What are Clydesdale and Athena categories? Are they required?
Clydesdale (for men) and Athena (for women) are categories that are based upon age and weight. The divisions are: Clydesdale 200 lbs, 39 yrs and under, Clydesdale 200 lbs, 40 yrs and over, Athena, 150 lbs 39 yrs and under, and Athena, 150 lbs, 40 yrs and over. They are not required. However if a race director chooses to offer the categories, they must follow the weight guidelines above. They may be combined into one age category per weight class, but the 200/150 lb weight guideline is a required minimum. Participants in these categories should be weighed at packet pick-up. If there is no governing jurisdiction for water testing, then what must I do? We recommend you contact your county’s health department for a recommendation. If the body of water is privately owned, you will need to arrange for independent testing. Many city, county and state environmental or health departments can recommend a lab or service. A local community college or university may also be a good place to source w
