Austin Captex Quick Guide
Please check back closer to race day for the 2026 Quick Guide.2026 Quick Guide
Welcome to the Ascension Seton CapTexTri, an annual triathlon event that takes place in downtown Austin, Texas.
We’ve put together this quick guide to help you navigate the event and make the most of your experience.
While we tried, this guide doesn’t cover EVERYTHING, so please check the other pages on our website for more detailed information related to taking part in the event.
You can also read through our common FAQ or contact us.
Packet Pick-Up Details
All participants must pick up their race packets prior to the event, there is no race morning packet pick-up.
When: Sunday, May 24th 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Pro Tip: Remember, the first hour is always the busiest time, so consider coming after. Per USAT regulations, no one else can pick up your packet for you.
Where: Palmer Event Center
900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
There is parking at parks nearby and a paid parking garage on site. Parking is $10. You can walk from this parking lot to drop your bike off as well so you don’t need to move your car.
What: To Bring with You
Have your bib number and photo ID ready to go. If you purchased a one-day license or submitted your USAT annual license details already we will have that on file when you pick-up.
Bike Check In
When: Sunday, May 24th 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Where: Transition at Auditorium Shores Bike check-in is at the southwest corner of transition near the Gear Bag Check. Please refer to the Site and Transition Map for location details.
Pre Race Bike Check In is mandatory for all participants.All bikes must be checked in by 6:30 PM Sunday. There is no bike check in on race morning.
Important:
You must have your bike stickers on your bike in order to enter transition, so you have to pick up your race packet before arriving at bike check-in.
Find your bike rack area. Rack you bike by the seat with the front wheel down on the side of the rack. 7-8 bikes should fit per rack.
Please be courteous to your fellow participants and volunteers.
Sunday is for bike check-in only. Do not lay out any other items.
Once your bike is in transition you will not be able to remove it without your wristband and bib number.
There is overnight security for the whole event
Race Morning Transition
When: Monday, May 25th 5:30 AM Transition Opens (all distances)
Where: Transition at Auditorium Shores Please refer to the Site and Transition Map for location details.
Important:
Your bike and helmet must be checked into the transition area where it will remain overnight. Bike and helmet check-in is strictly not allowed on the morning of the race.
On race morning you can access the transition area before your race to check your bike, pump your tyres and add nutrition to your bike.
Participants must show their wristband to enter and to re-enter transition at the Check In/ Check Out location.
Participants should be aware of other participants and that it is still a live racing area.
Participants should collect their belongings and leave transition via the check out area as soon as possible.
Timing Chips
Timing Device
The timing device has two parts; the plastic timing chip and the velcro strap to secure it to your ankle. Be sure to run the velcro strap through both loops of the device to secure it around the ankle. Wear your chip strap on your left ankle; you won’t put on the timing chip until race morning.
If you are wearing a wetsuit make sure the timing device is under the suit leg so it is not pulled off when taking off your wetsuit.
Course Info
You can find full details of aid stations along with swim, bike, and run course maps on the home page. Please make sure you are familiar with all three courses.
Bike Course: | Run Course |
Sprint & SuperSprint = one loop Olympic course = four loops | Sprint & SuperSprint = one loop Olympic course = two loops |
You are responsible for keeping track of the number of loops completed.
Post-Race Celebration
After the race, join us at Auditorium Shores for a post-race celebration. There will be food, drinks, and music to celebrate your accomplishment!
Parking
Parking is also available at many downtown parking lots and garages. Please do not park in the lots of local businesses, restaurants, or on the streets in the local neighborhoods. We encourage the use of public transportation. Specific parking lots open to CapTex athletes and spectators are:
Palmer Events Center Parking Garage
Thursday – Sunday | Monday |
$10 | $20 |
One Texas Center – 505 Barton Springs Rd.
The parking garage is open for $10 parking.
Results & Awards
All finishers will receive a medal at the finish line.
Awards will be given based on categories and the top 3 in each Age Group, you can review awards categories and age groups at the awards page.
Results may change during and after the event. Results are not official until announced by race staff. To contest or update results, you can visit the results tent on-site or after the event please contact Raceplace.
Results will be available under the "Results & Tracking" section of the website.
Special Offers
Swim, bike, and run The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas! The annual Kerrville Triathlon takes place on September 28 – 29 in beautiful Kerrville, Texas. Nine different events feature a swim course in beautiful Nimitz Lake, bike course through the picturesque Texas Hill Country, and run course along the refreshing Guadalupe River.
Use code CapTexTriExpo2025 for $10 off registration at the Kerrville Triathlon Festival. This code is good through June 30th.
FAQs
A third party may collect your package on presentation of their own ID, proof of registration, and a copy of the participant's ID. All athletes must sign the waiver PRIOR to coming to the Packet Pick Up. Please have the athlete check their entry online and make sure they have done so.
The bib number must be worn on the run. It is preferred if you can also wear the bib on the bike, but it is not required.
No, there are no lifeguards on duty before the event to allow for a practice swim.
At CapTex Tri the water temperature is usually wetsuit legal, under 78 degrees. But, depending on the summer it has been known to be warmer. The official call is not made until the official reading on race morning.
USA Triathlon (USAT) wetsuit rules depend on water temperature: below 78°F (25.6°C), wetsuits are allowed and count for awards; 78.1°F - 83.9°F (25.6°C - 28.8°C), wetsuits are optional but disqualify you from awards; 84°F (28.9°C) and above, wetsuits are prohibited for safety. Wetsuits must be 5mm thick or less, and for mandatory situations (below ~60°F), they must cover the torso.
Certified lifeguards will be in kayaks lining the swim course monitoring all swimmers. At any point, if you become tired or frightened, you may hold onto the kayak without being disqualified as long as it is not making forward motion. Flotation devices such as noodles and buoys are not permitted.
During the registration process, you can request to start with friends or family. Waves are ranked by swim ability.
As a USA Triathlon-sanctioned event drafting is not legal. You must maintain a minimum distance of 12 meters from other cyclists unless trying to overtake.
Supersprint: Swim, 25 mins after the final swimmer entered the water. For the bike, athlete must start the 2nd loop of the bike by 11:00
Sprint: Swim, 30 mins after the final swimmer entered the water. For the bike, athlete must start the 2nd loop of the bike by 11:00
Olympic: Participants will have 1 hour to complete the swim. By 11:00, all participants must start the final loop on the bike course and then approach the finish line by 1:00 pm.
Participants may not use communication devices of any type, including but not limited to cell phones, smart watches, and two-way radios, in any distractive manner during the competition. A “distractive manner” includes but is not limited to making or receiving phone calls, sending or receiving text messages, playing music, using social media, taking photographs, or using in a one or two-way radio communication. Using any communication device in this manner during the competition will result in disqualification.
