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Rolling Swim Start

We are always finding ways to improve our the athletes experience & saftey at our events, therefore Grafman will be using a Rolling Swim Start  (Many of you may have used this system at Ironman or similar events within the last few years.)

What is a rolling start?

Athletes are set off in one continuous line for the swim start. It will take approximately 2 – 5 minutes to get the entire field across the swim start line.
In effect, this will create a “time trial” dynamic for the race. This is no different to having wave starts, its just conducted in a more controlled safe manor
Each athlete individual race time will start when they cross the swim start timing mat, under the swim start arch.

How does this work?

The starting pens will be divided into starting zones based on an athletes predicted swim time for the 1.9km course. There are 6 swim zones):

  • Under 30 minutesZone3 Circle Logo - Black-01
  • 30 – 34 minutes
  • 35 – 39 minutes
  • 40 – 44 minutes
  • 45 – 50 minutes
  • 51 minutes – 1h10mins (cut off)

The swim cut off time of 1h10m starts when the last person enters the water

Groups will commence a rolling start based on these groups with fastest athletes on course first eg. in the under 30 minute zone
Athletes timing chips will activate once they cross designated swim start timing mat, at the entry to the swim course. (please be realistic and remember your chip timing will only activate once you cross the swim start line, dont place your self in a swim pen that is above your ability)

Why change to a rolling start?

Part of Nicetri Events mission is to give the athletes the safest and best race experience possible. We believe this will add increased safety and reducing anxiety in the swim, making for some serious racing amongst athletes of the same ability whether male or female.

It allows competitors to start with equal ability athletes, reduces start  line overcrowding and the chance of injury. This allows the safety crews more time to concentrate / watch at the start.

This new approach will reduce congestion and  allows athletes to swim at their own ability with like minded athletes improving the overall swim and race experience.

See the layout below:

rolling swim start grafman