FAQ - Tri-Maine
What is TriME?
TriME is an event management company that specializes in Triathlons and participatory endurance events. We own a number of high profile races, as well as manage other properties on a contract basis. All of our triathlons are in New England.
What does my race entry fee cover?
Each race offers something different, but in general, your entry fee includes a custom piece of gear or equipment, promotions and sponsor give-a-ways, access to and use of the secure transition area, a professionally timed result with multiple splits, parking, post-race food, on-course support, professional announcer, medical and safety coverage, high-quality event management, and much more. Most importantly, you have the opportunity to race on a safe course that you would not be able to do otherwise. You are paying for a totally unique and exciting experience – one that you will never forget!
Why are some races more expensive than others?
We are committed to producing events of the highest caliber, and sparing no expense to do so. Costs include renting venue space, securing permits, offering parking, renting shuttle buses, providing increased medical and safety coverage, hiring additional police on-course, having more management staff, etc. In general, we do whatever we can to keep the entry fees as affordable as possible and supplement costs with sponsor support. However, like everything else, you get what you pay for, and we pride ourselves on giving our athletes an amazing experience that is worth much more than the cost of the entry fee.
What is TriME's involvement in the community?

We are deeply committed to giving back to the communities that support our events – without them, none of what we do would be possible! Our community relations range from giving cash contributions to key charitable partners, to promoting/organizing non-profit events and causes, to working directly with successful programs. To date, we have helped raise over $10 million for great organizations through the events we work with. A strong consciousness of, and relationship with, the broader community is a critical piece of the TriME experience. Our current and past involvement has included:

  • Maine Cancer Foundation
  • YMCA Of Southern Maine
  • Camp Sunshine, Casco
  • The Casco Bay YMCA, Portland and Freeport
  • Bicycle Coalition of Maine
  • Rippleffect, Portland
  • Morrison Development Center, Portland
  • The Jessie Fund & Maine Children’s Cancer Program, Portland
  • Rangeley Lakes Trails Center, Rangeley
  • Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, Cape Elizabeth
  • Scarborough 350th Celebration, Scarborough
  • Main Street Bath, Bath
  • Freeport HS Project Graduation, Freeport
  • Poland Parks and Recreation, Poland
  • Brunswick Parks and Recreation, Brunswick
  • Bowdoin College Common Good Grant Fund
How do I register for events?
You can sign up for races online through the specific race webpage. Please note that there is a processing fee in addition to the base entry fee to register online. We offer no-processing fee specials for a at a few sponsor events throughout the year. If you are not comfortable paying with a credit card online, you may fill out the form and mail a check in, pleae email us at [email protected]. If you would like a tutorial for using TriSignUp.com, our registration partner, please click here.
How do I know if I am a USAT member?
USAT is short for USA Triathlon, the national governing body for the sport. Every TriME participant must be either an annual member of USAT or purchase a one-day membership for each event. Annual memberships are purchased directly from USAT or during the registraton process. One-day memberships are $15 and are purchased during the registration process for those that do not have an annual liscense number. Since you will have already purchased your one-day membership, you do not need to bring $15 to packet pickup. For more information about USAT and becoming an annual member, please visit their website.
What is the refund policy for events?

We have established a no refund policy. Please click here for more infomation and to learn about our Refundable Entry option.

Standard Entry Policy

There are no refunds given for standard entries under any circumstances.

Deferrals are not offered but may be granted under certain exceptional circumstances (e.g. pregnancy, military duty) at the discretion of Event Management. Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected] no less than 30 days in advance of an event. Any deferral granted may require the athlete to pay an administrative fees when they apply the deferred entry the following year.

Why do we have this policy? As event organizers, we have to take on substantial financial risk each year by paying large deposits on venues, police, t-shirts, vendors, and paying our staff to plan for the events among other expenses. We forecast up to eight months in advance and take on expenses based on our projected numbers. Offering refunds on the base entry fee puts the entire event at risk, since we have no way of truly knowing how many people may drop out, after we have committed to large costs. It also creates substantial administrative work at times when we are focused on race prep. We are participants ourselves, so we understand the frustration around losing an entry fee if plans change. However, we would not be able to put on a high quality race if we had the uncertainty of refunds affecting our decision-making.

That being said, we also recognize the value of peace-of-mind that comes with a refundable entry. Therefore, we have created an option for athletes that want to lock in a bib number, but also want flexibility if they can’t race. Basically, by paying an additional fee, you are sharing the risk with us. Obviously, this is not something that everyone wants or needs, but we are offering the option to those who see flexibility as a priority.

The vast majority of endurance events do not offer any refunds at all, under any circumstances (especially the ones with high entry fees). We think it makes more sense to give you the option to decide what you want.

Refundable Entry Policy

By purchasing the refundable entry, you are entitled to 100% of your base entry fee up to three days prior to the event. For example, if you purchase an individual refundable entry to the Sebago Lake Triathlon as a non-USAT member, your cost is base fee + $15 USAT one-day license + $25 refundable fee + TriSignUp online processing fee. If you request a refund, you will receive the base fee back. To receive your USAT one-day license you will need to contact USAT directly. The refundable fee and the online processing fee are not included. Requests must be made by e-mail and will be administered through our online registration provider. Relay refunds will include the base fee, but any one-day USAT licenses purchased must be handled by USAT directly. To view USA Triathlon policies please visit their FAQ page here.

