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Click on the frequently asked questions below to view the answers:

LOCATION

• Where is Cairns?
• What is the climate like at the event time of year? What are the average water temperatures?
• What are the predicted times for sunrise and sunset?
• Where is the best place to stay for the event?
• Is there any dangerous flora or fauna in Cairns?

REGISTRATION AND RULES

• How do I enter?
• How do I join a team?
• Does my race kit get mailed to me?
• Will Challenge Cairns be providing gear bags?
• I want to change categories. What are my options?
• Can I transfer my entry to someone else?
• What are the 2011 entry fees?
• What is the Refund / Withdrawal Policy?
• Do I need to qualify, validate or confirm my entry by completing another event?
• Is there a waiting list for the races if they are sold out?
• What is the minimum age to compete in the Challenge and Coral Coast events?
• Is there a category for para-athletes at Challenge Cairns?
• Where do I find the race rules and regulations?
• Do I have to be a member of Triathlon Australia or buy a one-day licence and what does that insurance cover?

COURSE

• Where can I find the Course Maps?
• Will there be road closures in place?
• Is it true the finish line is located some distance from the transition area?
• Will the swim be a wetsuit swim?
• How hilly is the bike terrain in the area?
• Will there be kilometre indications on the run course?
• Can I use a mountain bike?
• How do I use a number belt?
• Will there be toilet stops provided along the course?
• What nutrition will be provided on course?
• Can I race with an MP3, Ipod, or other music device?
• What if I can't stay for presentations?
• What are the course closure times?

GENERAL

• What is the race week timetable?
• Does my entry include player party tickets?
• Will there be event merchandise available to purchase?
• Can I purchase photos of the event?
• Will I be allowed to cross the finish line with my athlete?
• Will I be allowed into the medical tent to look for my athlete if they have not arrived at our meeting destination?
• What is the Southern Cross Ten Sport and Lifestyle Expo?
• Where do I park at the event?
• How can I become a volunteer?
• Will there be any opportunities to swim the course prior to the event?

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Where is Cairns?

Cairns is a regional city in Far North Queensland, Australia. Cairns is located about 1700 km from Brisbane by road. It is a popular travel destination for foreign tourists because of its tropical climate and proximity to many attractions. The Great Barrier Reef can be reached in less than an hour by boat.

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What is the climate like at the event time of year? What are the average water temperatures?

June to October is a relatively dry period for Cairns, though showers can be frequent at some times during this period.

The month of May experiences an average low of 19.9oC (67.8oF) and high of 27.6oC (81.7oF) and June experiences an average low of 17.8oC (64oC) and high of 25.9oC (78.6oF).

The average water temperature of Tropical North Queensland between March and May is 25-27oC and between June and August is 22-24oC.

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What are the predicted times for sunrise and sunset?

Head to www.timeanddate.com to check out predicted times for sunrise and sunset for the 2012 event.

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Where is the best place to stay for the event?

The best place to stay for the event is in Cairns.

A listing of preferred accommodation can be found on the accommodation page here.

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Is there any dangerous flora or fauna in Cairns?

You should be mindful that waters in Far North Queensland can be home to the following marine life:

• Crocodiles
• Sharks
• Stone Fish
• Oysters and barnacles on the rocks
• Stingrays in the shallow waters - shuffle your feet rather than lifting them out of the water and putting them back down
• Stingers
• Box Jelly Fish

You need to follow the advice of lifeguards and signage located at all beaches in North Queensland.

How do I prevent getting stung by a Stinger or Box Jelly Fish?

As long as your body is covered with non organic material Stingers and Box Jellyfish tentacles cannot penetrate and their stingers will not fire off. Stinger suits are satisfactory but not ideal as you still get stung but will not receive a lethal amound of venom. Wetsuits and speed suits afford you the complete protection. 
  
"The first line of defence against jellyfish stings is awareness and prevention." If you adhere to all the advice and information provided then the chances of being stung are extremely minimal.

Preparing for the swim prior to the event...

•       DO NOT swim in the open beaches, swim inside stinger nets if you choose to swim in open water.  If you must swim outside the nets, ensure you have wrist to ankle protection ie a stinger suit, speed suit or wetsuit. Alternatively there are plenty of local swimming pools in the area to train for the swim.
•       Always check with lifeguards on duty that enclosures are safe
•       Read all signs before you enter the beach for detailed information about the local beach

If I get stung by a Jelly fish or Stinger what do I do?

