Special Notice to athletes in regard to USAT CARDS FOR REGISTRATION:
The duplicate membership option on the USAT one-day forms for USAT sanctioned events has been deleted. Athletes MUST bring proof of annual membership or purchase a one-day permit. Athletes who do not bring/show proof of membership must purchase a one-day OR will not be allowed to race. Athletes who forget their membership cards will have four options. Note all 2008 CTA events have the one day option as a part of the race entry fee structure should you select that form of payment. If you Do forget your card, you have the following choices this year:

• Go "back" and get your card.
• Print off a temporary membership card from the USAT web site, (www.usatriathlon.org)
• Purchase a $10.00 one-day license
• Renew your annual membership online and bring proof of renewal

Please remember to pack your USAT membership card. Don’t leave home without it!

RACE INFORMATION UPDATE:

WELCOME to The ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon. Produced and directed by The Columbia Triathlon Association, Inc, a 501c-3 non profit organization. We are very excited about this new event from CTA. It will also feature what we believe to be one of the sport's first Ultra distance Relay Challenge for all those single sport enthusiasts. This will be the "full" and true test of both your physical and mental toughness. We wish you much fitness and success! Please, do Not consider entry unless you have properly prepared and trained for this ultimate challenge. More event details will follow as they are fully developed. Some info herein is subject to change as we finalize event plans.

THE RACE DATE/TIME: Saturday, Sept 27, 2008 at 07:00 - 07:30 (depending upon tidal flow in the Choptank River) from The Hyatt Regency Infinity Beach to Great Marsh Park to Cambridge South Dorchester HS, Cambridge, MD. The minimum age to compete is 18. Questions and concerns must be directed to the race director.

ABOUT THE EVENT: There is NO rain date, We Go Rain or Shine. In case of inclement weather, management reserves the right to alter/modify the race/course for safety concerns. In the case of a "Natural Disaster"/Local Incident/Terrorist Act, here will be No Refunds of race entry fees. Each athlete must accept 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. Management further reserves the right to reject or accept any race entry.

ChesapeakeMan RACE COURSES:
Swim: The 2.4 mile swim is a unique point to point course in the brackish Choptank River, well-marked by bright orange buoys and starting from Infinity Beach, Hyatt Regency Resort. There will be motorized craft, kayak support and a dive teams to assist. The water temp in October can range from 68-73°F. Wetsuits are allowed and encouraged. You may "practice" swim at your leasure and at your own risk prior to the race date.

Bike: The route will be 112 miles consisting of 2 loops, mostly through the scenic, flat and windy terrain of The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and utilizing parts of the EagleMan bike loop. The bike will start from Great Marsh Park and end at the Cambridge South Dorchester HS across town. The roads are flat and well paved. There will be aid stations along the way with water and Gatorade. There will be professional motorcycle support with USAT Officials, and sag vehicle support from Tri-Speed.

Run: The newly designed run is a flat out and back will consist of 3 loops along rural, unshaded roads ( Egypt Road), the last loop leading into a 3/4 lap around the High School Track to the finish line. Aid station offerings in addition to Spring Water andGatorade: Clif Shot Gel/Bars and Bananas, cookies and hot soup. Sorry NO radios, cell phones or IPODs

Transition Areas: There will be Two transition areas, Great Marsh Park (Swim to Bike) and CSDHS ( Bike to Run and Finish) see map. Note the high school is approx 2 miles from the Hyatt Regency Resort, on Church Creek road ( MD RT 16)

TIME LIMITS: All triathletes must be capable of swimming at a 55 min/mile pace, running at a 10 min/mile pace and cycling at a 14 mph pace. Swim cut-off is at 2hr/20min. and will be strictly enforced, the bike cut-off is 10:30 hours from the start of the race, and to be a"ChesapeakeMan", 17hours..

