How long is the race?

IF you've run in them before and feel comfortable doing then stick with it. I use bike shorts all the time for training rides, but they just really bother me to run in them. So for races I switch to tri shorts. But if you can run in them, and I'd try it before the race, then go for it.

For me I wear tri shorts on the swim and throw on some bike shorts for the bike if the race is anything up to or longer than a HIM.

Sorry, it's a sprint race.

Yeah, now I'm even more confused than before. Keep the thoughts coming. Also, this is a B race for this year. My A race is coming up in 5 weeks.

The fact that I don't own any. I would love some tri shorts, but my wife is pregnant with our first baby (due in 3 weeks right between my 2 tris this year), so I'm trying to limit all the money going to other hobbies and stuff.

If anyone out there is looking to donate some XL/XXL tri shorts (sounds kind of contradictory), then I'd be happy to take them off your hands.

Yup. Slammy's right...just a sprint...wear the bike shorts. A good time to learn. Sure, you wouldn't want to go to an IM never having done it, but I contend that just going for a run in them won't cut it if you want to get a sense of feel. It might, but take a shower in them first then ride for awhile then get off and start running and dump fluid all over yourself in the process. Then, you might know if it works in a race. better yet...wear them to the sprint! Sometimes you have to try stuff in "C" or "B" races to see if it will work in a "A". It's where I've made my biggest mistakes and learned my biggest lessons.
Have a great time Chunky and let us know how it goes...
And as I said earlier...body glide is your friend!

To me B and C races are for testing for the A races. I try the "new" stuff (ie not raced with) and learn from them.

+1 on Sugoi shorts. I just got a pair & they are my new favorite. The pad isn't too thick, either.

Personally I love tri shorts for everything. Since triathlons aren't my focus I just got one pair to feel the part before my first sprint but after a training run or two I took to wearing them for all runs. I find that the cycling pad really gives me a home and doesn't chafe like mess running shorts can (trying to avoid TMI) Plus they aren't as stiff for my running motion as true cycling shorts.

The only thing for me is that I've learned that different brands and price points make a huge difference. I have a $40 pair of tri shorts that are very loose in the groin but tight in the legs and waist which are good for cycling but not all the motion in distance running (again... avoiding TMI). I have since made the commitment and bought a $70 pair of 2XU's that are very snug all around and I just love them.

In terms of spending the money, I find that I can just buy one pair and I'll wear them into the shower post workout to 'clean' them and then just ring them out and leave them to dry for the next day. That way I get a lot out of each pair and don't have to alternate with multiples. I just have to make sure I try them fully to avoid 'nasty shorts syndrome'

stick with bike shorts the whole race. they'll get damp, but never soggy (in my experience). tri shorts are better than full bike shorts, but the difference is not too dramatic.

So, that post reminded me that I never followed up. I raced in my bike shorts, and it couldn't have gone better. I didn't even have the normal level of chafing that I usually get on the run, so that was awesome. And, yes, it was nice to have that extra little protection in case I had an accident out on the course.

If you are looking for tri shorts on the cheap check the online stores and look in the clearance sections for last years models. They have limited sizing and that usually means lost of XS and XL, and XXL sizes. I got several pair a few years ago (mediums, I lucked out) for under $20 a pair and I got free shipping.

I'm sorry, I have to say it... Anton has always had this philosophical way about him. And now with his new picture, he really reminds me of Yoda.