I’ve done about 6 tri for funs and have friends who have also done several and enjoyed them. I think the operation that they run is great and I will continue to promote them for people who want to try out the sport of triathlon.
Oh yeah, I’ve e-​mailed Mark with questions before and he’s answered promptly and was nice and then met him in person at the events and also really liked him.

I know this is a small time event but, ugh, it was a logistical nightmare just getting in to the park area. We did far more stopping than moving just to go a quarter of a mile up to the park entrance of the event. And, the parking situation was a cluster f***. Word of advice — arrive as early as possible… (and give yourself an additional HOUR).
Once inside, finding space to park your bike and other transition essentials was nonexistent. Also, perhaps the event folks could send out bib numbers to early registrants?
Finally, the event organizers ran out of t-​shirts (boo!). Will update if we ever get the t-​shirt in the mail.
All other complaints aside (hah), the event was pretty smooth. Nothing fancy.

Can’t do this event so I asked a simple question, but the person running the event isn’t too kind to newbies. It was a simple question, but his responses were condescending.
—– Original Message —-
From: On Your Mark Events
Generally about 1 person in 1000 thinks I am an asshole… I’m fine with that…
When you get 30+ requests for «refunds» in the last 3 days. you give an answer, that answers the question…
AND, this in a industry that has not done refunds since it started in the 70’s…
On top of that, I’m cool…
mark
—– Original Message —–
From: Gary C
To: On Your Mark Events
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 11:10 AM
Subject: Re: Registration Confirmation
Hi Mark,
You didn’t really have to go into that much detail to show how much refunds are such an unmanageable issue.
From a customer service perspective I would have said something like this:
«I’m sorry that you can’t make the event due to your injury, I hope you get well soon. Unfortunately, our policy is no refunds because of the nature of pre-​event planning.
I would hope you could join us in our next event when you get better.»
But really, I just want say you came off as an asshole and I wouldn’t want to join another event for just writing, «on top of that».
But maybe you had a bad day…
Gary
—– Original Message —-
From: On Your Mark Events
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 6:16:17 PM
As all «participant athletic events» have a ‘no refund’ policy so do we.
With participant totals, every weekend’ of 1 to 3000, refunds are an unmanageable issue.
On top of that, at this time we have incurred a number of expenses in «your name».
On top of that, the event is 3 days away.
So sorry, no…
Mark
—– Original Message —–
From: Gary C
To:
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 4:42 PM
Subject: Re: Registration Confirmation
Hi,
I can not attend the event due to an injury, can I get a refund?
Thanks,
Gary

I did this race 2 weeks ago, and it was my first Triathlon. I had been training for 12 weeks, and it was the first time I had done a (real) brick run.
I was nervous about the swim to some degree as I had only swam in a pool. So I started in the second wave, some 5 minutes behind the experienced group. The water was warm and a wetsuit was not needed, some people used them (maybe for the practice).
I started the swim towards the side and rear as I didn’t know how it would go. But I was pleasantly surprised that I was quite comfortable and not getting beaten (much) by the other swimmers. I did 8 strokes then breaststroke for 3 to check my location.
Its a 3 sided square course, so the first two sides I was conservative then on the final swim to shore I started to crank it up — or at least drop the breaststroke and just swim.
I swam until it was very shallow, I think this was a good move as when I stood up I would run. I ran out of the water, for a moment I forgot to take of my swim cap, but then I clicked and grabbed my cap and goggles pulling them off. Then I continued running to my bike.
I then (I guess) threw my goggles and cap down then ruffly brushed off my feet, rolled on sox and put on shoes, glasses and helmet. I grabbed a gel and unhooked my bike. I was trying to be fast and pushed my bike from the seat.
As I raced away from the transition area the front wheel turned and I went over as the bike fell on top of me. I recovered quickly and headed out of the transition area. I road up the hill and started heading along the road, only then did I start checking out the damage. I was covered in dirt so I had to brush that off. I glanced down at one stage to see me leg and saw a lot of red and thought «oh no it’s worse than I thought». then the next time I looked down I realized it was my race number, written in red pen!
I used the wrong gear on the hill and lost places as at least 4 people passed me. I then focused and enjoyed the remained of the ride. I then transitioned quickly to the run, grabbed my hat and after the shoe change headed out. I grabbed a water as I ran to the trail. I suddenly felt giddy and my legs felt strange. I slowed right down and ran with care. After another 5 mins I started to feel better and was able to pick up pace.
A brick run after a spin class is never the same as a race pace brick. Normally after the spin class there is at least 5 mins before we start running. Very different when done at race pace.
I managed to run the whole course and finish strong. I felt great for the next 10 minutes, but then started to feel tired and exhausted. It was a great way to try a triathlon. I would recommend it.
The next day I felt fine, and I must say that the amount of training I had done was a perfect preparation for the distance. I look forward to doing it again next month.

