Kerrville Triathlon Quick Guide

Welcome to the Kerrville Triathlon Festival, one of Texas' most scenic and beloved triathlon events, held annually in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

We’ve put together this quick guide to help you navigate the event and make the most of your race weekend in Kerrville.

While we’ve done our best to cover the essentials, this guide doesn’t include everything. A more detailed 2026 Athlete Guide will be available closer to race weekend, so be sure to keep an eye out for that!

If you still have questions in the meantime, feel free to check out our FAQ or contact us directly — we’re here to help you have the best experience possible.

• Packet Pick Up Expo Location:

  • Inn of the Hills 1001 Junction Highway Kerrville, TX 78028

• Friday, Sept 26:

  • The Kerrville Triathlon Expo & Packet Pickup, Inn of the Hills Hotel - 3:00 - 7:00 pm

• Saturday Sept 27:

  • Rookie & Sprint Late Packet Pickup at Inn of the Hills- 5:30 - 6:15 am

  • The Kerrville Triathlon Expo & Packet Pickup, Inn of the Hills Hotel - 1:00 – 5:00 PM

*Per USAT Rules: Athletes must pick up their own packets. See below for more details.

*Important: There is no race day packet pickup for the Half or Quarter Distance events. All packets must be picked up by 5 PM on Saturday.

Bikes must be checked into T1 and Run Bags checked into T2 by 5:30 PM on Saturday.

Athletes in the Half & Quarter Distances may pick up their packets during any of the packet pickup hours at the expo.

1. Have your bib number and photo ID ready. If you have purchased a USAT one-day license or submitted your annual license details, you do not need to provide additional proof of USAT membership.

2. Head to any kiosk to pick up your Kerrville Tri Race Packet, which includes your timing chip and a swag bag filled with exclusive event items. Relay teams have a dedicated kiosk.

   1. Shirt exchange will only be available AFTER the event at the information tent on the race site. There is no exchange at the expo.

3. Exit into the expo and check out what our awesome vendors have to offer.

4. Get your bike stickers out of your packet, and apply them to your bike.

5. Take your bike over to Bike Check In at T1 located on the other side of Guadalupe St.

• Bib Lookup is available here: [Link]

• Wristband – Attached to the top of the bib. This must be worn to enter transition in the morning. Put it and your timing chip on at home so that you are ready to go upon arrival. Please do not litter, even the little tab from the wristband needs to find its way to a trash can in front of transition. (How to Apply)

• Timing Chip – This is the long black, spongy item with a stickered edge to wrap around your ankle. (See How to Put it On Correctly)

• Race Bib – Worn during the run portion of the race, also has your food ticket for post race.

• Gear Bag Stickers – 3 sets provided; one for extra clothes, T1 bag, T2 bag.

• Bike Stickers – One for the top of your handlebars, one for your bike helmet, and a large wrap fro around your seat post.

• Swim Cap – The color of the cap reflects your distance and group.

• You will also receive a reusable Kerrville Tri tote bag, bike bottle, running hat, sublimated dryfit shirt, plus tons of swag from our sponsors and partners.

• Expo! Expo! Read all about it! This jam-packed expo will feature awesome exhibitors presenting products, offering complimentary services, and hosting giveaways. It is the site for participant packet pick-up. The expo is located at The Inn of the Hills Hotel, the host hotel for the Kerrville Triathlon Festival. It is within walking distance of the transition area and swim start.

• In order to make this a successful USAT sanctioned event, there are some rules that must be followed. Please help make the experience easy by being prepared and following these few simple rules:

  • Per USAT regulations, each registered participant must pick up their packet in person during packet pickup hours. No exceptions.

  • You will need to show a photo ID at the packet pick-up. If you purchased a USAT one-day license or submitted your annual license details, this information will be noted in your electronic registration, and you won’t need to provide additional proof of USAT membership. If you do not have proof of USAT membership, you will be required to purchase a one-day membership or update your annual license details on-site.

  • All relay members must go to packet pick up to show ID and proof of USAT membership. Team members do not need to go to packet pickup at the same time, but the timing chip can only be handed to the final member to check in.

  • Youth athletes without an ID must be accompanied by a parent/guardian with a photo ID.

  • The age group of a participant will be determined by age on Dec. 31 of the event year, not by age on race day. For example, if you turn 25 years old in November 2017, you will race as 25 for all of the 2017 season (January – December).

• The Kerrville Triathlon Festival uses a unique two-transition area format, with T1 and T2 located approximately two miles apart. Understanding how this system works is crucial for a smooth race day experience, especially if you’re new to triathlons. Here’s everything you need to know about managing your transitions and the logistics behind them.

