INFORMATION & FAQ
Austin, The Live Music Capital of the World, has got it all... quirky cross-dressers, great 4-star restaurants, finger-licking barbeque joints, and the famous Tex-Mex, 50,000 University of Texas students, over 1 million bats, corporate CEOs to struggling musicians, Texas' capital city stands apart from the rest.
Uniquely Austin means something. Just check out the whole campaign to “Keep Austin Weird.”
A triathlete’s dream playground, it’s also home to the Town Lake Trail, a beautiful 10 mile hike and bike trail around downtown’s Town Lake, and Barton Springs Pool, a 1/8 of a mile natural, spring-fed swimming pool that remains 68 degrees F year-round.
For more info, visit www.austintexas.org.
Bike Shipping Information
Course
Entry
General
Merchandise
Qualifying
Rules
Spectator Information
Timing
Travel
Who do I contact in regard to bike shipping options?- Jack And Adam's Bicycle shop will be handling bike shipping.Please visit http://www.jackandadams.com for more information.
Is the swim a mass start or a wave start?- The swim is a wave start.
What is the expected water temperature on race day?- In October, the average water temperatures range from 72 F to 78 F.
Will there be a First Timers wave?- No, there will NOT be a first timers wave. All athletes must swim in their age group category.
What are the course cut off times?- Swim: 1 hour and 10 minutes after final wave start
Bike: 5 hours and 30 minutes after final wave start
Run: 8 hours and 30 minutes after final wave start
Where will the aid stations be located and what will be offered?- Aid stations vary slightly from year to year but the general offerings are below. There will be 4 strategically placed aid stations along the bike course offering:
Gatorade Endurance formula
Water
Powerbars
PowerGels
Bananas
There will be aid stations every mile on the run course offering:
Gatorade Endurance Formula
Water
PowerBars
PowerGel Energy Gels
Fruit
Defizzed cola
Where can I find a map of the race course?- Swim/Bike/Run courses are available in the course section of the web site.
What is the entry fee?- $250.00 USD (Nov. 1, 2009- March 31, 2010)
$275.00 USD (April 1, 2010- close)
What is the Refund/Withdrawal Policy?- Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via email to austin70.3@ironman.com . Without exception, all requests must be received on or before September 1, 2010 to be eligible for a partial refund of $75.00 USD. Transfers or deferrals are NOT permitted.
Is there a waiting list for the races when they are sold out?- No, races do not have waiting lists.
Are there age requirements?- Entrants must be 18 years of age on race day.
What age group will I race in on race day?- The Ford Ironman World Championship and Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 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.
What type of weather is usually expected on race day?- In October, expect an average high of 78 F and an average low of 59 F.
Will DVDs be given out or available for purchase?- In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, Ironman will no longer be producing the race highlights DVD. To view the race highlights video please log on to the homepage.
Who do I contact if my registration information needs to be updated? Where can I purchase official event merchandise? Where can I get merchandise from past events?- Please visit http://www.tracingsgraphics.com for merchandise from the 2009 event.
Who is the contact for the official merchandise?- Contact Christi Leong at christi@ironman.com
Who do I contact regarding race photos?- Action Sports International are the official race photographers. Go to http://www.asiorders.com.
Slot Allocation Policy- At least one slot shall be allocated to each five-year age group category in which any age group athlete sends in an application, both male and female, per the age group categories listed above. If there are no athletes entered in the race in a particular age group, then that slot will be moved to the largest populated age group in that same gender. For additional age group slots, slot allocation shall be representative of the actual number of age grouper applicants in each category in the race. As an example, if 8% of the age-group applicants are females 40-44, then 8% of these slots would be allocated in the female 40-44 category.
Where can I find information about USAT and WTC policies?- Download this pdf for more information:
http://www.ironmancenter.com/usat-wtc-faq.pdf
Why do I have to be a member of USAT or buy a one-day license and what does that insurance cover?- Please visit http://www.usatriathlon.org/pages/668 for more information.
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+
What categories are offered?- Age Group, Professional and Paratriathlete
Are wetsuits allowed?- Wetsuits are permitted if the water temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. 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.
What are the distances for the Ironman 70.3 events?- The Ironman 70.3 events consist of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run.
I am part of a team or club participating in the Ironman 70.3 Austin triathlon. Is there any place for us to gather and cheer on our athletes?- Yes. We will host a team tailgating area near transition. This is your chance to have a gathering spot for your team and to cheer on athletes. Bring your tents, trailers, picnics and energy. Email audra@ironman.com to secure your spot.
Can I take my car on the race course to watch my athlete?- No, for safety reasons we ask that you do not attempt to follow your athlete by car. The best place to watch your athlete is in the transition area and the finish line. Any vehicular traffic on the race course should expect long delays. Please do not attempt to gain access to the race course with your vehicle. We want to keep the course as safe as possible for the athletes.
Will I be allowed to cross the finish line with my athlete?- Friends and/or family members will no longer be permitted to cross the finish line or enter the finish chute with participating athletes. This policy will allow 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 new 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. Please, be patient with the Medical Information Volunteers, updates will be posted as soon as they are received.
What is the timing system used?- ChampionChip Timing Systems
If I have my own chip, can I use it?- Yes, just e-mail your chip number to the Timing Department at timing@ironman.com . In the subject line, please include "Personal Chip - Race Name"
For example, if you plan to use your own chip for Ironman Louisville, send us your information with the subject line "Personal Chip - Ironman Louisville"
I didn't turn in my timing chip after the race. Where do I return it so I won't be charged the "lost chip" fee?- To avoid the lost chip fees, please mail your chip to the following address:
Attn: Timing
World Triathlon Corporation
2701 North Rocky Point Dr.
Suite 1250
Tampa, FL 33607
How can I buy my own ChampionChip?- TBD
Where can I find results from the 2009 event?- Please visit http://www.run-far.com/ for timing information from the 2009 event.
Will I receive an Official Finisher's certificate?- Yes, you will receive your certificate via E-mail.
What is the host hotel and how do I find other lodging information?- Use the Lodging link to go to the accommodation section of the web site.