• Time is important
• Apply vinegar – located at all beaches in NQ... make sure you know the location 
• Stay calm and cool
• 000 in case of emergency

When will the stinger season finish this year?

At this stage, the stinger enclosures will be removed from the water in early May. Even when stinger enclosures are removed and beaches are open there is still a possibility that stingers are still in the water but the chances of getting stung will be very small.  

Where can I find out more information?

• www.jcu.edu.au/stingers 
• http://www.health.qld.gov.au/goodhealthintnq/topics/jellyfish.asp 
• http://www.tropicalnorthqueensland.com.au/information/tropical-north-queensland/local-information/safety-information.html

What are the chances I will be stung?

According to tourism data, there are at least 1 million people in the water each year. And average of only 40 people at Cairns hospital with Irukandji (stinger) syndrome each year and about 3-5 big box jellyfish stings a year. 

Therefore the chances of an Irukandji sting are approximately 40 in a million and 3-5 in a million of a big box jellyfish sting.  According to researches at James Cook University, Cairns has NEVER had a fatal or near fatal sting by either animal inside the stinger enclosures.  The last death from a box jellyfish was several years ago on the Cape region.

What measures will be taken by event organisers prior to the event to ensure the water is safe?

Event organisers are working with local experts to ensure the safety of swimmers at all times.

• Wetsuits
  • Triathlon Australia have amended their wetsuit ruling for the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival ONLY (including Coral Coast, Challenge Cairns and Cairns Half triathlons) to allow wetsuits for all categories (individuals and teams) to be worn if the water temperature is below 26 degrees Celsius.

    Please note, it is not a requirement to wear a wetsuit if the water temperature is below 26 degrees Celsius, however event organisers would recommend, where possible, that swimmers wear a wetsuit for added protection against Cairns marine life (stingers/jellyfish).

• Beach Sweep
  • On the morning of the event and prior to each practise swim JCU Marine Biologists will sweep and clear the water the morning of the swim to further ensure the water is clear for athletes.
• No access
  • No access will be allowed into the water until the all clear is given by event organisers

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How do I enter?

All individual and team entries are conducted online via the event Entry Page. Entries for the 2012 Cairns Airport Challenge Cairns open on Friday the 10th of June to 2011 competitors, and on Friday the 17th of June to all others. Entries into the 2.80.20 Cairns open on Tuesday the 22nd of November, and all other Cairns Airport Adventure Festival events will open in early 2012.

Simply click on 'Enter Online' and follow the prompts.

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How do I join a team?

Team entries are still conducted on-line via the Challenge Cairns Entry page. During your initial registration, you must enter a minimum of two participants to ensure your team entry is valid. The team captain will then be able to log in again at any time to 'add another person'. Please note, teams are limited to a maximum of three participants per team.

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Does my race kit get mailed to me?

No. You will collect your race kit when you check-in for the event. See the Timetable for event check-in times.

Your race kit will include race briefing, race number, ID wristband, timing chip, swim cap, helmet stickers and bike stickers.

Please note: It is only necessary for ONE TEAM MEMBER to check-in for their team: however they are responsible for passing the team kit on to other team members BEFORE race start.

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Will Challenge Cairns be providing gear bags?

For the Challenge Cairns event each participant will receive three differently coloured bags. These bags will be used as follows:

• Street Bag – Street gear bag for your clothes you remove at the start line and your change of clothes after you complete the race.
• Cycle Bag –  Bike gear bag as you exit the swim and transition to bike.
• Run Bag –   Run gear bag as you exit from the bike and transition to the run

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I want to change categories. What are my options?

Cairns Airport Challenge Cairns
Changes can be made to your race entry before Friday 4th May, 2012 at 5pm by contacting the USM EVENTS office - Email brisbane@usmevents.com.au or Phone 07 3868 2444. Any changes to your individual or team registration after this date can be made at the Athlete Help Desk located at the Check-In Tent during Check-In times.

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Can I transfer my entry to someone else?

No. All registered entries are non-transferable.

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What are the 2012 entry fees?

View all Triathlon and Festival Entry Fees online.

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What is the Refund / Withdrawal Policy?