• After packet pick-up, there is MANDATORY bike check-in. This will require a trip to T1 with your bike and a trip to T2 to drop your T2 gear bag. Please see the course maps to visualize the locations of T1 and T2.

• Directions:

  • T1 In the grass behind SouthStar Bank, across the street from Inn of the Hills – 1001 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78028

  • T2 Louis Hays Park 202 Thompson Dr, Kerrville, TX 78028

• At the Kerrville Triathlon Festival, only participants are allowed in the transition areas—friends and family, including children, must remain outside.

• You do not need your wristband for check in days but will have to have it for race morning or if you remove your bike for any reason including taking it to the mechanic.

• Body Marking – Tri Tattoos

  • Each participant must have their race numbers visible on the arm and leg. This can be done with triathlon temporary tattoos provided in your race packet.

• Racking Your Bike

  • Racks will be designated for each age group in the transition area. You will find open racking within your specific age group and distance category. Your age group is determined by your age on December 31st of this year. For example, if you turn 40 anytime this year, you will be assigned to the 40+ age group, even if you are 39 on the day of the race.

• T1 & XT – Extra Clothes Bag

  • After the swim, all of your gear will be safely transported from T1 to T2 by event staff, so that all of your belongings are in T2 after the race. You will drop your XT – Extra Clothes Bag off at the designated location outside of T1 on race morning. You will leave your T1 bag on the ground at your transition spot.

  • Everything must be inside the bag, items that are outside the bag will not be brought to T2 and are at risk of being lost. The event is not responsible for lost items. You can also put anything that you want to access post-race in this bag, such as flip-flops or a change of clothes.

• Mechanics

  • There will be mechanics just outside of T1 for any last minute needs and with bike pumps for airing up your tires. Once transition closes, you will not be allowed back in, so be sure to arrive early.

• Hanging Your T2 Bag

  • Racks are organized by distance and bib number. You will tie your run bag to the rack, no more than 8 bags per rack. Everything must stay inside the bag and nothing can be left of the ground. Leave even spacing knowing that 8 bikes will need to fit onto the rack when you come in from the bike course.

• Reclaiming Your Other Gear Bags

  • Your T1 and Extra Clothes Bag will be brought to T2 from T1 and organized by your bib number. The gear Bag pick up is located on the far side of T2. Communicate with the volunteers to reclaim your gear bag, you will need to have your bib number that matches the bags. It is important that you have clearly marked your bags with the number stickers provided.

• The bike checkout process plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and organization of the Kerrville Triathlon. After finishing your race, you may be eager to retrieve your bike and head home, but it’s important to understand why bikes must stay racked until designated times, which are based on the density of bikes still on course.

• Bike Checkout Times

  • Each race category has specific bike checkout windows to ensure the process is smooth and efficient:

    • Sprint & Rookie: 10:00-11:45 AM

    • Quarter Distance: 12:00-4:30 PM

    • Half Distance: 1:30-4:30 PM

• Once the race officials announce the transition area is open, you can proceed to check out your bike. However, if you finish your race earlier, you’ll need to wait until these designated times to collect your bike.

• Any gear or personal items you need before the bike checkout should be stored in your T1 or Extra Clothes bag. These bags can be accessed before you’re able to retrieve your bike, allowing you to change or gather essentials while keeping the transition area secure.

• To ensure that every bike is returned to its rightful owner, security measures are in place. You will need to present your wristband and match the number on your bike before it is allowed out of transition. This process is in place to prevent any unauthorized access or theft and ensures a safe environment for all participants.

• Because the checkout process involves careful inspection of each bike’s owner, it can take some time. For this reason, we encourage you to leave your bike in transition until you are ready to depart from the race site. This avoids any unnecessary waiting and allows you to relax and enjoy the post-race atmosphere.

• EXPO & PACKET PICKUP PARKING

  • Available at Inn of the Hills, 1001 Junction Hwy (SH 27).

• RACE DAY PARKING

  • Parking is available at the Downtown Parking Garage, Courthouse Parking Lot, HEB on La Casa, and near Moore Home Furnishings (across from Swim/Bike Start).

• Shuttles will transport athletes and spectators between parking near the finish line and the swim start/T1. We recommend parking near the finish line in the morning and taking the shuttle to T1 for an easier return after the race.

• Inn of the Hills guests can walk to T1 and take the shuttle to T2 if needed.

• Spectators may also park at Moore Home Furnishings and follow Thompson Dr. to reach HEB parking. Please be cautious crossing the bike course.

• Do NOT park at Subway or nearby businesses — they will tow. Mall parking is not confirmed this year and is at your own risk.

• DRIVING FROM T1 TO T2

  • T1 is behind SouthStar Bank, across from Inn of the Hills. T2 and the finish are in Louise Hays Park. Before race day, drive down Junction Hwy and cross the Sydney Baker Bridge to reach the park. Note: no park access by car on race day—check course maps for road closures.

