Awards & Award Categories
Claiming Awards
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Award winners must be present at the awards ceremony to claim their award.
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If you cannot stay, you must arrange for another participant to pick up your award on your behalf.
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Physical awards will not be mailed.
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If you choose the 25% future race discount as your award, it must be claimed on-site at the awards ceremony. Discounts cannot be applied after the event.
25% Award Discount – Eligible Races Only
The 25% award discount may be used only for the following races:
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Azalea
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Pinehurst International
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Pinehurst Sprint
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White Lake Spring International
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White Lake Spring Sprint
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Lake Norman
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White Lake Fall International
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White Lake Double Sprint
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Sandling Beach International
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Sandling Beach Sprint
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White Lake Fall Swim Challenge
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All Viking Dash Races
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Pinehurst Turkey Trot
Award Categories
Top 3 finishers are recognized in each of the following categories:
Overall Categories
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Advanced (Male & Female)
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Aquabike (Male & Female)
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Novice (Male & Female)
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Clydesdale (Men – 220 lbs and over)
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Athena (Women – 165 lbs and over)
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Relay Teams (one category only)
Age Group Categories (Male & Female)
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15 & Under
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16–19
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20–24
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25–29
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30–34
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35–39
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40–44
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45–49
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50–54
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55–59
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60–64
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65–69
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70–74
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75–79
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80–84
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85 & Over
NCTS Category Rules
Once you compete in a specific category at an NCTS race, you must remain in that same category for all NCTS races during the calendar year, with the following exceptions:
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Novice: You may start the year as a Novice and later move into another qualifying category (Age Group, Clydesdale, etc.).
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Weight Categories (Clydesdale / Athena):
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If your weight drops below the category limit, you may move to Age Group.
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Previous results and awards do not transfer to the new category.
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Aquabike: You may switch into Aquabike and return to your previous category at any time without penalty.
Category Descriptions
Advanced
For elite-level participants. These athletes are typically the fastest in the field and compete at a high competitive level.
Age Group
Participants compete within their assigned age group.
Clydesdale
Men weighing 220 lbs or more.
Athena
Women weighing 165 lbs or more.
Aquabike
Participants complete the swim and bike only. The race ends when you cross the bike finish mat.
Novice
Beginner category for participants who have completed fewer than three events. No age restrictions.
Important Note
You may qualify for more than one category. Your race category choice is entirely up to you.
Choose the category that you feel will be the most enjoyable and rewarding for your race experience.
