Frequently Asked Questions

Course Information
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Where can I find a map of the race course?
Swim/Bike/Run course maps are available in the course section of the web site.

Is the swim a mass start or a wave start?
The swim is a mass start.

What nutrition will be available on course?

Aid stations will be located every 8-11 miles along the bike course offering:

There will be 12 full aid stations and 1 water only aid station along the run course offering:

*Aid stations will also be located at the swim start, swim-to-bike and bike-to-run transition areas and the finish line.

Where does the Ironman 70.3 Hawai`i take place?
Ironman 70.3 Hawai`i takes place along the Kohala Coast in Hawai`i. Also known as South Kohala, it’s just a 20-minute drive north of Kona International Airport. The Kohala Coast offers outstanding resorts with scenic views as well as several world renowned golf courses. Amongst a landscape comprised of ebony lava fields, the Kohala Coast features some of America’s top rated white sand beaches.

Registration
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What is the entry fee?

General Entry
$295—open to 1/13/2012
$325—1/14/2012 to 4/17/2012
$350—4/18/2012 to close

**Please note that price increase will take effect at 11:59 PM EST on the underlined dates.

Ironman Foundation:

  • $650.00 USD

If the event is not sold-out online, we will take onsite registrations during athlete check-in hours. Athletes will be charged an additional $25.00 USD late registration fee on top of general registration. Please check the registration tab on the website for information on standard entry fees.

Withdraw/Refund Policy:
Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via E-mail to Hawaii70.3@ironman.com.     Without exception, all requests must be received on or before April 17, 2012 to be eligible for a partial refund of $75.00 USD. Transfers or deferments are NOT permitted. *Withdraw policy also applies to the Ironman Foundation Slots*

Do I need to qualify, validate or confirm my entry by completing another event?
No, competitors do not need to qualify or validate to enter. However, we do suggest competing in a shorter distance triathlon event before race day.

Is there a waiting list for the races when they are sold out?
No, we don’t offer a waiting list.

What age group will I race in on race day?
All qualifying events will implement both the International Triathlon Federation and USA Triathlon’s Age Group Competition rule: All age group athletes must compete in the age group division corresponding to the athlete’s age on December 31st of the year of the event.

Will there be relay or teams?
No. Relay or teams will not be offered in conjunction with this race.

Will there be Clydesdale or Athena Divisions?
No, there are no Clydesdale or Athena Divisions

Merchandise
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Who is the contact for the official merchandise?
For inquiries about merchandise, please e-mail orders@ironmanstore.com

Who do I contact regarding race photos?
FinisherPix is proud to be selected as the Official Photo Service of Ironman 70.3 Hawai`i

FinisherPix will have several photographers working at the swim exit, on the bike course, on the run course, and of course, at the Finish Line! In addition, FinisherPix will have photographers positioned after the finish where you can have a photo taken after you receive your medal.

So what do you need to do?

  1. Register your email address at www.finisherpix.com to be notified as soon as photos are online
  2. Please be sure you have your number visible on the FRONT of your bike helmet so we can identify your cycling photos
  3. Please be sure to keep your bib number visible on the FRONT of your body during the run & at the finish line so we can identify your photos
  4. Smile & celebrate when you cross the finish line! Don’t worry about touching your watch, the timing company will ensure an accurate record of your achievement

Visit www.finisherpix.com to view, order, and share your photos from the event!

Qualifying
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How many slots to the  Ironman World Championship 70.3?
There will be 30 qualifying Age Group slots to the 2012 Ironman World Championship 70.3 on offer at the 2012 Ironman 70.3 Hawai`i. For more information, please log onto www.ironmanvegas.com.

How many slots to the Ironman World Championship?
There will be 28 qualifying Age Group slots to the 2012 Ironman World Championship on offer at the 2012 Ironman 70.3 Hawai`i. For more information, please log on to www.ironmanworldchampionship.com

What is the prize purse?
A professional prize purse of $15,000 will be on offer at the 2012 Ironman 70.3 Hawai`i.

How does the age group slot allocation work?