Any withdrawals prior to race day must be in writing – Mail USM EVENTS PO Box 1145 Eagle Farm Q 4009 or Email brisbane@usmevents.com.au

Please note: Cancellation fees apply to withdrawals, please see below.

2012 Cairns Airport Challenge Cairns

• A 10% cancellation fee will be incurred if you withdraw up until 5pm 31st October, 2011
• A 25% cancellation fee will be incurred if you withdraw up until 5pm 29th February, 2012
• A 50% cancellation fee will be incurred if you withdraw up until 5pm 4th May, 2012
  No refunds will be offered after 5pm 4th May, 2012

All Registrations are Non-refundable after the specified cancellation dates. Registrations are Non-Transferrable.

All cancellations/ refund requests need to be made in writing - Mail: USM EVENTS PO Box 1145 Eagle Farm, 4009 or Email brisbane@usmevents.com.au.

If you withdraw on race day prior to the race start, please advise the help desk near the gear tent and hand in your timing band. If you withdraw during the race, please report to the Festival Information Centre and advise them you have withdrawn and also hand in your timing band. If you do withdraw please DO NOT cross the finish line area.

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Do I need to qualify, validate or confirm my entry by completing another event?

Competitors in the age group categories do not need to qualify for Challenge Cairns, however elite athletes must hold a pro license to enter into the elite category.

 

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Is there a waitlist for the races if they are sold out?

No, Challenge Cairns does not have a waitlist.

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What is the minimum age to compete in the Challenge event?

The minimum age for Challenge Cairns is 18 years old for individuals and 16 years old for teams.

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Is there a category for para-athletes at Challenge Cairns?

Para-athletes are welcome to compete at Challenge Cairns and can enter into the category set up in the online registration for entry.  Para-athletes are advised to please bring handlers to the event.

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Where do I find the race rules and regulations?

Race rules can be found here.

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Do I have to be a member of Triathlon Australia or buy a one-day licence and what does that insurance cover?

It is not compulsory to join Triathlon Australia as a full member but this type of membership does provide insurance cover 24/7 whilst training or competing as well as access to additional member benefits.  A one day licence (or one day race membership – 'ODRM') is compulsory if you are not a full member of TA as this is part of the TA sanctioning requirements for the event and provides you with public liability insurance and limited personal injury cover for the actual race.

Note: Internationals cannot join TA as a full member and can only be provided with a ODRM and therefore should take out separate travel insurance. If you are not a member of Triathlon Australia, the option to purchase a one day license will be available when registering online.

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Where can I find the Course Maps?

Course Maps for Challenge Cairns can be found here closer to the event. 

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Will there be road closures in place?

Temporary road closures will be in place for Challenge Cairns on Sunday, June 3rd.

The majority of closures will relate to the bike leg, which will extend north along the Captain Cook Hwy to Port Douglas.

Emergency Services will have unrestricted access to all roads.

Further information on 2012 road closures will be available closer to the event.

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Is it true the finish line is located some distance from the transition area?

Final course information will be available once all details have been finalised.

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Will the swim be a wetsuit swim?

Triathlon Australia have amended their wetsuit ruling for the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival ONLY (including Coral Coast, Challenge Cairns and Cairns Half triathlons) to allow wetsuits for all categories (individuals and teams) to be worn if the water temperature is below 26 degrees Celsius.

Please note, it is not a requirement to wear a wetsuit if the water temperature is below 26 degrees Celsius, however event organisers would recommend, where possible, that swimmers wear a wetsuit for added protection against Cairns marine life (stingers/jellyfish).

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How hilly is the bike terrain in the area?

The cycle course is an undulating course through world heritage listed sites. It is quite 'challenging' and you definately will not be bored! More details will be uploaded onto the course maps in early 2012.

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Will there be kilometre indications on the run course?

Kilometre indicators will be located every two kilometres.

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Can I use a mountain bike?

While you are able to use a mountain bike, it is not recommended due to the time restrictions. 

Triathlon Australia Technical Officials will carry out a visual inspection of your bike when you
check into transition. It is essentially a visual check on obvious defects. It is not a certification of roadworthiness by Triathlon Australia Technical Officials or race officials that your bike meets any specific minimum criteria or a guarantee it will not break down during the race. It is your sole responsibility to ensure the mechanical and safe operation of your bike prior to and during the race.

As long as your bike is accepted and passes inspection, you will be eligible to ride.

