Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question below to reveal the answer.

I'm an athlete/volunteer. Do I have to donate?

No, donating is not a requirement to participate in Tri My Best. However, St. Louis Children's does provide the opportunity for those participants who are interested in donating. To learn more about our Miles on a Mission challenge, click here.

How many athletes participate in Tri My Best?

Between 60 and 80 athletes participate each year in Tri My Best.

Is Tri My Best the same for every athlete?

Tri My Best is tailored to each athlete’s mobility level. This allows each athlete to be set up for success while still being challenged.

When do athletes start training for Tri My Best and what type of training do athletes do?

Athletes train on their own and may also train during attendance at Camp Independence, a donor-funded camp at St. Louis Children's Hospital. At Camp Independence athletes receive specialized attention from pediatric therapists in adaptive sports programs designed to challenge campers to increase their activity level, aerobic fitness, strength and balance in a safe, fun and rewarding atmosphere.

What age are the athletes?

Athletes are school-aged kids.

How do I volunteer?

If you have questions about volunteering as an individual or as a group, please contact Julie Grassi at Julie.Grassi@bjc.org.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be 16 years old.

I can only volunteer for part of the day. Is that okay?

Of course! There are different volunteer opportunities. Click here to learn what opportunity may work with your schedule.

Can a group volunteer?

Yes, Tri My Best is a great opportunity for groups to volunteer together.

Can anyone be a spectator or cheerleader?

Day of spectators and cheerleaders of all ages are welcome and encouraged. If a spectator or cheerleader is under the volunteer age (16 years old) they need to be accompanied by an adult. One adult can supervise a group of cheerleaders/spectators. If you wish to be a spectator or cheerleader, please contact Julie Grassi at Julie.Grassi@bjc.org.

What are the heat times?

First Heat:
Arrival time: 8 a.m.
Start time: 8:30 a.m.

Second Heat:
Arrival time: 8:15 a.m.
Start time: 9 a.m.

Third Heat:
Arrival time: 8:45 a.m.
Start time: 9:30 a.m.

Fourth Heat:
Arrival time: 9:15 a.m.
Start time: 10 a.m.

Fifth Heat:
Arrival time: 9:45 a.m.
Start time: 10:30 a.m.

Please note all heats begin at the pool.

Do I have to pay to park?

No, parking is free. Click here to learn more details about parking.

Where do I park?

Click here for directions and a map of where to park.

What should I bring?

Remember to bring sunscreen, towels, goggles, a jacket, chairs for spectators, equipment and any specific food and drinks your athlete wants. We will have some snacks and water available.

I don't have a bike, can I still participate?

If you do not have a bike/trike for the event, visit Creative Mobility after you check-in. They will be located at the cycle transition area and will fit the athlete for a cycle prior to swimming.

I don't have a helmet, what should I do?

If you do not have a helmet, St. Louis Children's Hospital Safety Stop will have a tent to purchase a helmet and get it properly fitted.

How is Tri My Best adapted?

The Tri My Best Adaptive Triathlon can be adapted to any ability. We offer four different distances and athletes can change the distance if needed the day of the event or even during the event.

• 1 Lap: 50-meter swim; 0.5-mile bike; 0.15-mile run/walk/wheelchair push
• 2 Laps: 100-meter swim; 1-mile bike; 0.3-mile run/walk/wheelchair push
• 3 Laps: 150-meter swim; 1.5-mile bike; 0.45-mile run/walk/wheelchair push
• 4 Laps: 200-meter swim; 2-mile bike; 0.6-mile run/walk/wheelchair push