WHAT TO EXPECT AT SUN CITY SPLASH & DASH

The days leading up to Sun City Splash & Dash

 Check the Race El Paso website for packet pick-up information. At packet pick-up, you will receive everything you need for the race (maps, run bib, swim , and more!).

 Take a few minutes to review everything in your packet, including maps, rules, and other important information.

 Pack your gear: SWIM (bathing suit, goggles, cap); RUN (running shoes, race belt); OTHER (sunscreen, , sun glasses, towel, etc.). Pin your race number to the shirt you will wear during the run or use a race belt. Remember, you’ll need to wear your race number on the front during the run!

 Eat a healthy dinner, set your alarm clock, and go to bed early!

Race Morning

 Eat a healthy and simple breakfast.

 Parking is available in the lot next to Ascarate Pool. Please note: Each vehicle must pay the $2 entrance fee to Ascarate Park upon arrival.

 The transition area opens at 6am. Be sure to allow enough time to get bodymarked, set up your transition area, and go to the designated swim lineup. There will be a mandatory pre-race athlete meeting at 6:45am; the race will begin at 7am.

Upon arrival at the race site (Ascarate Park Pool: 6900 Delta Drive, 79905)

 Go to the transition entrance for bodymarking. A volunteer will write your race number on your arm and your age on your leg. Please note: Parents are NOT allowed in the transition area. Volunteers will be available to assist participants, when necessary.

 Set up your transition area: Lay your towel in one of the outlined spaces; be sure it doesn't overlap your neighbor's space. Neatly place the following things on your towel: running clothes (shirt with race bib, shorts, and socks), running shoes, and anything else you might want to use for the run (hat, sunglasses, etc.).

 Be sure to remember your spot in the transition area!

 Make sure that everything you need is on your towel and organized so that you don't have to fish through your bag during the race. Put the things that you don't need in your bag to cut down on the confusion.

 Go to the bathroom.

 Line up in the designated area, organized by age groups. A participant’s age group is determined by their age as of December 31, 2015. If you have any questions, ask a volunteer for help.

 Enjoy the people around you and make some new friends!

Swim

 Line up in an orderly fashion. Pay attention to the people entering the water before you. You should enter the water feet first when the volunteer tells you to go. Pay attention to volunteers so that you’re ready to go.

 GO!! Have fun! Most people work so hard they miss the fun of the event!  Swim to the right of the lane, and pass on the left. Be courteous to other swimmers and allow them to pass if they are faster than you.

 If you get tired, take a minute to rest at the next wall, and then continue swimming after you have rested. If you are resting at the wall, give other athletes space to get around you and pass! Do your best and keep going!

 If you feel like you have not trained properly for the race and cannot continue OR you get hurt, wave your arms and make a lot of noise so that a lifeguard can help you to pull out of the race.

Transition

 Walk/jog to the transition area and find your space. You may feel a bit disoriented. That's OK! Keep going!

 Take off your goggles and swim cap and place them on your towel.

 DO NOT GO INTO THE RESTROOM TO CHANGE; put your gear on over your . Put on your t-shirt/tank top with your bib number on it. Or, use a race belt and snap it around your waist before you leave transition.

 Put on your socks and running sneakers.

Run

 GO!!

 Cheer people on as they pass you or you pass them. Have fun!

 Be careful and pay attention to the path surfaces.

 Pass other runners on the outside.

 If you’re thirsty, drink water at the station. Thank all the friendly volunteers!

 Finish the race hard so you know that you did your best to the very end.

 Every participant will receive a medal at the finish line. Congratulations!

After the Race

 DRINK LOTS OF WATER. Check out the post-race food for athletes in the pool/expo area and grab a snack!

 Check out the great vendors in the athlete expo! Be sure to stop by the kids yoga area to stretch out!

 Swim and enjoy the morning at the family pool party!

 Be courteous to other athletes and pay attention to volunteers in the transition area for information on when to pick up your gear. Remember that others may still be racing! Be considerate and stay out of the way of other athletes when removing your gear from transition.

 Reward yourself with a great healthy meal and smile at the fact that you completed the Sun City Splash & Dash!