Course Map & Details
There are two versions of the course map:
jpeg Showdown Map
PDF Showdown Map
Swim Course Details:
The swim takes place in the beautiful San Pablo Bay at high tide. Groups of 75-150 swimmers at a time will start in five-minute intervals. Water temperatures will be between 60 and 70 degrees; USAT guidelines regarding wetsuits will be followed:
"4.4 Wet suits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council.
The .25 mile swim course is an out & back triangular shape, which starts on the sandy beach at McNears Beach Park. The course will be well marked for easy navigation, swimmers will keep the buoys on their right-hand side for the entire swim. The swim finish is adjacent to the swim start, making it easy to navigate and spectator friendly. The swim course, which averages between 4 and 8 feet in depth, will be monitored by lifeguards in kayaks. The water level will be during high tide and “slack time” resulting in easily manageable currents.
McNears Beach Park on San Pablo Bay has been a popular destination for visitors and locals alike who enjoy a dip in the bay and great views while enjoying a picnic on a beautiful summer day.
Bike Course Details:
The bike portion of the Vineman Showdown at Sundown is what you would want and expect in a sprint triathlon. It’s challenging enough for the elite but not at all intimidating for beginners. The out and back 9 mile course begins at McNears Beach Park with a short, steep climb out of the park where you will then exit right and meander through the oak studded rolling hills of China Camp State Park. Cyclists will turn around at Vendola Drive and return to McNears Beach Park.
PLEASE NOTE: The bike course will not have an aid station.
The Road used is lightly traveled by vehicles and will be monitored by race officials.
The average evening air temperature in April can range from 60-75 degrees. This can change dramatically depending on sea breeze and fog. Please check the forecast and prepare appropriately.
Bike Course Turn by Turn Description:
Cyclists leave McNears Beach Park via the service road and out the main entrance.
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Right on San Pedro Road.
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Turn around at Vendola Rd.
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Head back to McNears Beach Park on San Pedro Road.
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Left into McNears Beach Park Road and back down the service road into transition area.
Run Course Description and Turn by Turn:
The run begins at McNears Beach Park. After a short, steep climb up the stairs runners will exit the park and enjoy a FAST and FLAT run course along the beautiful San Pablo Bay for a 3 mile out and back course.
At 1.5 miles runners will be offered water at an aid station.
The run course will be open to traffic. However, a coned off area designated for participants will be provided.
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The run begins at McNears Beach Park.
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Runners will exit the park (via the stairs behind the tennis courts)
and turn left on San Pedro Road. -
Turn around 1.5 miles from McNears Beach Park.
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Back to McNears Beach Park on San Pedro Road.
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Turn right into McNears Beach Park, down the main entrance and to the finish line.
