Azalea Sprint

The opening race of the 2026 North Carolina Triathlon Series.

As our way of saying thank you for your service to our country, we would like to offer you a 25% discount on your race registration.  
At check out please enter coupon code USA2026
*Please present your military ID at packet pick up to validate your discount.
*Please note the military discount is not applicable with bundle pricing. 

Claiming Awards: 

Participants who win an award must be present at the awards ceremony in order to claim an award. If an award winner can't stay for the awards ceremony, they need to make arrangements with another participant to claim their award.

Physical awards will not be mailed out nor will participants wanting to take advantage of the 25% future discount (as their award choice) be able to claim that discount after the fact.

25% Award Discount:

The 25% award discount is limited to the following races only:

Azalea
Pinehurst International
Pinehurst Sprint
White Lake Spring International
White Lake Spring Sprint
Lake Norman
White Lake Fall International
White Lake Double Sprint
Sandling Beach International
Sandling Beach Sprint
White Lake Fall Swim Challenge
All Viking Dash Races
Pinehurst Turkey Trot

Top 3 in each of the following categories

Advanced (M & F)
Age Groups (M & F):15 & Under,16-19,20-24,25-29,30-34,35-39,40-44,45-49,
                                 50-54,55-59,60-64,65-69,70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85 & Over

Clydesdales (Males - 220 Lbs +)|
Athenas (Females - 165 Lbs +)
Aquabike (M & F)
Novice (M & F)
Relay Teams (1 category only)

NCTS rules state that once you compete in a particular race category in an NCTS race - you must remain in that same category for all future NCTS races in that calendar year. The exceptions to this rule are the Aquabike, Novice and Weight categories. You may begin the year as a Novice and then switch into another qualifying category (ie: Age Group, Clydesdale). For Weight categories (Clydesdale 220+ and Athena 165+) it allows for you to drop to Age Group if you go below the weight limit for the category - however you won't transfer any race results and awards to your new category.  If you switch to Aquabike you can switch back to your previous category at any time without penalty.

Below is a brief description of each race category:

Advanced - Category for Elite participants. These are typically the fastest people in the race and they compete on an Elite/Professional level.

Age Group - Participants competing in their age group.

Clydesdale - Category for men who are over 220 lbs.

Athena - Category for women over 165 lbs.

Aquabike - Category for participants doing the Swim and the Bike only. Your race ends when you cross the Bike Finish mat.

Novice - Category for beginner participants. Participants competing as a Novice have usually done less than 3 events. No age restrictions.

NOTE: You may fit into one or more of the above categories, so whichever category you choose to compete in is completely your choice. Choose the category that you feel you would have the most fun competing in.

Bike Course Description:

*  The bike course is a 6-mile loop that participants will do twice.
*  The course is flat and takes place on the UNCW campus and also on neighborhood roads that surround the UNCW campus.
*  The roads are open to traffic - but traffic is usually fairly light. 

There are no deferrals or transfers allowed after 2/23/2025.

Registered participants are allowed to defer or transfer their race registration to another Set Up Events owned race at any time UP TO two weeks before race day.
Deferral & Transfer fee is $20.
There are no deferrals or transfers allowed the final two weeks before the event.

USAT Sanctioned: This event is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event.

Cut-Off Time: All participants must complete the race in under 2 hours, 30 minutes from the start of their swim.

Event officials reserve the right to pull a participant off the course if it appears as though that participant will not be able to complete the race in under 2 hours, 30 minutes.

Minimum Age: The minimum age allowed for participating in this event is 10 years old.

Timing System: This event will be timed using the MyLaps Bib Tag Timing System. All run turn locations will have timing mats to verify completion of the course.

In the event of inclement weather the following procedures will be followed:

The event will be postponed in hopes the inclement weather will pass. If the inclement weather does not pass in time to complete the event safely in the original or modified format, the event will be canceled. If the weather passes and the event cannot be held within the permitted time limits, the event will be changed to a duathlon format and possibly modified in length to meet these restrictions.