  • Prior to race day, at least one slot shall be tentatively allocated to each Age Group category (both male and female). Please see the official Age Group category breakdown listed below.
  • Final slot allocation will be determined on race day based on the number of official starters. If there are no starters in a particular Age Group, then that slot will be moved to the next calculated Age Group within the gender.
  • Final slot allocation shall be representative of the actual number of Age Group starters in each category in the race.  For example, if 8% of the Age Group starters are Female 40-44, then 8% of the slots are allocated to the Female 40-44 category.
  • Athletes MUST claim their slot in-person during the designated registration period for the world championship. Please check the Schedule of Events for  more information.

 

What is rolldown and how does it work?

  • At the conclusion of on site registration for the automatic qualifiers, any unclaimed slots within an Age Group will be rolled down to the next eligible finisher within that Age Group.
  • If an athlete chooses not to take the slot, does not attend the rolldown ceremony or has already qualified, the next eligible finisher in that Age Group may claim the qualifying slot.
  • Following rolldown, any unclaimed slots within an Age Group will be reallocated to another Age Group within the gender based on the athletes-to-slots ratio.
  • The Age Group within the gender with the largest athletes-to-slots ratio will receive the first reallocated slot, followed by the next largest ratio receiving the second re-allocated slot (if applicable), and so on.

I am competing for a State of Hawai`i or Big Island Resident Ironman Slot – when is my residency information due?
Due to the three-year residency requirement, proof of residency must be submitted to the Ironman race office between
February 1, 2012 and April 6, 2012. Submissions received after April 6, 2012, 4 p.m. will not be accepted.

Anti-Doping Policy
1. In accordance with the World Triathlon Corporation Anti -Doping Policy, all athletes accepting qualifying slots for the 2012 Ironman World Championship and 2012 Ironman World Championship 70.3 will be required to sign a condition of Entry, Release and Indemnification waiver, by which they agree to be placed into the WTC Registered Testing Pool for both in and out of competition testing, and voluntarily consent to be governed by the published rule: www.ironmanpromembership.com
2. We encourage all athletes to be familiar with the most current WADA Prohibited list which can be found: http://ironmanpromembership.com/anti-doping/
3. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency and the 2010 International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions, there are some substances which require a Declaration of Use. The WTC recommends completing this in two ways:
a) Filing a Declaration of Use directly to your NADO or through your secured ADAMS login The WTC Declaration of Use form can be found - www.ironmanpromembership.com
b) On the Doping Control Official Record at the time of testing should you be selected for Doping Control The substances which require a Declaration of Use are listed below:
i) Albuterol and Salmeterol by inhalation for the treatment of asthma
ii) Inhaled or locally injected glucocorticosteroids (intramuscular use requires a TUE)
iii) Platelet Rich Plasma injections (except intramuscular which requires a TUE)

Rules
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What is the Age Group breakdown?

  • 18-24
  • 25-29
  • 30-34
  • 35-39
  • 40-44
  • 45-49
  • 50-54
  • 55-59
  • 60-64
  • 65-69
  • 70-74
  • 75-79
  • 80+

What are the age requirements?
All athletes must be 18 years of age on race day.

What categories are offered?
Professional, Age Group, and Physically Challenged.

Why do I have to be a member of USAT or buy a one-day license and what does that insurance cover?
USA Triathlon will sanction the race. To complete the online registration process, athletes will need to enter their USAT annual license number or purchase a one-day license ($12.00 USD) during online registration. Athletes must bring their photo identification and show proof of current USAT membership during Athlete Check-In. If you cannot produce the above mentioned, you will be required to purchase a one-day license on-site. Please visit http://www.usatriathlon.org/pages/668 for a complete set of the competitive rules.

Are disk wheels allowed?
No.

USAT
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Frequently Asked Questions about USA Triathlon

1. Will 2012 Ironman races be included in USAT’s national rankings?
Yes, all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events in 2012 will be included in USAT’s national rankings.

2. Non-members: Can I apply the $10 one-day license fee paid at a 2011 Ironman event towards a USAT annual membership?
Yes, the $10 fee may be applied to a USAT annual membership. Please contact USAT direct to upgrade your membership.

