TOUGHKids Westchester Athlete Guide

The TOUGHKids Westchester 2026 Athlete Guide is now available, containing essential race day information and rules. Since there will be no pre-race briefings to keep on schedule, this guide serves as your briefing. Please note, this is an all-weather event—be prepared for rain or shine.

Message from the Event Director

We’re thrilled to welcome you back to the TOUGHKids Westchester Triathlon at the iconic Rye Playland for our second year! Last year was unforgettable, and this year we’re even more excited to create fun, lasting memories alongside new and returning athletes.

This triathlon is all about joy, friendship, and sportsmanship. Remember, it’s not a race against life or death — it’s about having fun while challenging yourself. Please share the course kindly and respect everyone’s space.

Parents, your pride in your children’s efforts means everything. Let’s keep safety and fair play at the forefront so every kid can enjoy their race day to the fullest.

If you’re excited now, just wait until you’re on race day! You’ve put in the effort—now it’s time to relax and soak it all in. Rain or shine, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure a safe, fun-filled event.

Relish every moment: setting up in your transition area, jumping into the lake, running through the cheers of the crowd, and crossing the finish line proud and awarded with a medal. Every child who finishes is a champion in our eyes.

Welcome back to the amazing world of multisport! We hope this year’s event makes you love it even more. See you soon!

Youth Equipment Video

Watch this special Video by Jeff Boyer, CSCS USAT Level 2 certified Youth & Junior Coach and Head Coach of Barracuda Tri. For questions or more information, contact Jeff at info@barracudatri.com or 914-960-7762.

Schedule

Friday, Sept. 18

Location: Rye Town Park, Playland

12:00pm – 4:00pm: Packet Pickup for All Races

Saturday, September 19

Location: Rye Town Park, Playland

7:00 am – 8:30 am: TOUGHKids Packet Pick-Up Only

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Main entrance closed to traffic.

8:45 am: All racers’ head to the beach

8:45 pm: Transition closed until approx. 12:30 p.m.

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Park closed to traffic for TOUGHKIDS race

9:00 am: TOUGHKids Ages 4-6 race begins

9:05 am: Ages 7-8 racers head to the beach

9:20 am: TOUGHKids Ages 7-8 race begins

9:25 am: Ages 9-10 racers head to the beach

9:40 am: TOUGHKids Ages 9-10 race begins

9:45 am: Ages 11-12 racers head to the beach

10:00 am: TOUGHKids Ages 11-12 race begins

10:15 am: Ages 13-14/TOUGHTEEN racers head to the beach

10:30 am: TOUGHKids Ages 13-14 / TOUGHTEEN race begins

11:30 am: Park roads re-open when last racer heads out on run course

12:00 pm: Awards Ceremony

12:30 pm: Transition closed until approx. Failing to observe to transition closure will result in automatic disqualification, zero tolerance.

1:00 pm: All bikes/gear must be removed from transition by this time.

10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Expo Open. We have lots of great gear for kids, so don’t forget to bring cash/credit cards.

Packet Pick-up

Friday 9/18 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Registration Tent, Rye Town Park, Playland

Saturday 9/19 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Registration Tent, Rye Town Park, Playland

Parents must sign a waiver for each of their children racing, therefore you cannot pick up anyone’s else packet.

Parents need PHOTO ID to collect children’s packets along with the child’s USA Triathlon membership card, if they own one. If you lost the card or it has expired, print a copy or renewal receipt at USATriathlon.org. Each participant will receive a goody bag and T-shirt.

You will receive the T-shirt size you ordered. We will gladly swap sizes AFTER registration closes. Stop by the Race Info Tent 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to exchange your shirt.

Race Packet

Enclosed in each athlete’s packet

Assigned Swim Cap: no substitutions / color changes.
Bib #
Bike Frame #
Helmet #
Disposable Chip
Wristband
T-Shirt

The wristband grants you

Race Day Marking

Safety Pins: Pins are available at Packet Pick-up in the event you need them, but are not inside your packet.

Race Day Checklist

Transition Area

Bag or backpack
Energy source
Sunscreen
Extra Towel
Water Bottle and/or Energy Drink
Jacket / Sweatshirt
Post Race Clothes
Proper psi in bike tires
Tire wrenches
Sunglasses

Swim

bIKE

Bike
Bar ends plugged
Bike number affixed
Bike Shorts
Bike Shirt
Bike Helmet
Bike Pump

Run

Safety pins / race belt
Running Shoes
Running Shorts
Running Shirt
Running Socks
Visor / Hat
Race number

Lost and Found

TOUGHMAN Triathlon is not responsible for lost or stolen items. We will offer a lost and found box for items turned in at the Registration Tent.

Race Morning Instructions

Since you and 500 other athletes will be arriving at the same time, please follow these directions for a smooth race morning:

Give yourself plenty of time to drive, park and unload.
Find the Registration Tent
Get on any line to pick up your race packet
Wear your timing chip
Place your Bike Number onto your bike frame and head to transition
Rack bike (8 bikes per rack, 3 per side)
Set up gear
Place Bib Number onto front of shirt/shorts
Place Helmet Number onto helmet
Get body marked with race #
Use bathrooms
Take Timing chip, swim cap & goggles and head to the beach by 8:45 a.m.

