Location
Winona Lake Park is located on the North East side of Winona Lake,in the southeast part of the greater Warsaw area. Warsaw is in north central Indiana, on US Highway 30, about 40 miles West of Ft. Wayne.

A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The 15th Annual Optimist Triathlon has been selected to host the 2008 "Best of the US" Indiana State Qualifier. The fastest male and female resident amateur will earn the right to represent the Hoosier State at the "Best of the US Championship" on October at

Mideast Triathlon Club Race
The 15th Annual Optimist Triathlon will again be a race on the Mideast Triathlon Club Race Series. Mideast Club members will again be able to earn points for their club at the Optimist Triathlon.

USAT Age Division Assignments
The age group of a participant will be determined by age on December 31 of the event year, NOT by age on race day. So, you will be assigned to an age division according to your age on December 31, 2008.

About This Event - age restrictions
The MINIMUM age for entry is 15 years. This applies to a solo triathlete or as a member of a team. USA Triathlon required age group divisions for solo: Adult: 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+

Sponsorship
This triathlon is sponsored by the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club, a not for profit organization whose theme is "Friend of Youth". Any and all profits are committed to the many youth activities supported by the Optimist Club in this community.

A Chip Timed Race
All participants must wear an assigned timing chip. You will be responsible for returning your timing chip at the finish line or pay a $30 replacement fee. Teams are only assigned one timing chip (Bib Number) and must transfer the chip to succeeding members of the team in the transition area.

Registration and Parking
There is a limit of 650 entries. There will be NO SAME DAY registration. Get your entry in early. IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE EARLY, TELL THE PARKING CREW AS YOU ARRIVE TO BE PLACED WHERE YOU CAN LEAVE CAREFULLY.

Rankings
If you are a USAT member, you will be ranked nationally and regionally in your age group if you do a minimum of three races. Your tri club will also receive valuable points towards the club series for the Mideast Region of USAT. Did you notice that you receive a $10.00 discount if you were a USAT member? You may purchase an annual USAT membership by calling 719-597-9090 or log on to http://www.usatriathlon.org/ for membership information.

Special Note - Team Registration Requirements
Team captains must complete the registration for all team members and be responsible for furnishing all team members with information and payment for the entire team. Minimum Age per USAT is fifteen years old for all team members. Be sure to register the team members IN ORDER OF PARTICIPATION (First- Swimmer; Second- Bike; Last- Runner). EACH AND EVERY TEAM MEMBER IS REQUIRED TO SHOW PHOTO ID AND SIGN USAT RELEASE FORMS AT PACKET PICKUP. Team packets will be located at the Registration table under the RUNNERS LAST NAME.

Other Interests
In addition to the race, the Masterworks Concert Series present free performances in nearby Rodeheaver Auditorium. The Village of Winona Shops will be open for your enjoyment. Wagon Wheel Playhouse Theater will be presenting "Footloose" on Friday and Saturday evenings. For more information on area activities and interesting sites & things to do, contact www.koscvb.org

PHOTO ID
ALL TRIATHLETES MUST SHOW PHOTO ID TO PICK UP THEIR PACKET TO RACE. A USAT REQUIREMENT. NO EXCEPTIONS. Additionally, USAT members Must show their USAT membership cards or pay an additional $10 fee for a one day permit.

2007 Winners
Male participants - Nathaniel Swearingen 59:53; Nathan Truex 59:55; Mike Hermanson 1:03:02; Paul Richardson 1:04:24; Greg Howard 1:04:36 Female participants - Chris Wickard 1:07:18; Anne Marie Phillips 1:08:48; Diana Schowe 1:09:55; Carolyn Atwood 1:10:04; Mary Gibson 1:10:17

Packet Pickup
Packets may be picked up at the Winona Lake Park on Friday, June 27 from 6-8 PM and Saturday morning, June 28 from 6-7:30 AM. Arrive early. YOU MUST SHOW PHOTO ID AND USAT MEMBERS MUST SHOW CURRENT USAT CARD. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.

Late Registrations Forfeit right to T-Shirt
Athletes that delay registration until during the same week as the race FORFEIT ALL OF THEIR RIGHT TO A RACE T-shirt, since there is insufficient time to order a T-shirt for you.

Pre-Race Clinic
A pre-race clinic will be held by Scott Erba, 2003 winner on Friday, June 27, at 7:00 PM at the Winona Lake Park. For those new to the sport, Scott will answer questions and offer information and helpful hints for Saturday's race.

Bike check and repair
Tarkio Road and Trailhouse will make minor repairs and have some equipment for sale. There will be an optional inspection for bikes. Have your bike in racing condition when you arrive. HELMETS ARE MANDATORY, with chin straps snapped. Have your own water bottle for the bike portion of the race.

USAT Referees
USAT Referees will be present for pre-race instructions to help you eliminate any penalities or disqualification. Referees will enforce the USAT helmet rules prior to and during the race.

Transition Area
The transition area will be guarded. Only the participants will be able to to be in the transition area, and will be the only one to pickup the bike and equipment. Your body ID must match up with your bike ID number.

Race Course Characteristics
Swim-1/4 mile, out and back,7+ waves, 4 minutes stagger, USAT rules govern the use of wet suits. Bike 13.5 miles-a few hills to Piercton and back. Bike helmets must be strapped at all times before-during-after the race to prevent disqualification. You must furnish your own water on the bike course. Run-3 miles-some curves and one hill, scenic on recently completed Greenway Trail through a wooded area, along a creek. Runners must wear the race number in front.

Insurance
Your personal insurance will be the primary carrier. USAT and Optimist International will be the secondary carriers.

Awards and Prizes
Awards will be presented to the female and male winners and runners-up, five year age groups, clydesdales and athenas and teams. T-shirts, swim caps, USAT national products, and local merchandise for a drawing for everyone.

Food and Refreshments
BBQ chicken, pizza, perogies, fruit and vegetables, and other food for the post race party will be available. Food and water will be available for family and friends at a reasonable cost.

Cancellation
In the event of cancellation, no refunds will be made. Entries are not transferable, delayable or exchangeable.

Location Reminder
The race is located on the east side of Winona Lake on Park Avenue at the Winona Lake Park. Maps,lodging information, and additional information are available by going to www.warsawoptimist.org.

Race Results
Race results will be posted at the race, and on website: www.onlineraceresults.com Race Penalties will also be posted immediately after the race.

Questions? Contact the Race Director
rondonkers@hotmail.com

Changing Swim Waves
If you feel and have evidence that you may be an overall race winner, you may contact the Race Director EARLY BEFORE THE RACE to request a change to the first wave.

Race Evaluations are Appreciated
Athletes are encouraged to complete the event evaluation form (located in the food area at the park) in order to help us improve this event next year.