Saturday, Jul 26, 2025 at 7:00am
He Lake Springfield area is a gorgeous setting and we love the dock swim start, the bike on quiet country roads, and the run is interesting and fun. And Abe himself will race with you, top hat and all, and hand you your medal!
AGENDA & DESCRIPTION:
ARRIVE EARLY!! WE CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH. THE LINDSAY BRIDGE WILL CLOSE AT 6:00AM RACE DAY AND ABSOLUTELY NO ONE CAN CROSS IT UNTIL 3:00PM. ENTER VENUE FROM E LAKE SHORE DRIVE VIA E LAKE SHORE DRIVE/STEVENSON EXIT RAMP OFF 1-55.
PARKING & DIRECTIONS FROM I-55:
You must arrive at the site from Exit #94 off Interstate 55. Unless you know the area around Lake Springfield, please take exit #94 (Stevenson Drive/East Lake Drive). At the light turn left onto East Lake Drive and proceed 3.6 miles to Lake Park Road. Turn right on this road just before the Zoo and proceed to the Beach House. Parking signs and directions will be in place. DO NOT park in the Henson Robinson Zoo parking lot, it is needed for the zookeepers. There is plenty of parking available in other lots. There will be volunteers directing athletes and volunteers to specific parking areas. Please follow their directions for parking and don't run them over :)
5:00am - 6:15am - onsite race day packet pickup.
5:30am – Transition Opens – check in gear. Athletes only in the transition area, we will check your wrist band that you will find in your packet. You will rack your bike according to your race number. Look for your number at the end of each rack. Bikes must be racked in alternating directions, preferably by the seat.
5:45am – Wetsuit announcement – legal if water is 78 degrees or below. Not legal if it is over, and wetsuit optional if 78-82 degrees but this group will not be eligible for any awards or USAT points. 82 degrees or above – NO wetsuits allowed.
6:30am - Transition closes - you will NOT be allowed back in.
6:45am - ALL athletes join the MSE Crew at the swim start for a pre-race talk and line up to start.
7:00am - Half distance swim start begins!
7:15am – Olympic distance swim start begins!
7:30am – Sprint distance swim start begins!