RACE FEE STRUCTURE:
USAT Members: $350 (US)
Non-USAT Members: $360 (US)
Relay Teams: $375/$385/$395/$405
Note: Relay Teams comprised of any Non-USAT members, include a single one-day license fee of $10.00 per Non-USAT Relay Team Member.
Aqua Velo: $195 (USAT members) / $205 (non-USAT members)
Swim Fest: $70 (USAT members) / $80 (non-USAT members)

REFUND POLICY: A partial cash (via check) refund of your race entry fee, less a $75 administrative charge, will be made if requested, in writing or via email, on or before August 1, 2008. After this date absolutely no refunds for any reason. There are No Race Transfers or substitutions. Selling of your race entry slot is strictly prohibited by us and USA Triathlon rules. If you do sell your race slot, you will be disqualified from the race and you, as well as, the entrant who purchased your slot will be unable to race in another TriColumbia/USAT event for a minimum of 2 years. Selling of race entries jeopardizes our race insurance coverage, and can change the placement status of other athletes that have trained hard to complete the race. Entry fees are not transferable to another person or to another race. There are no refunds at all given to community/charity slots since this money is allocated directly toward charity. If you are registered as relay, substitutions to your relay team may be made up to one month prior to the race. You may not switch from a relay team to the individual category.

USA TRIATHLON MEMBERSHIP INFO: All info requests should be addressed to the National Office at 1-719-597-9090 or via their website at www.usatriathlon.org. For further information regarding the USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Regional Federation view the website at http://www.usat-ma.org/. We strongly urge you to update your membership status ASAP.

RACE ENTRY CONFIRMATION/UPDATES: Your cancelled check will serve as confirmation of race entry and acceptance. Further event info will available on the web site for you print or will be emailed to you. Please keep your email address current. Email addresses are Not shared with outside entities! All entries will be confirmed on our web site at http://tricolumbia.org/

RACE AMENITIES: Expo, Premium T, imprinted swim cap, 28 oz water bottle, awesome, custom finishers medallion, commemoratives, unique, custom awards, pre and post race galas, Complimentary post-race massage and Active Release Care, Sunday Awards Brunch, great music, boat, motorcycle, & full medical and radio support, great volunteer staff, accurate and safe race course.

CHESAPEAKEMAN PRE EVENT BIKE RACKING: All Bikes bearing race #s will be racked at the Great Marsh Park, Friday, Sept 26 starting at 2 pm.

CHESAPEAKEMAN PRE EVENT GEAR DROP-OFF: All Bike and Run Gear in separate labeled bags will be received at Great Marsh Park, ONLY, Fri, Sept 26, 2- 9 pm. Run Gear will be received Race Morning at the High School, starting at 05:00.

CHESAPEAKEMAN "Personal/Special Needs Bag" DROP OFF: Both Run and the Bike ( should you desire one) will be dropped off at the Hyatt Resort race morning, Sept 27, at the Swim Check In Table in the special bag (s) provided by race management. The contents may be nutritionals and/or added clothing as you see fit.

CHESAPEAKEMAN CARBO DINNER FANTASTIC: The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort and Spa, Cambridge, MD, Thursday Sept 25, Further info TBA. Must have a ticket(s) provided at registration. Menu to follow.

CHESAPEAKEMAN AWARDS RECOGNITION BRUNCH: "Campione d'Chesapeakeman" -- The Hyatt Regency Resort, Cambridge - Sunday, September 28, 9am.

CHESAPEAKEMAN Pre Race MEETING: Very Important...This is for you. Please plan to attend! Friday, Sept 26, 6 pm, Hyatt Regency Resort, Chesapeake Room. More info to follow.

ChesapeakeMan Ultra Triathlon, $ 4999.99 (US), Prize Purse Breakdown, 2008:
Male and Female
1. $1000
2. $ 600
3. $ 400
4. $ 300
5. $ 199

CHESAPEAKEMAN PRIMES: The top M/F Swimmer, Cyclist, Runner. Winners must have completed the entire race within the set time limit. Not open to relays.