3. I am not an annual USAT member but plan to register for an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event. How much are the one-day fees at these Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events?
There is a $10 one-day license fee at all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events.

4. I am an annual USAT member. Will I be required to complete any additional paperwork before I can participate in an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event?
Those who are annual members will not be required to fill out additional USAT paperwork. All athletes must present their USAT membership card at athlete check-in.

5. What age group will I compete in on the day I race in an Ironman and/or Ironman 70.3 event?
Starting in 2009, the Ford Ironman World Championship and all qualifying events will implement both the International Triathlon Federation and USA Triathlon’s Age Group Competition rule: All age group athletes must compete in the age group division corresponding to the athlete’s age on December 31 of the year of the event.

6. Do Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events have different rules for penalty enforcement?
Yes. Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events have applied for and been granted dispensation on several areas of rules and penalty enforcement. These rules and their enforcement will be consistent throughout all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events. Participants will receive regular communication and guidance from race directors and referees regarding these rules.

7. What kind of speedsuits are approved and allowed?
All suits approved by FINA are legal to use in USAT events.  Here is the current list of approved speedsuits:
Xterra Velocity 0.02. swimsuit
Xterra Velocity 0.02+. swimsuit
Xterra Velocity 0.02++. swimsuit
2XU Kona Fusion Speed Suit
Blue Seventy Pointzero2 Speed Suit
Blue Seventy Pointzero3 Speed Suit
Nineteen Frequency SS
Ultra SpeedZoot
Sailfish Furious
Aquaman Insulator
Maystorm skinsuits
Rocket Science Rocket Skin
Camaro Seamless Modetec Swim Shorty 0,3
Camaro Seamless Modetec Swim Shorty 0,5
Camaro Seamless Modetec Swimsuit “Dynamic Cut” 0,5
Camaro Seamless Modetec Swimsuit “Dynamic Cut” 0,3
Camaro Seamless Modetec Swimsuit “Dynamic Cut” 0,3
Seamless Swim Shorty
Camaro Seamless Swimsuit “Dynamic Cut”
Camaro Seamless Dynamic Pants
Aqua Sphere Ironman Skinsuit
TYR Sayonara
Tri11 SCS Suit
Orca RS1 Killa Race Suit
Orca RS1 Body Suit
Orca RS1 Aero Race suit

Swimwear Policy
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What are the current legal swimwear/speedsuits?
Effective September 1, 2010, all swimwear/speedsuits at Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events MUST be comprised of 100% textile material such as nylon or lycra and may not include rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene.  Swimwear/speedsuits may NOT cover the neck or extend past the shoulders or knees.  Swimwear/speedsuits may contain a zipper. A race kit or trisuit may be worn underneath swimwear/speedsuits.

What is your new rule regarding swimwear/speedsuits?
Effective September 1, 2010, the following guidelines will apply to swimwear/speedsuits in non-wetsuit swims:

  • Swimwear/speedsuits MUST be comprised of 100% textile material such as nylon or lycra and may not include rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene.
  • Swimwear/speedsuits may NOT cover the neck or extend past the shoulders or knees.
  • Swimwear/speedsuits may contain a zipper.
  • A race kit or trisuit may be worn underneath swimwear/speedsuits.

What swimwear/speed suits are allowed after September 1, 2010?
The following swimwear has been approved by Ironman to date. (This list is NOT all-inclusive. If your suit is NOT on this list and you do NOT know whether your suit is 100% textile material, please contact the manufacturer.)
*Please continue to check back for updates

De Soto
Micro Tri Short – Femme
Liftfoil Speed Trisuit (non-rubberized)
Forza ITU Trisuit
78 Degree Swim Top
Forza Tri Short
Forza Tri Short Low Rise
Forza Riviera Tri Short
Carrera Tri Short
Carrera Tri Short Low Rise

Profile Design
Mako TXT

Skinfit
Speedsuit II
Plasma

TYR
Torque Pro
Torque Elite
Tracer C Series
Tracer B series
Tracer Light
Fusion2
Aquashift
Aquapel