The sport of triathlons can get very expensive and if you’ve been thinking about doing one and are unsure if this bug will bite you without forking over the green dough then this is the race for you. It’s a summer race so the lake is warm, no need for a wet$uit. The race is for fun so borrow a bike from a friend; it can be a mountain bike, road bike, triathlon bike, or even a tandem bike — no real restrictions. About the only thing you have to pay for is a pair of good running shoes and the affordable entrance fee. Compare the entrance fee to any other race and you will realize the value.
Now with that said your training should concentrate on swimming, running and biking; in that order. Why? You have to swim 400 yards (8 laps in a 25 yard pool). Doesn’t matter what stroke you use to get you from point A to point B and it doesn’t matter how long you take, just as long as you don’t drown. You can run and/​or walk the run course, it’s up to you, but it will require the use of your legs to get you to the finish line. There’s no coasting like you can on the bike.
I have many seasons of racing under my belt and use these races to test my speed, fitness, practice transitions and experiment with nutrition/​hydration. We were all beginners at one point in time so don’t worry about what experienced triathletes think and do your own race. Just three tips: (1) Get there early: 5:30−6am (2) stay on your right side because people will pass on your left and (3) if you have a question don’t be afraid to ask the people around you. they’ll be more than willing to help.
5 stars for value, friendly vibe, and good fun competition.

I had so much fun at this event. It’s a really great race for novices, or, uh, people who keep doing sprint distances and threatening to do a longer race eventually. If you are an über-​competitive triathlete you might be frustrated by the casual way this race is run. It’s not chip timed or anything. It’s just, well, «for fun».
If it’s the first time you’re doing this race, be sure to get there an hour early to get set up. There’s a talk at about 6:45am to review the course and the rules, be sure to go to that.
The swim is in the lake and the water is warm enough that you don’t need a wetsuit — but you won’t be the only person in one if do choose to get your neoprene on. The lake is also surprisingly clear. There is a wave at the beginning for experienced triathletes and a wave at the end for people who are really nervous about the swim. The middle waves are divided into the typical age/​gender groups. Some of the guys wanted to swim with their womenfolk to be supportive and they were really pissed when they weren’t let into the women’s waves. It’s a bummer, but unfortunately a group of women about to plunge into water in a big group sometimes attracts the wrong element. I guess there’s been a problem with dudes trying to get into the womens’ waves and then perving out in the water.
When you get there, make sure your bike is in low gear. There’s a big hill right as you come out of the transition area and a lot of people who aren’t in the right gear take a tumble. The bike course is really flat. Please do not endanger yourself or others by riding on the left and assuming no one will pass you.
The run is on a fire road and is a little hilly, but it’s not crazy.
Don’t think you’ll be «too slow.» Don’t worry about what other people might think. Don’t worry you won’t be able to do it. Just get out there and give it a whirl. You might just find out you’re a triathlete.

The Pleasanton Tri-​for-​fun series is exactly that, a short sprint triathalon for fun. Its roughly ¼ mile swim, 11 mile bike and 3 mile run. No fancy timing chips, mile markers, etc. Just some water stations during the run and one clock at the finish line.
This is the 20^th year of this event series. First event had 28 or so entries, this year had 900. Over 100+ volunteers helping out. Wow.
This was my first tri so it was interesting. Event organizers say there are a lot of new folks just like me, tri-​virgins.
This was going to be my practice tri in prep for a «real» Olympic length tri. Rude awakening: Swimming one mile leisurely in a pool is not the same as swimming frantically with people splashing all around you in open water. Believe me, ¼ mile is damn far if you haven’t trained properly. You can’t say, Ehhh I swam all the time as a kid, I can swim ¼ mile in my sleep.
So don’t belittle this teeny, weeenie, baby sprint tri — it might surprise you. So train properly and remember… its all for fun.