If you purchase a Refundable Entry and would like to request a refund, you can e-mail [email protected] directly. We will process the request and you will receive a refund from RunSignUp/TrsignUp. Processing may take two weeks.

If we cancel the event you will be refunded the amount you paid for your entry AND the refundable entry fee.

If you would like to defer your entry to another race or next year, we will credit the full amount of your entry and refund fee forward, and your registration will retain its “refundable” status.

Other Policies

There are no transfers permitted with any entry. This is for liability reasons and is strictly prohibited. If you have a special situation that you would like us to consider, please e-mail [email protected].

There is NO rain date, We Go Rain or Shine. In the case of foul weather or inclement conditions, Acts of God, or other reasons the race cannot be executed as planned, management reserves the right to cancel, postpone, reschedule, switch to virtual for all participants, alter, modify the race / course, remove one or more of the legs (swim, bike, or run), or cancel the race altogether. We do everything in our power to prevent changes to the published race course and schedule; however, there are many factors and stakeholders involved. In the case of a change or cancellation due to factors beyond our control, we are unable to offer any refunds for any entry, regardless of what type it is.

Do you offer discounts?
We often offer promotions and coupons throught the year, make sure sign up for newsletter. We offer military discounts for active duty military, email us for a code here and student discount for Polar Bear Triathlon as part of the registration process.  We also offer discounts for volunteering at events.  Click here for more information.
How do I confirm that I am registered?
If you register online, you will receive a confirmation from TriSignUp. There will be a list of participants on the website as the event nears. Be sure to check the accuracy of your information on both the confirmation e-mail and on the list of entrants before the race. Contact us with any questions at [email protected].
How do I make changes to my registration?
Generally, you can make any changes yourself through TriSignUp, using the registration confirmation e-mail that you received or simply going back to our registration page and logging in. If you require specific assistance, please send an email to [email protected] with what you need changed.
Can I rent a wetsuit instead of buying one?
Yes! you can.  Wetsuits are available for rent at WetsuitRentals.com. They have MANY Great sizes and brands to choose from so they can defintely acoomidate your need if you’re not ready to buy from our sponsor:
Where do I pick up my packet and what do I need to bring?
Each race has a different pre-race packet pickup time and venue, but usually it is available the day before the race and on race morning. Some events may offer packet pick-up two days before the race. Please check each race page for specific dates and times.
How early before a race should I show up?
In general, the transition area opens up approximately 1.5 hours before the start of the race. Some events require additionally travel between multiple transition/start/finish areas, so you will need to budget your time accordingly. Be sure to read the race literature closely to know exactly what you need to do race morning. We try to provide a recommended timeline of when to be where, but each athlete is responsible for being set up in time for the start.
What happens if there is inclement weather?
There are no “rain dates” for TriME events. We will go rain or shine. If the weather conditions are hazardous, Race Management has the right to change or eliminate parts of the course. If it is deemed too dangerous to race, the event will be canceled and there will be no refunds. Each athlete must except any such risk of their entry fee paid. There is no complementary race entry to a future race. All monies collected are used to develop and produce the event, including all race supplies, staffing, and administration. We pledge to make every effort to produce a fair, safe and exciting event for all. Any decision we make to go forth with the race is based on the overall event safety. You have to acknowledge that you have read and understood the inclement weather policy when you register for any event.
Where do I find information about bike shipping and setup?
You can contact Gorham Bike and Ski for all your bike shipping and setup needs.  Their contact information can be found here.
Are wetsuits required at TriME races?
This is determined on a race-by-race basis, so you have to check the specific race information to find out what the policy is. In general, most swims do not require a wetsuit, however race management reserves the right to change this policy if conditions are variable. We HIGHLY recommend that you plan to have a wetsuit for each non-pool swim race you are doing.
What kind of a wetsuit should I use?
It is very important that you use a swim-specific wetsuit when competing in a triathlon. Surfing, scuba, or multi-purpose suits are not designed for competitive swimming and will cause more harm than benefit. Contact your local tri shop for more information about swimming wetsuits.
I didn’t turn my chip in after the race. Where do I return it so I don’t get charged the “lost chip fee?”
You can mail it to:  All Sports Events – 141 Martin Rd. Rumford Point, Maine 04276
Can I use my own chip if the race is chip timed?
No, the chips provided are the only chips programmed to work on race day.
Why do I need to give my age as of the end of the year?
USA Triathlon requires that athletes are put into age-groups based on their age as of Dec 31st. This is to insure fairness with the rankings system. Since all TriME races are sanctioned by USA Triathlon, we must follow the same policy.
Whom do I contact if I have a medical question or concern?
Please contact TriME by phone (207-221-5420) or [email protected] with any medical-related questions or concerns. If you have a pre-existing condition that may affect your ability to compete in a triathlon, it is critical that we know about it ahead of time. Participating in a race is a physically demanding experience, so please consult your physician before competing.

If you have other questions, please e-mail them to us