The LAKE BIWA TRIATHLON is a middle distance triathlon held on Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa. The concept is “The Best Challenge, Everyone is the Hero.” The athletes, local residents, volunteers, event staff, sponsors, and supporters all play leading roles. We also aim to contribute to “sustainability” by hosting the event, and are trying to create a new way of regional revitalization through the co-creation of diverse entities through sports. We will create the best stage in Lake Biwa with the best challenge of the athletes and the supporters.

COURSE

SWIM [1.9km] Swim in Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake

This is a swim in Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, which sparked the triathlon boom in Japan. The course is fresh water, calm waves, and shallow water, which makes it easy for swimmers who are not good at swimming to participate.

BIKE [80km] “This is BIWAKO” Riding through the lakeshore road and fascinating regions

The 10km stretch between Moriyama and Omi Hachiman on the Kohigan Road, a major trunk road running along the shore of Lake Biwa, will be closed to vehicular traffic and run through the Yasu River, a first-class river, Mt. This is a course that can be called “This is Biwako.

RUN [20km] Running with a view of magnificent Lake Biwa and the top of Hiei

The course offers a panoramic view of Lake Biwa, the Hira Mountains, and the Lake Biwa Bridge, and is a great opportunity to run while enjoying the magnificent natural surroundings. 5 round-trips are offered, so runners will pass by other participants and interact with local residents who are cheering them on, giving them mutual support and strength as they run. After the swim and bike, you will be healed by the magnificent nature and encouraged by the cheering voices as you aim to finish the race!

RACE INFORMATION

Tournament Name

LAKE BIWA TRIATHLON 2024
2024 JTU Triathlon Age Group Natinal Championship Series

Hosted by

LAKE BIWA TRIATHLON Executive Committee
(Mainly Operated by CEEPO INTERNATIONAL Co.,ltd.)

Co-Organized by

Moriyama City / Yasu City

Race Management

Shiga Pref. Triathlon Union

Date&Time

October 20, 2024 (Sun), 6:45 am – 3:00 pm (rain or shine)

Venue

Main Venue / No.2 Nagisa Park, Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture (Lakeside in front of Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel)

Race Area / Lakeshore road around Lake Biwa, Yasu River embarkment road, etc.

Race Distance

Middle Distance [SWIM 1.9km / BIKE 80km / RUN 20km]

*In case of swim conditions (high waves, etc.) or inclement weather, the Duathlon [Run 3.6km, Bike 80km, Run 20km] may be held as an alternative event, or the distance may be shortened.
*Race course will be announced later.

Rules

The Japan Triathlon Union (JTU) competition rules and local rules will be applied.

*Wetsuits are recommended, but the water temperature in October 2023 will be 20℃ to 22℃.
*Bike races are non-drafting races.
*In principle, only road bikes and triathlon bikes are allowed, but visually impaired participants are allowed to use tandem bikes.

Number of Athletes

Individual / 800 people

Relay / 20 team

Schedule

[CHECK-IN]

October 18, 2024 (Fri)

　1:00pm-5:00pm 　Athletes Registration & Expo Open (Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel, B1F Ballroom)

October 19, 2024 (Sat)

　9:00am-4:00pm　Athletes Registration & Expo Open (Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel, B1F Ballroom)
　12:00pm-4:15pm　Bike Check-in (No.2 Nagisa Park (in front of Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel))
　　*Bike check-in is not allowed on the day of the tournament. Please be sure to check in during the above hours.
　4:30pm-5:00pm　Race Briefing (Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel Gym)
　　*Attendance at the briefing session is mandatory for first-time competitors.

[THE RACE DAY]

October 20, 2024 (Sun)

5:30am- 6:20am　Bike Transition Open
6:10am- 6:40am　Entry Check, Swim Warm-up
6:40am 　　　 Opening Ceremony (Swim start venue)
6:45am 　　　 Swim Start
　*7:45am　Swim cut-off time
　*8:45am　Lifting of traffic restrictions on the lakeshore road of the bike course
　*12:00pm　Bike cut-off time
　*3:00pm　Run cut-off time

8:00am-3:00pm　Expo Open (Main Venue)

Entry Qualifications

• Born before April 1, 2006
• Able to swim 1,900m in 60 minutes or less (self-assessment)

ENTRY

Entry Period｜April 1, 2024 (Mon) 19:00 – June 30, 2024 (Fri) 23:59
*Entries will be closed when the maximum number of participants has been reached.
*Entries will be officially accepted upon payment of the entry fee.

Entry Information

Individual 39,000 yen / person
Relay 48,000 yen / team

• Unregistered 2024 JTU members may also enter, but an additional entry fee of 1,000 yen will be required for both individual and relay entries for those who have not yet registered. Individual 39,000 yen → 40,000 yen, Relay 48,000 yen → 49,000 yen
• JTU registration is required to participate in the Age Group National Championship Series.

What to Observe as a Participant and Athletes

• The organizer will not inspect bicycles, so please check the safety of your own bicycle.
• Please be punctual according to the set schedule. If you are late, you will not be allowed to participate in the race.
• There is a fee for bicycle mechanics (1,000 yen). The cost of parts replacement will be the actual cost.
  12:00-17:00 the day before the race, 5:30-6:40 on race day (transition area), 7:45-11:00 (at the lap point)
• Helmets must be worn when riding bicycles, even outside of the race.
• If you are injured during the competition, first aid will be provided, but you will be responsible for your own medical treatment. Compensation for injuries will be covered by the organizer’s insurance policy, but if you do not report to the event headquarters, you may not be covered by the insurance policy.
• The motorcycle circuit is a technical course with narrow widths and numerous right-angle corners, so please practice your technique thoroughly before participating in the race.
• There are no restrictions on the use of the roads except during the race, so please obey all traffic rules and give priority to the local residents when riding on the course.
• Press members are welcome to interview and film at this event by advance application only. Without an advance application, press passes will not be issued and entry to restricted areas will not be permitted.
• Persons who take photographs in support of an individual or team are exempt from the above-mentioned application for press coverage. As with other spectators, please be aware that you will not be allowed to enter the restricted area to take photographs, etc.
• No drones or similar unmanned aircraft may be brought into the event, operated, or flown, except by persons authorized by the organizers.
• If you are coming by car, please park in the designated area. (A parking pass will be distributed to all competitors at the same time as the entry information is sent out just prior to the event.)
• The tournament is made possible by the cooperation of the local community. Please refrain from any activities that may be a nuisance to the local community so that the tournament can continue in the future.
• Please take responsibility for your own trash during the tournament.