ATHLETE UPDATE
Shermanator Athlete Update #3
We are just two days away from the 18th annual Shermanator! Here are our last-minute notes and tips for you as you prepare...
Parking
Athletes should use the 38th Street parking area on race morning. Arrive early! There is a long walk from the parking area to the Recreation Center for check-in, and then another walk from the Recreation Center down to the waterfront for the start.
Please click here for directions to the 38th Street Parking area.
Spectators arriving up until 7:45 am may also use the 38th Street parking area. Spectators arriving after 7:45 am must use the parking area accessed just north of the YMCA main entrance on 39th St. Please come in at that point from the north and M-89, not from “G” Avenue. Handicapped accessible parking is available at the Recreation Center. Please arrive before 7:45 am.
Chips
The timing chip and strap you receive go on one of your ankles. It cannot be worn anywhere else on the body.
Post-Race
There will be a short awards ceremony at the finish line immediately following the race at approximately 10:30 am.
Post-race refreshments will be available at the waterfront - join us for water, a variety of snacks, and ICE CREAM from Schultz's Treat Street!
Our Recreation Center will be open for you to shower and change before leaving. Please remember to bring your towel and lock.
Weather
The forecast looks great right now with no rain predicted and air temperatures in the mid-'60s at the start.
Transition Area
Only athletes are allowed in the transition area. We will have designated racks for our Relay teams and Super Sprint athletes. All other rack spots are available on a first come first serve basis.
Waves
Athletes in the Duathlon and those participating in the Relay will start with the first wave at 7:45 am. Each subsequent wave will be released every 4 minutes. Aquabike athletes will start with their age group. The final wave breakdown will be posted at check-in and the waterfront on Saturday morning.
Duathlon, Aquabike & Relay Special Notes
The Duathlon start line is near the finish line arch. We will make an announcement a few minutes before the race to review your opening run and return to transition.
Aquabike athletes will finish when crossing the mat and returning to transition after completing the bike course. Please do not proceed to the finish line chute until after you have removed your chip.
The chip hand-off for Relays is at your rack inside transition.
Water Stations
There will be 2 water stations on the run course, positioned near the 1-mile and 2-mile marks.
Miscellaneous
Please remember that Sherman Lake YMCA is not open for site visits or training as camp is in session right now and we will have campers on site up until Friday evening.
Helmets are required on the bike course. Make sure to double-check you have yours!
There will be an EMT on-site to administer any necessary first-aid.
Make sure to review your gear and packing/transport process no later than Friday night. Don't forget the basics - goggles, towel, bike, helmet, race apparel, and shoes.
Mosquitoes are here! Consider adding some repellent to your race bag.
Questions?
Ask a volunteer! Shermanator volunteers will be wearing bright green Shermanator t-shirts.
Thanks again for choosing the Shermanator! The Shermanator has raised funds annually for Sherman Lake YMCA to benefit families in need in Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties for the past 17 years. It is only with the great support of people such as yourself, that each year, hundreds of individuals receive financial assistance to become members at Sherman Lake YMCA.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns and we'll see you on Saturday!
Carrie
Carrie Hybels, Director of Community Development
Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center
carrieh@ymcasl.org
269.731.3039