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How do I use a number belt?

A number belt means that you don't have to place safetly pins through your new triathlon clothing.  You simply attach your number to the race belt and then put the race belt around you.  If you plan to use a race belt then it will be necessary to ensure the complete race number is displayed.  It is compulsory to wear your race number during the run leg.

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Will there be toilet stops provided along the course?

Yes at every water/aid stations toilet facilities will be available for athletes.

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What nutrition will be provided on course?

Water, electrolyte drink, cola, gels, biscuits, nutrition and lollies and sweets will be provided on course.

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Can I race with an MP3, Ipod, or other music device?

No.  The following items are prohibited from use or carriage on the bicycle and run legs (instant disqualification);

• Headphones or headsets 
• Glass containers 
• Ipods or similar

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What if I can't stay for presentations?

If you are a category placegetter and are unable to stay for presentations, you will need to contact the USM office on brisbane@usmevents.com or (07) 3868 2444 within two weeks of the event to arrange for medal collection.

If you are unable to collect your medal from our office we can send it out to you for a surcharge of $10.00.  Please note, you will be ineligible for random draw prizes if you are not at presentations.

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What are the course closure times?

Challenge Cairns

The swim course closes 2hours and 20mins from the start time, cycle course closes 10hours and 30mins from the start time and run course closes 17hours from the start time.

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What is the race week timetable?

The timetable for the Coral Coast and the Challenge Cairns events can be found here.

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Does my entry include player party tickets?

All athletes entered into the Challenge Cairns event will have access to the pre event Welcome Party and post event Awards Celebration through their registration.  Family and friends are welcome to both of these events at additional cost. Further details for the 2012 player parties will be available closer to the event.

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Will there be event merchandise available to purchase?

There will be merchandise available for purchase. These will be uploaded to the website as soon as they are finalised and available for purchase via the online registration.  Any remaining merchandise will be available for purchase at the event.

There is some 2011 merchandise still available for purchase, contact the Brisbane USM EVENTS office on brisbane@usmevents.com.au if you are interested in purchasing any of these items.

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Can I purchase photos of the event?

The official event photographer for the 2011 event was Marathon Photos. Photos are available for purchase online from www.Marathon-Photos.com

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Will I be allowed to cross the finish line with my athlete?

A couple of loved ones will be allowed to enter the finish chute with participating athletes. Further information on this will be provided at the Official Race Briefings at the 2012 event.

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Will I be allowed into the medical tent to look for my athlete if they have not arrived at our meeting destination?

The Medical Tent is highly congested and spectators will not be allowed in. Volunteers will be available to provide medical updates on athletes who enter the Medical Tent.

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What is the Southern Cross Ten Cairns Sport and Lifestyle Expo?

The dates for the Southern Cross Ten Sport & Lifestyle Expo in 2012 are stilll to be confirmed. The Expo will feature a selection of gear, clothing, food and drink stalls for both athletes and the general public to enjoy. 

The Expo will be situated adjacent to Fogarty Park, on the Cairns Esplanade and provides the ideal opportunity for athletes to stock up on last minute equipment needs and talk to the experts behind the brands. 

If you are interested in exibiting at the 2012 Southern Cross Ten Cairns Sport & Lifestyle Expo please contact:

Emma Wishaw - Exhibition Coordinator
emma.wishaw@usmevents.com.au

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Where do I park at the event?

Parking will be limited on race weekend around the transition area. There will be some parking available at the Yorkeys Knob Sports Club, on Wattle St, Yorkeys Knob.

Parking near Fogarty Park will be available at Martin Munro Park, on the corner of Sheridan St, and the Bruce Highway.

There will be shuttle buses running from Fogarty Park to Yorkeys Knob on Saturday and Sunday. Information on the shuttles for the 2012 event will be updated closer to the event date.

 

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How can I become a volunteer?

The most integral part of Challenge Cairns will be our volunteers and we will be seeking almost 1500+ to ensure a successful event.

If you are interested in volunteering at Challenge Cairns, please email volunteer@usmevents.com.au or phone 07 5449 0711 3868 2444 to speak with our volunteer coordinators now!

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Will there be any opportunities to swim the course prior to the event?

Further details on practice swims will be provided closer to the 2012 event.

Swims will be under full supervision of water safety, event staff and medical team.

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