Every effort will be made to hold this event on time on this date. Should this event be canceled due to an Act of God or other circumstance beyond the race directors control there will be no refunds, credits, or transfers.

NO EXCEPTIONS will be made to this policy.

By registering for this event you agree to this weather policy.

Lists are updated weekly and are not sortable.

"No Shirt/No Swag" Registration Option:

Participants racing as individuals have the option of registering for a race at a discounted price and NOT receiving the race shirt and any “swag” given away at the race. If you opt to do this, select the registration category that fits you (Age Group, Clydesdale, Athena, etc.), and when you get to the stage during this registration process where you pick your race shirt size – you’ll see a “No Shirt/No Swag” option – and the discounted amount.

Relay team members do not have this option. They will automatically receive race shirts.

Race Shirt Deadline: 

In order to receive a Race Shirt - participants must register no later than February 22, 2026.

Race Shirt Purchasing:

If you registered after the Race Shirt deadline - check at the finish line at the conclusion of the race. If any inventory remains, Race Shirts will be sold for $10.

• Relays can comprise of a 2-person (one person does 2 legs, and one person does 1 leg) or 3-person teams (each person does 1 leg of the event). Teams can consist of any mix of genders.
• EACH Relay member MUST pick up his/her own packet.
• EACH Member MUST have their photo ID and USAT card (if applicable) to pick up their packet.
• If a member is a minor (17 or under), then a parent/guardian must show an ID to get their packet.
• If a member turns 18 by the end of 2026 they are considered an Adult per USAT, thus they must pick up their own packet.
• If you need to replace a relay member you can e-mail us using the Contact Us button at the top of the page with the changes.
• If it is the week of the event and you need to make a change to a relay member then you can make this change at packet pick up.
• At packet pick up you will be given a sheet of paper that explains how the relays will work (chip handoff, tagging spot, etc.).
• If you are an individual that wishes to switch to a relay team, log into your profile and click on change category next to the event you wish to convert to a relay. It will walk you through the steps to change from an individual to a relay.

*  The 5K run is an "out & back" course that tours the UNCW campus on the extensive sidewalk system, taking in the sights such as the Campus Commons, the Amphitheater, and much of UNCW's main pedestrian artery - Chancellor's Walk, before reaching the turnaround point at the UNCW water tower.
*  The course is totally flat and moderately shaded.

*  The swim is a 300-yard pool swim in the UNCW natatorium.
*  Participants start at one side of the pool and snake their way up and down each lane as they work towards the other side of the pool.
*  Being a pool swim race, participants must submit an estimated 100 yard swim time when registering.
*  These times are used for seeding purposes. It is in your best interest to submit a time as accurate as possible.
*  Submitting a time that is too fast for you will put you up with swimmers who will be passing you during the swim - not good for you or them.
*  Putting a time that is too slow places you with slower swimmers and forces you to have to pass everyone.
*  The ideal scenario for all participants is to have people submit accurate times - the whole swim flows better.
*  Swim caps are not provided for pool swim events. If you would like to wear a swim cap, then be sure to bring your own.
*  Detailed information describing the swim start plan for this event will be posted closer to the event.

All participants must submit a 100 yard swim time for seeding purposes.

Being a pool swim with a staggered start, participants are seeded from fastest to slowest.

It is in your best interest to submit an accurate 100 yard "pace" time for your 300 yard swim. In other words, don't submit your fastest 100 yard swim time, submit a 100 yard time that represents what you'll do on race day over the 300 yard distance.

By seeding yourself properly, you'll end up swimming near people who swim the same pace as you. This will reduce the number of people who you will need to pass or the number of people who will be passing you. 

Seeding Order: Participants in the Advanced category will be seeded first (sorted by 100 yard swim time), followed by Age Groupers/Clydesdales/Athenas/Relays (sorted by swim 100 yard swim time), and finally Aquabike and Novices. There will be a 5-6 minute break between the last Age Grouper, etc. and the first swimmer from the Aquabike and Novice category's. This is to allow time for the pool to clear so the fast novice swimmers do not have to swim over anyone. We seed Novices this way so they can all compete together with the other beginners.