Pick Up Locations:

• There are three shuttle bus pick up locations that travel from T1 to T2 in loops.

• Transition 1 (T1) & Swim Start: Back of the SouthStar Bank Parking Lot Map

• Public Downtown Parking Garage: Across the Street from the Garage On Clay St. – Yes, that is literally what it is called when you Google it and there is only one.

• Transition 2 (T2) & Finish Festival: Louise Hays Park – Under Sydney Baker Bridge near gear bag check out

• Saturday

  • 5 AM – 9 AM Buses will Loop Stop A – Stop B. Approx every 12 mins. 9 AM – 12 PM Buses will add in pick up from the Finish Festival with extra stops at the parking garage, the loop will be: Stop C – Stop B – Stop A – Stop B. Approx every 17 mins.

• Sunday:

  • 5 AM – 9:30 AM Buses will Loop Stop A – Stop B. Approx every 12 mins. 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Buses will add in pick up from the Finish Festival with extra stops at the parking garage, the loop will be: Stop C – Stop B – Stop A – Stop B. Approx every 17 mins.If you want to visit T2 in the morning you will have to walk across the bridge from the parking lot, approx a quarter-mile. There is no driving into the park and there are no shuttle buses outside the times listed above.Shuttle buses are provided each race day to everyone, including spectators. While bikes can go on the shuttle it is not recommended. People will take priority over bikes. If you parked at T1 take the shuttle back to your car and then drive back to pick up your bike.

• Gear Bags & Stickers Overview

  • Athletes will receive 3 gear bags and 2 sticker sheets with their packet. Each bag must be labeled with the matching sticker to ensure your belongings are identified and transported properly. Do not leave valuables (wallets, keys, etc.) loose in the bags.

• Gear Bags:

  • T2 Gear Bag (Yellow)

    • Used for your run gear (shoes, socks, hat, sunglasses, etc.).

    • Drop off the day before your race at Louise Hays Park (T2) — tie it to the rack, nothing on the ground.

    • Only 8 bags per rack – find your bib range.

  • T1 Gear Bag (Red)

    • Holds swim gear you won’t take on the bike (wetsuit, goggles, cap, etc.).

    • Bring on race morning. Leave it at your T1 spot after the swim.

    • Bag must be fully closed — any items left out will not be transported.

    • We’ll move this bag to T2 for post-race pickup.

  • XT Bag (Black – Extra Clothes)

    • For before/after-race items (jacket, flip-flops, clean clothes, etc.).

    • Drop off at the truck outside T1 before the swim.

    • Will be transported to T2 for post-race access.

• You will receive 2 sticker sheets. The first has 3 large stickers – one for each of your gear bags.

• The second sticker sheet is for your bike.

  • This includes a bike sticker that can be wrapped around your seat post.

    • If your bike setup does not allow it to wrap, it can be cut and placed on either side of the frame or wrapped along the top tube.

    • All bikes must have stickers before they can be dropped off for bike check-in.

  • There are two smaller stickers.

    • One sticker goes on the front of your helmet.

    • One sticker goes on the top of your front handle bars for easy bike check out.

  • All numbers should match your assigned bib number.

• Finally, we get to the important part! The Finish Line Party is stocked with goodies, good music, and fun fun fun! The finish line area is open to the public so feel free to invite family and friends to come experience the excitement while you are out crushing the course.

• What’s on the Menu? Thanks to our partners at H-E-B, all participants will get on first-rate food in the form on freshly grilled fajita tacos. Our friends from Jack & Adam’s Fredericksburg are on grill duty, ensuring hot and tasty fuel throughout the day.

• Cheers to the Chase As a participant, refreshing drinks and yummy snacks are on the house, and if you’re over 21, explore the EIGHT beer garden! Just sport your participant wristband – it’s your all-access pass to the party and the beer garden, for those of age.

• Stay Hydrated When you cross that finish line, participants will get a free bottle of Evamor alkaine water. In the festival there will be large refill stations where you can fill your bottle back up, there will also be cups available. Spectators can refill at the large stations inside the festival, so bring those reusable bottles!

• Your Special Keepsake You’ll receive a unique belt buckle finisher medal—an emblem of your hard work and determination. This isn’t just any medal; it’s a custom-designed belt buckle that you’ve truly earned by conquering the course. Wear it proudly as a symbol of your achievement and the dedication you put into crossing that finish line...

• A Gentle Reminder Food and beverages are just for registered participants. Spectators, feel free to pack your picnics! Though some vendors may have free offerings, purchasing won’t be an option at the finish line.

• So, lace up your running shoes, invite your cheering squad, and get ready to party! We’ll see you there, can’t wait to celebrate!