RACE DAY PARKING

Message from Race Director Bill Burnett - June 12, 2026

The wave start in triathlon has always been exhilarating - standing on the start line with 125+ fellow competitors, waiting for the horn, then charging into the water and trying to find your space.

We also recognize that this type of start can create a higher level of anxiety and stress for some athletes.

Last year at our Nantucket Triathlon, we introduced a time trial start for the very first time. The feedback following the race was overwhelmingly positive. Athletes felt it provided a fairer and safer start, while still maintaining the excitement and competitive spirit of race day.

After consultation with USA Triathlon and the Cohasset Harbormaster, we have decided to move to a time trial start for the Cohasset Triathlon.

Here's how it will work:

1. Athletes will continue to be assigned to specific waves based on age group and category.

2. At the start line, three corrals will be set up on the beach. Athletes will self seed within their wave group according to their swimming ability, with the strongest swimmers positioned toward the front.

3. Three athletes will start every five seconds. A timing mat at the start line will record each athlete's official start time.

4. At this pace, an entire wave of approximately 125 athletes will enter the water within 3–4 minutes. The Cohasset Harbormaster has requested a brief gap between waves to help ensure a safe and orderly flow of athletes.

We believe this format will create a more enjoyable and less stressful start experience, while maintaining the excitement and competition that makes the Cohasset race day so special.