Please remember that the Advanced category is for the Elite participants! If this is your first triathlon, this is NOT the category to compete in. Read category descriptions to find the category that fits you best.

Pool Swim Etiquette : It is appropriate for a swimmer to yield at the wall and wait to be passed if the person behind them is "on their feet" or "tickling their toes". These issues come about it seems from not properly determining an accurate 100 yard swim time.

Changing Swim Times : EVERYONE should get in the habit of double checking their swim time. Even if you THINK you entered a correct time, DOUBLE CHECK IT! Every single year, at every single pool swim, there are participants that had "fat fingers" and keyed in an extremely incorrect swim time and end up seeded last. So just double check your time to be sure it is keyed in correctly. And remember this is a 100 yard swim split (not 50!).

Our registration system allows for people to access their registrations and adjust their swim times prior to the race.
If you have any problems doing this, email:  bill@setupevents.com

NOTE: All swim times must be adjusted no later than February 21, 2025.

All of these hotels are located in the same general area and only 5'-10' from UNCW.

1)         Town Place Suites – 305 Eastwood Rd. – 910-332-3326
2)         Fairfield Inn – 307 Eastwood Rd. – 910-791-8082
3)         Sleep Inn – 5225 Market St. – 910-444-2393
4)         Courtyard by Marriott – 151 Van Campen Blvd. – 888-722-0990
5)         Holiday Inn Express –  160 Van Campen Blvd. – 888-230-9457
6)         Staybridge Suites – 5010 New Centre Dr. – 910-202-8500

Most Commonly Violated USAT Rules:

Blocking

Drafting

Position

USAT INFORMATION:

ALL USAT members must show proof of a current membership at packet pickup. If you have recently renewed a membership, then you MUST print out a temporary card or receipt of payment (that shows the length of the membership period) to show at packet pick up. We will not take your word for it that your membership is current; you must SHOW us. Failure to do so will result in having to pay the one-day fee (Bronze fee).

CLICK HERE to be taken to the USAT website where you can renew your membership or print out a temporary card. You can also renew your membership at packet pick up if that's easier for you.

If I entered my USAT information when I registered, then why do I need to show my card at packet pick up? USAT rules state that all USAT members must show a valid membership card at packet pick up and failure to do so will result in having to pay the 1-day fee. Our events are sanction by USAT, therefore, we must follow these rules. Our website is not connected to USAT's website, so the information that you enter when you register could be incorrect. We must physically document the current expiration date of your membership when you pick up your packet as this is the only way we can confirm 100% that your membership is in fact current.

USAT's "Age Up" Policy:

An athlete's age for any USAT sanctioned race will be his/her age as of Dec. 31, 2026. The age he/she is on 12/31 will determine his/her racing age group. If an athlete is due to "age-up" into the next group, it will happen at the beginning of the year, not after the athlete's birthday. This action aligns regular U.S. age group racing with the method used by USA Triathlon for its National Rankings Program and its new Grand Prix Series.

Examples:

• John Smith is 39 and will turn 40 on November 20, 2026. John will be considered 40 for all 2026 races - and will race in the 40-44 age group at all 2026 races.
• Sally Jones is 29 and will turn 30 on July 3, 2026. Sally will be considered 30 for all 2026 races - and will race in the 30-34 age group at all 2026 races.

Registration begins - November 1, 2025

8:00 am

Packet Pick-Up and late registration will be held at the race site (UNCW) - blue Set Up Events trailer at the race finish line

Saturday (3/7):  4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Sunday (3/8):  6:00 am - 9:00 am

Important things to remember :

•   A photo ID is required for packet pick-up.
•   Cash, Check or Credit Card are accepted.
•   All participants must pick up their own race packet. (Including all relay team members)

Swim:  300 yards (Pool)
Bike:  12 miles (2 laps)
Run:  5K

We post race information & content leading up to each race. Follow and tag NCTS with your training and race photos to get reposted!

 @nctriseries