EVENT INFO:

- Sunday June 24, 2012. 8am

- 2012 SMW Region Sprint Championships -
OVT is the South Midwest Region's Sprint Championships for 2012. USA Triathlon Regional Championships have greater point values for the national ranking systems. See link for more details.

- Race Day Timeline & Racer Info: -
2012 timeline coming soon. Use the 2011 info as a guide only. Click here to review important race-day information, rules and best practices!

- Aquabike -
Aquabike is a swim and bike. Distances are 1,000 yard swim and 19-mile bike. Individuals only.

- Packet Pickup and Registration -
Lewis and Clark Outfitter's Springdale location on Saturday, June 23 from 3 to 8:00pm. Located just north of the NWA Mall. Registration is available on Saturday, June 23, but there is no race-day registration.

- Directions to Race Site -
The park is located 13 miles from Fayetteville. Use 15689 Lake Weddington Entry Rd, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72704 to obtain directions. From packet pickup (Lewis & Clark Outfitters). Click on the following link - Directions

- Race day packet pickup -
Packets may be picked up on race day from 6:00am to 7:30am at the race site. Chips will be issued on race day only. There is no race-day registration.

- Beginner Clinic -
"Race-day Basics": Saturday, June 23 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at L&C Outfitter's Springdale location. Seasoned athletes will discuss race-day preparation, nutrition, key do's and don'ts, as well as answer any questions. A USA Triathlon official will also be on hand to address USAT rules and regulations.

- Map of Key Event Locations -
Click here for a map of key event locations and directions to the race site. Course maps are located under Course Information.

- Race Photographs -
Event photographs will be available for view from the race photographer - NWA Photo- www.nwaphoto.com

- Race Information and Rules -

All competitors are required to have a current USA Triathlon license or purchase a one-day ($10) or annual ($39) USAT license in order to compete. All youth ages 17 and under are required to be annual USAT members to compete. The cost of an annual youth membership is only $5 per year. Only one-day licenses may be purchased at packet pick-up.

On race day the Lake Wedington Recreation area, as well as the transition area will open at 5:30am.

There will be a $5 per car charge to enter the park. Racers will be given a voucher to enter free on race day only.

Pets are NOT allowed in the park per US Forest Service regulations - NO EXCEPTIONS!

The first heat will start at 8:00am sharp!

A pre-swim will be held on June 23 from 2pm-5pm. Lifeguards will be on duty.

Cutoff times per person, per event: Swim - one hour; Bike - two hours; Run - one hour.

No more than 100 competitors per wave.

Wetsuits will be allowed according to USAT rules. The average water temperature on race day has been 82-85 degrees.

All USAT rules are in effect. See link for complete USAT rules. Event will be held rain or shine.

The age group of a participant will be determined by age on Dec. 31 of the event year, not by age on race day.

Minimum age to compete is ten years of age. NO EXCEPTIONS!

- Awards and Categories - Triathlon
Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each male and female age category, as well as in each team category except Masters. The top-three overall male and female finishers will receive separate awards. UPDATED: Click here to see award and category regulations.

Juniors (Male & Female): 10-15, 16-19

Adults (Male & Female): Five-year increments per USAT rules

Masters 40+ (Male and Female): First-place only

Grand Masters 50+ (Male and Female): First-place only

Senior Masters 60+ (Male and Female): First-place only

Clydesdale (200lb. +): 39 and under; 40+

Athena (150 lb. +): all ages

Teams (relay): Men, Women and Mixed (teams may consist of two or three individuals)

Corporate Team Challenge (relay): Men, Women and Mixed (teams may consist of two or three individuals) Click here for more rules and more detailed information.

USAT Club Awards. Click here for rules and more detailed information.

- Awards and Categories - Aquabike
Awards will be presented to the top three individual males and females.

- Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Qualifier:
One lucky male and female! - the first Arkansas resident male and female finisher will qualify to represent the state of Arkansas at the Best of the US Amateur Triathlete competition. See web site for more details.

- Door Prizes, Pre & Post Race Goodies -

Degree Deodorant brands providing great items for all our athletes! See Degree Zone.

The fastest male and female individual participants will receive special prizes for the fastest swim, bike and run times in the triathlon.

Door prizes will include gift certificates, cash and tons of bike gear.

Tyson Foods chicken, plus side items and cookies prepared by Catering Unlimited will be served to all athletes following the race. Friends and family may eat for a nominal fee.

Lots of sponsors' products and services will be in the goodie bag for each participant.