The Tampa Bay BABES Triathlon is the Gulf Coast's only women-focused sprint tri. Join us at the stunning location of Fort Desoto State Park featuring:
1/4 mile swim (forecasted to be wetsuit-legal)
10 mile bike on a flat course closed to traffic
3.1 mile run among Florida's coastal scenery
This race is ideal for first-time and experienced triathletes alike! Hosted by Team BABE Athletics and presented by the Pioneer Home Girls Mortgage team - we are by women, for women - and aim to make this event one you'll return to year after year. Grab a friend and join us!
Event date: Sunday, December 17, 2023
Start time: 7:15am
Location: Fort Desoto State Park, St. Petersburg, Florida
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Award Categories:
If you are interested in the ELITE wave of our competition, please contact us at susand2u@gmail.com. You must provide a finish time and proof of those results within the last year or your pro card information.
Packet Pick Up
Packet pick up is an opportunity to get your athlete packet which contains items you will need for race day (i.e. bike numbers, temporary tattoo numbers, swim cap, timing chip, race info, etc.).
We will hold an early packet pick up. We strongly encourage you to come to packet pick up on Saturday. You will be able to ask questions of the race director and pick up some last minute items, if needed.
Saturday, December 16, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
St. Pete Running Company
6986 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Race Day Timeline [tentative]
Race day begins well before the gun goes off! You will need to arrive early to set up your transition and prepare.
5:30 am Transition area opens
Race day packet pick up (please come Saturday to avoid lines)
6:45 am Transition area closes
7:00 am Anthem and pre-race announcements
7:15 am Race start
8:30 am Post-race celebration begins
10:00 am (tentative) Awards
Race Day Parking
More information on specific race day logistics will be available closer to race day.
Where can I rent a road bike?
Several local bike shops do rent road bikes. Call early as all of them have a limited number available.
Is there race day registration?
No, the last day to register online is Friday, December 8, 2023.
What does the course look like?
The course is an open water swim in the Gulf of Mexico and a flat, closed bike course, and a flat, closed run course. Please check out the course maps on the race homepage.
Is the swim wetsuit legal?
Per USA Triathlon guidelines, if the water temperature is 78 degrees or below, the swim will be wetsuit legal. We do anticipate the water to be below this threshold. You may use a wetsuit, but it is not mandatory. There are triathlon/swim specific wetsuits that are best suited for open water swimming (SCUBA/surf style wetsuits are not ideal). There will not be wetsuit peelers to assist in getting your wetsuit off.
What is the format of the swim start?
The swim start will be in waves where you start with your category. Each group will be spaced out by a few minutes. A timeline of wave starts will be provided at packet pickup.
How does a relay work?
You can have 2 or 3 people on a relay. You will divide the swim, bike, and run among your team. With a 2-person relay, one person will do two legs. With a 3-person relay, each person will do one of the legs.
Once the first athlete finishes the swim, they will meet their cyclist in the transition area at their rack. The cyclist will take the timing chip off the swimmer’s ankle, put it on their own, and then set off on the bike. The cyclist will then meet the runner back in transition at the same spot. The runner will grab the timing chip off the cyclist’s ankle, put it on their own, and set off on the run.
The team's overall time is the combined total of all the segments, including transitions. The entire team is welcome to cross the finish line with their runner. All members of the relay will receive a finisher’s medal and a race shirt.
What type of support is available on the race course?
There will be an aid station on the run course offering water. We recommend carrying hydration and fuel on the bike segment (no aid station on the bike).
Can I wear headphones?
NO. This is a USA Triathlon Sanctioned event. Headphones, headsets, walkmans, iPods, mp3 players, or personal audio devices - including bone conduction varieties - cannot be used at any time during the race.
Learn more about USA Triathlon's Most Common Rule Violations here.
Can I use a mountain bike?
Yes, any bike in safe working condition that has brakes and bar end plugs is permitted. If you are unsure about your bicycle, we recommend taking it to your local bike shop (BikeSport is our bike support partner for this event) to get it checked out. Fixed gear bicycles are NOT permitted per USAT regulations.
I am new to multisport events, where do I start?
We suggest connecting with Team BABE, Tampa Bay’s women’s tri club. You can find them on Facebook or on the Team BABE website.
Are helmets required?
YES! You must wear a helmet anytime you are touching your bicycle. So, put it on and buckle it before unracking your bicycle. Once you have finished your ride, re-rack and then you may take your helmet off. This is a USA Triathlon regulation and can result in disqualification if not abided by.
How does the transition area work?
We love the Global Triathlon Network (GTN) channel on YouTube for high quality resources. You can check out their tutorial on transitions here.
I am/was unable to attend the event. Can my items be mailed to me?
No. Unfortunately, we do not mail race items post event. Thank you for understanding.
When will the athlete guide be posted and what information will be included in the athlete guide?
The athlete guide will be posted 2-3 weeks before race day. Included (but not limited to) in the athlete guide will be; an event timeline, important locations and directions, course maps, parking information, check in information, typical weather conditions, race rules and regulations, timing information, awards information, a spectator guide and an expo guide.
How can I edit my registration?
To edit your registration, begin by logging into your RunSignUp account, and go to your “Profile” page. On the “Profile” page, see Races under Upcoming Events. This shows a list of all Race(s) that are coming up. You are able to manage the registration for the Race by clicking "Manage Registration". Please see the left side menu, this page allows you to view your registration information as well as perform the following: update question responses, resend confirmation email, sign waiver, upgrade/downgrade within the event, etc. For more help, email coral@teambabeathletics.com
I can no longer compete, can I get a refund?
No, we do not under any circumstance offer refunds. However, you can opt to defer into the following year up to November 5, 2023.
I can’t race this year but I want to be involved, how can I help?
Volunteer! Help support our amazing athletes by signing up for a volunteer slot. Email Coral Owen if you have any questions - coral@teambabeathletics.com