Swim

Transition Area

Opens at 7:00 a.m., closes at 8:30 a.m. for setup. Do not touch or move other racers bikes or equipment.
We have open racking for the TOUGHKids Westchester race. There should be 8 bikes per rack and tell the child to remember where they rack.
Rack by your bike by the seat, not the handle bars.
Do not lean your bike against another bike/pole.
Parents can help set up their child’s transition area, but they are not allowed in transition during the race (except parents of 4-6 year olds who are allowed one (1) helper throughout the entire race).
Bike must have a BIKE Frame NUMBER attached in order to enter transition & wristband must be on.
Please label all your belongings to avoid confusion on race day.
Mylar balloons are acceptable for marking spot.
Transition does not re-open until 12:30p.m. YOU CANNOT REMOVE YOUR ITEMS UNTIL THAT TIME. Failing to observe to transition closure will result in automatic disqualification, zero tolerance.

Saturday, September 19

Family can be with you on the beach prior to the race, but not allowed in the athlete corral, except 4-6 year olds who may have 1 helper
Swim start is a land start
Freshwater swim with sandy bed (no rocks)
Buoys and rope will clearly mark the course
Kayakers and lifeguards will be in the water for assistance/guidance/emergency. Holding on is OK, but if brought in then DQ
Swim finish marked by a huge TOUGHKids inflatable arch
Don’t forget your goggles!

TRANSITION – T1

Helmets must be worn at all times from leaving transition to returning to transition
Walk or trot with your bike in the transition lanes to the designated Bike Mount area before riding
No ipods allowed on bike

TOUGHKids	Wave	Cap Color	Wristband	Time
Ages 4-6	1	Yellow	Yellow	9:00 am
Ages 7-8	2	Orange	Red	9:20 am
Ages 9-10	3	Neon Green	Green	9:40 am
Ages 11-12	4	Red	Blue	10:00 am
Ages 13-14	5	White	White	10:20 am
Toughteen	5	Silver	Silver	10:30 am

Bike

Follow the volunteer instructions on where to ride.
Only the 11-14 year olds and TOUGHTEEN ride 2 laps, and must count their laps.
Remember “Ride Right” - ALWAYS stay to the right to let others pass (no riding 2-3 aside)
Any type of bicycle is allowed EXCEPT BIKEs with AEROBars– road, mountain, cross, bmx, tricycle, training wheels, hybrid
ANSI approved helmets must be worn at all times from leaving transition to returning to transition.

T2 - TRANSITION

BIKE COURSE AND PROFILE

Please keep in mind these following safety tips, to ensure that everyone maximizes their bike goals and we minimize any accidents or injuries:

Stay to the RIGHT, unless you are passing. There are some narrow sections with two-way traffic where this will be very important. Slower cyclists need to be aware that there will potentially be faster cyclists that will need to pass. Please give them plenty of room to your left.
Faster cyclists passing on the left should provide a friendly warning.
Earphones are not allowed and illegal per USAT rules.
No riding 2-3 aside —this is a race not a ride.

Swim Course

Bike Course

Run Course

Swim Course

Bike Course

Run Course

Equipment Guide and USAT Rules

The use of banned equipment will result in disqualification (DQ)
USAT YOUTH RULES FOR ALL AGE GROUPS
Violations of any of the following will result in a time penalty or DQ

Swim

No flotation devices of any kind
No fins, paddles or gloves
No pulling along rope

Transition

No parents allowed (ages 7+)
No retrieving gear until it re-opens
No riding bike inside transition
No dropping bike carelessly on ground
Helmets must be buckled before exiting T1l
Shoes must be worn on the bike
No personal audio devices

Conduct

Cyclists must ride in a safe manner. No drafting.
No unsportsmanlike conduct from athletes or parents.
No rude, abusive or discourteous language or behavior.
No unauthorized assistance of any kind ages 7+.

Finish Line & Athlete Recovery Zone

As you cross the finish line, you enter the Athlete Recovery Zone where you will receive your finisher’s medal, have your chip removed, and be offered bananas and bagels. Photos are taken of all athletes crossing the finish line, and catchers are available if you need medical assistance. Nutrition is provided, including water, Gatorade Endurance, bagels, fruit, and bars. Please leave the Recovery Zone as soon as possible to allow other athletes to come through.

You will also have the opportunity to take individual athlete photos at our Media Backdrop next to the awards stage prior to the Awards Ceremony. Medical support is available on-site through the White Plains Hospital Mobile Trauma Unit, along with our Medical Team and EMS.

Alert! Park Closed

Saturday, September 19
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Park closed to traffic for TOUGHKIDS Westchester race

Results

Preliminary results will be posted on the results board when each Age Group finishes and on Facebook
Final results will be posted at approx. 2:30 p.m. at: www.toughmanwestchester.com
Athletes not competing the entire course will show as DNF
See live results on our website.

Awards

POST RACE

Spectators

Post-Race Restaurants

Tiki Beach Pier Restaurant Annual Italian Festival

We’re thrilled to announce that our 4th Annual Italian Festival is back and bigger than ever — now spanning two days!
September 18–20, 2026, All weekend long. Tiki Beach transforms into an unforgettable celebration of Italian culture on the waterfront.
Get ready for more delicious food, lively music, rich culture, and, of course, plenty of amore!