Weather & Policies
Know the conditions. Know the policies.
Prepare for a warm coastal race morning. Review typical conditions, wetsuit rules, severe-weather procedures and the primary event policies before race weekend.
Typical race-day conditions.
These historical figures are based on recent race mornings and September Galveston Bay data. They are not a race-day forecast.
The five-year average near the start is approximately 79°F. Individual mornings have varied.
Temperatures typically rise during the event. The five-year late-morning average is approximately 84°F.
The five-year September average is 84.7°F, with annual monthly averages from 83.5–86.4°F.
Wetsuit rules.
The official water temperature—not an online reading or forecast—determines wetsuit use and award eligibility.
Wait for the race-morning announcement. Water temperature is measured using USA Triathlon procedures. Wetsuits may not exceed five millimeters. The Head Referee may modify the determination or alter or cancel the swim when conditions create a safety concern.
Severe weather & course changes.
Race management monitors conditions with public-safety personnel. Athlete, volunteer, staff and spectator safety takes priority over completing the original format.
01Conditions Are Monitored
Lightning, flooding, wind, unsafe water, extreme heat and other hazards are evaluated before and during the event.
02A Delay May Be Announced
The race may be delayed in approximately 20-minute intervals while conditions are reassessed.
03The Format May Change
The course may be shortened or altered. The swim may be replaced with a run or another safe format.
04The Event May Be Stopped
Race management may suspend or cancel any portion when conditions cannot be managed safely.
Event policies.
Open each section to review registration, participation, deferral, packet-pickup and safety policies.
Registration & Eligibility
- Registration opens January 1 through the official race website and RunSignup.
- The field limit is 800 registered participants and may sell out before closing.
- Online registration closes at 5:00 PM the day before the race. Race-day registration is unavailable.
- Athletes must register themselves with complete and accurate information.
- Participants must be at least 12. Athletes under 18 require parent or legal-guardian authorization.
- A current USA Triathlon membership or one-day license is required.
- Relay captains create and pay for the team. Teammates register individually and join through RunSignup.
- AWD/Para athletes are welcome. Athletes needing a guide provide their own, and the guide must register.
Refunds, Transfers & Deferrals
- Entry fees are nonrefundable.
- Individual entries may not be transferred or sold.
- Relay teams may update participating teammates through the permitted process.
- Eligible athletes may request a next-year deferral through RunSignup by Thursday, two weeks before the race.
- Contact the event the following year to activate the deferral, then complete registration through the issued personal link.
- The activation fee is 30% of the entry fee in effect when re-registering.
- A deferral cannot be deferred again and must be used the following year or be forfeited.
Registration Changes & Insurance
- Use RunSignup to update personal information, registration answers, eligible add-ons and permitted event or division choices.
- Giveaway or apparel-size changes generally close about six weeks before race day.
- Most other registration changes close approximately two weeks before race day.
- Third-party registration insurance must be selected during registration and cannot be added later.
- Insurance claims and coverage decisions are handled by the insurance provider, not the race.
Waivers & Participant Responsibility
- Every participant must accept the required event and USA Triathlon waivers.
- A parent or legal guardian approves waivers for a minor.
- Waivers acknowledge risks related to swimming, cycling, running, traffic, weather, open water and multisport participation.
- Athletes must know the course, follow instructions and USAT rules, and use safe equipment.
- Participation confirms the athlete is physically prepared and medically able to compete safely.
Packet Pickup & Shipping
- Bring your pickup QR code and government-issued photo ID.
- To collect another adult’s packet, bring their QR code, copy or photo of ID and written permission.
- Race-morning pickup is only for athletes who prepaid. Pickup is anytime from 5:00–6:30 AM at Jaycee Pavilion in Rainbow Park.
- Shipped packets generally mail one to two weeks before the event.
- A packet lost in transit may be replaced free. A packet marked delivered but missing has a $50 replacement fee.
- Timing chips are distributed at assigned bike racks, not in mailed packets.
- Sun & Ski Sports is a sponsor, not the race administrator. Direct race questions to the event.
Event Changes, Cancellation & Safety
- Race management may delay, modify, shorten, suspend or cancel any portion for safety.
- Changes may include an altered course, shorter distances, replacement of the swim, another format or cancellation.
- Decisions may respond to weather, water, lightning, flooding, wind, heat, air quality, emergencies or public-safety direction.
- The nonrefundable-entry policy remains unless race management expressly announces otherwise.
- Participants must follow race management, USAT officials, law enforcement, medical personnel and volunteers.
Arrive ready for changing conditions.
Review the official forecast before traveling, hydrate before race morning and follow final weather, water-temperature, wetsuit and course decisions communicated by race management.