ChesapeakeMan Ultra OVERALL AWARDS:
ChesapeakeMan Champions:
Male and Female: Waterford Crystal Sailboat
2-5th Place: Etched, Beveled, Jade Crystal Plates

Age Group Awards: All Age Group Winners will receive copies of "Chesapeake" by famed author, James Michener, Plus Etched and Beveled Jade Crystal Plates
Top 5: M/F: 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 75+

Masters:
Top Male/Female: Jade Crystal Plate

Grand Masters:
Top Male: 60+, Jade Crystal Plate
Top Female: 50+, Jade Crystal Plate

Clydesdales (200lbs+): Top 3, 39 & under, and Top 3 40+
Athena (150 lbs+): Top 3, 39 & under and Top 3, 40+

Top First Time Ultra Distance Triathlete M/F

Relays: Top Male/ Female/Coed

PRE-EVENT PACKET PICK UP: Thursday and Friday, September 25-26 at The Hyatt Regency Resort, 100 Heron Blvd, Cambridge, MD, 21613. All pre-registered entrants are expected to attend packet pick up in person. All participants must show a photo ID and all USAT annual members must show their membership cards as well. No Exceptions.

CHESAPEAKEMAN HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPO: Thursday, September 25, and Friday, September 26, Hyatt Regency Resort. Times TBA.

MANDATORY BIKE INSPECTIONS: No exceptions. Friday September 26 at Great Marsh Park as you rack your bike. You must have your race day bike and your Ansi-Snell certified helmet with you.

TRAVEL AND LODGING:

CAMPING: Overnight camping will be available at Cambridge South Dorchester High School at a cost of $20 per tent. To submit your application for camping arrangements, please use the Camping Application Form.

HOTELS:
The Official host Hotel is the all new Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf, Resort and Spa, on the northern banks of the Choptank River about 2 miles from Sailwinds Park. This is a spectacular facility that will appeal to the whole family. A very special room rate will apply but rooms are limited. Special Triathlon rate will be available.

When triathletes call the Hyatt to book a room(s), please state that you wish to book a room with the "ChesapeakeMan Triathlon" This will insure your correct reservation.

Lodgecliffe on the Choptank B&B - (410) 228-1760
Dorchester County Tourism: 410-228-1000 or 800-522-TOUR
Dorchester County WebPage: http://www.tourdorchester.org/
The Holiday Inn Express, Cambridge: 410-221-9900
Comfort Inn, 2917 Ocean Gateway. Cambridge, MD 21613-3427, Phone 1-410-228-4444
Talbot County Tourism: 410-822:4606
Talbot County WebPage: http://www.talbotchamber.org/
Econo Lodge, Easton: 410-822-6330
Hampton Inn, Easton: 410-822-2200
The Days Inn, Easton: 410-822-4600/800-638-9146
The Inn at Easton, 410-822-4910
The Comfort Inn, Easton: 410-820-8333
The Holiday Inn Express, Easton: 410-819-6500
Best Western/St. Michael's Motor Inn: 410-745-3333
Tidewater Inn (up-scale), Easton: 410-822-1300/800-237-8775
Wicomico County Visitors Bureau, Salisbury (about 35 min. from race site): 410-548-4914
Queen Anne County Tourism: 1-888-400-7787 or 1-410-604-2100
Queen Anne County Webpage: http://www.qac.org/
Comfort Inn-Kent Narrows (Premier Hotel): 1-800-828-3361
Comfort Suites (Gold Award Winning): 1-410-810-0555
Holiday Inn Express-Kent Narrows: 1-888-877-4454 or 1-410-827-4454
Hillside Motel: 1-800-705-2270 or 1-410-758-2270
Sleep Inn (Gold Award Winning): 1-410-827-5555
Annapolis Area Hotels:
Best Western Annapolis 800-528-1234/local 410-224-2800
The Radisson 800-333-3333/local 410-224-3150
Annapolis Holiday Inn 410-224-3150
Days Inn Historic Annapolis 410-224-0215
Econo Lodge Annapolis 410-224-4317

PROBLEMS/CONCERNS:
The CTA office: 410-964-1246/2274(fax), or
Email: chessyMan@tricolumbia.org