Xterra Wetsuits
Velocity-M
Velocity-Y

Zoot
CompressRx Speedsuit

Rocket Science Sports
FU Racer
Rocket Racer
Elite Racer
RJ Racer

Zerod
oSuit
iSuit
uSuit

Blueseventy
PZ3-TX

Kiwami
The Amphibian
The Konami
The Trinergy

Wetsuit Policy
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What is the current wetsuit rule?
Wetsuits are not permitted*

*Athletes competing in an age category of 70+ are given the “option” of wearing a sleeveless, full or 3/4 wetsuit during the swim portion. If an athlete aged 70+ elects to use a wetsuit, he/she will not be eligible for an age group award, but will still be considered an “official finisher”.

Are neoprene swim socks illegal?
Neoprene socks are allowed ONLY when the water temperature is 18.8 degrees Celcius/65 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.

Media
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Who do I contact for media-related inquiries?
Media70.3@ironman.com

Spectator Information
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Can I take my car on the race course to watch my athlete?
No, the race course is closed to spectator traffic.

Will I be allowed to cross the finish line with my athlete?
Friends and/or family members are not permitted to cross the finish line or enter the finish chute with participating athletes. This policy allows each competitor adequate time to celebrate their accomplishment without interfering with other finishers and ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers and fans. Athletes who choose not to respect the policy will receive an automatic disqualification (DQ).

Will I be allowed into the finish line area to greet my athlete?
Unfortunately, due to high congestion in the finish line area, no spectators will be allowed. Please do not try to gain access to this area, as it must remain clear for the safety of the athletes. Before the event, you and your athlete should decide on a meeting place for after they have finished.

Will I be allowed into the medical tent to look for my athlete if they have not arrived at our meeting destination?
The Medical Tent is highly congested and spectators will not be allowed in. There will be a Medical Information Tent next to the Medical Tent where medical updates will be available on athletes who enter the Medical Tent.

Race Week Events
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What is the race week schedule?
Please check the schedule of events on the race website and refer to the Athlete Information Guide which will be posted two weeks prior to race day.

Can family members and/or friends check-in for me and pick-up my race packet?
No, only registered athletes are allowed into athlete check-in. Please bring your photo ID and USAT card (if applicable) during designated check-in hours.

Will my entry include post race food?
Yes. All athletes receive complimentary food in the post race area with their athlete wristband.

Will my family and friends be able to purchase food?
Yes, Family and friends will be able to purchase food in the post race area.

General
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Where will Lost and Found be located during the event?
Lost and Found items will be available at the Information Tent during race week. It is recommended that you mark your gear with your race number as Ironman is not responsible for lost items.

After the conclusion of the event, please contact hawaii70.3@ironman.com to locate any missing items and schedule returns. Shipping fees will apply.

*All unclaimed items will be donated within 30 days.

Timing
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What are the course cut off times?
Swim: 1 hour and 15 minutes from start of race.
Bike: 5 hours and 30 minutes from start of race.
Run: 8 hours and 30 minutes from start of race.

*The race will officially end 8 hours and 30 minutes after the swim start.

What is the timing system used?
ChampionChip Timing Systems

Will there be live on-line tracking and results on race day?
Yes, please visit www.ironman.com for live race day coverage including athlete tracking and up-to-date race results.

Will I receive an Official Finisher’s certificate?
Yes, you will be able to download and print your Official Finisher’s Certificate through a link on the race website.

Volunteers
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Where can I sign up to volunteer?
Information on volunteering are available in the volunteer section of the website.

Travel
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What is the host hotel and how do I find other lodging information?
Hotel accommodations and information are available in the accommodations section of the website.

Bike Shipping
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Who is the bike transport provider?
Bike shipping accommodations and information are available in the bike shipping section of the website.

About the event

Athletes start the day with a swim in the crystal blue waters of Hapuna Beach State Park along the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Then they take on the challenging 56 mile bike course on the legendary Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. The day finishes with a 13.1 mile run through paradise.

Ironman Worldwide

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