Ironman 70.3 California

Frequently Asked Questions:

FAQ Quick Links
Bike Shipping Information
Course
Entry
General
Merchandise
Qualifying
Rules
Spectator Information
Timing
Travel


Bike Shipping Information
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FAQ Symbol Who do I contact in regard to bike shipping?
  • TiBike Transport and Ironman Bike Store will offer shipping services for Rohto Ironman 70.3 California.

    TriBike Transport will provide bike shipping services for Rohto Ironman 70.3 California. To learn more or to sign up for their service, visit www.tribiketransport.com

    Drop off your bike at a local partner shop (fully assembled, minus your pedals). TBT will pick up your bike as-is and drive it to your event. When you arrive, pick up your bike, just as you left it, next to transition. After your race, walk your bike over to TBT directly from transition, drop it off and forget about it until you get home. TBT will deliver it back to you.

    For athletes who are not utilizing TriBike Transport for shipping, the Ironman Bike Store offers full-service bike repairs, assembly and disassembly of bikes that are shipped via FedEx, UPS or transported via air carrier.
    If you are shipping your bike to the Ironman Bike Store at the Rohto Ironman 70.3 California event, please use the following shipping address:
    Ironman Bike Store
    ATTN: BIKE SHIPPING PROGRAM
    1350 N. Pacific Street
    Oceanside, CA 95024

    Delivery Window: March 15 - March 26 (No deliveries accepted before March 15)

    Please note that it is extremely important you ship your bike to Oceanside during the delivery window. If your bike arrives before March 15, it will be sent back to you. The shipping address is ONLY for athletes who are shipping their bike to the Ironman Bike Store in Oceanside. If you are not using the Ironman Bike Store’s services, do NOT ship your bike to the above address.

    Please email your name, tracking number and the bike service form below to the Ironman Bike Store at: ironmanbikestore@ironman.com with the subject heading: Bike Shipping Program CA 70.3
    Services Offered:
    Full Service ($225 USD) - Customer ships their bike to the address provided. We receive the case, unpack the bike, build the bike, tune the bike and hold on to the case. After the event, we disassemble the bike, pack it and ship it to the address the customer provides.
    Fly-In Full Service ($175 USD) - Customer brings their case to us on-site. We unpack the bike, build the bike, tune the bike and hold on to the case. After the event, we disassemble the bike, pack it and give the case to the customer.
    Unpack and Assemble ($85 USD) - Customer brings their case to us on-site and we unpack the bike, assemble the bike and tune the bike. The customer takes the bike and the case with them.
    Disassemble and Pack ($75 USD) - Customer brings us their bike and their case. We disassemble and pack the bike. The customer takes their case.
    Receive Only ($40 USD) - Customer ships their case to the address we provide. We receive and sign for the case (if applicable). We hold on to the case until the customer comes to pick it up.
    Return Shipping Only ($90 USD) - Customer brings us their case and we ship it to the address they provide. Insurance is set at $2,000 USD. Additional insurance can be purchased at $9.00 for every $1,000 of insurance.
    Bike Case Storage Fee ($20 USD) - Customer did not purchase a package that specifies case storage or needs to leave their case for any other reason.

    Ironman Bike Store Bike Shipping Services Form
Course
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FAQ Symbol Are we starting in the water or is it a beach start?
  • Water Start
FAQ Symbol Is the swim a mass start or a wave start?
  • The swim is a wave start.
FAQ Symbol 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
FAQ Symbol Where will the aid stations be and what will be available?
  • Aid stations are approximately a mile apart on the run and every 10 miles on the bike. Nutrition available can vary between years and races, depending upon who the sponsors are. The general offerings are as follows:

    Bike Aid Station
    Gatorade Endurance
    Water
    PowerBar Gel
    PowerBar
    Bananas

    Run Aid Stations
    Gatorade Endurance
    Water
    Cola
    PowerBar Gel
    Pretzels
    Chicken Soup Broth (Fulls only, after dark)
    Oranges
    Bananas
    PowerBar
FAQ Symbol Where can I find a map of the race course?
  • Swim/Bike/Run courses are available in the course section of the web site.
Entry
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FAQ Symbol How do I find out if there are entries still available and if so, how do I sign up?
  • Go to the ENTRY link on the site and if the entry page says the race is still open, there will be a link to the sign up form.

    Note: Most full Ironman races sell out within hours of opening entry the day after each event. Please plan to sign up a year in advance if you want to secure a general entry spot.
FAQ Symbol What is the entry fee?
  • $250.00 USD (4/21/2009-5/31/2009)
    $275.00 USD (6/1/2009-close)

    Major Credit cards only (VISA, MASTER CARD and AMEX); cash or checks will not be accepted.
FAQ Symbol What is the Refund/Withdraw Policy?
  • Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via email to California70.3@ironman.com. Without exception, all requests must be received on or before February 15, 2010 to be eligible for a partial refund of $75.00 USD. Transfers or deferrals are NOT permitted.
FAQ Symbol What are the withdrawal procedures?FAQ Symbol Is there a waiting list for the races when they are sold out?
  • No, races do not have waiting lists.
FAQ Symbol Are there age requirements?
  • Entrants must be 18 years of age on race day.
FAQ Symbol 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.
FAQ Symbol When can I sign up for next year's race?
  • Registration will be announced shortly after the current year's race.
General
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FAQ Symbol When will the race packets be mailed out?
  • Race packets are not mailed. They can be downloaded from the website when they are available. It will be announced at the top of the site homepage, they are typically posted two weeks prior to the race.
FAQ Symbol What is the schedule of events race week?
  • Please go to the schedule page by using the INFORMATION > SCHEDULE link on the site.
FAQ Symbol 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.
FAQ Symbol I have moved, how do I change my address?
  • E-Mail Ironman at: info@ironman.com with the new address or correction. Make sure you mention the specific race in which you are entered.
Merchandise
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FAQ Symbol Who is the contact for the official merchandise?FAQ Symbol Who do I contact regarding race photos?
  • Action Sports International are the official race photographers. Go to www.asiorders.com.
Qualifying
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FAQ Symbol 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.
FAQ Symbol How many qualifying slots are there for Ford Ironman World Championship and Foster Grant Ironman 70.3 World Championship and how are they distributed?
  • Go to:
    www.ironmancenter.com/qualify/konaslots.php
    for qualifying information.

    Please read the Athlete Information Guide (posted a few weeks before the event) in regards to Ford Ironman World Championship and Foster Grant Ironman 70.3 World Championship registration and roll down.
Rules
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FAQ Symbol Where do I find general race information and rules?FAQ Symbol Where can I find information about USAT and WTC policies?FAQ Symbol Why do I have to be a member of USAT or buy a one-day license and what does that insurance cover?FAQ Symbol 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+
FAQ Symbol What categories are offered?
  • Age Group, Professional and Physically Challenged
FAQ Symbol Will there be relays?
  • No, only one athlete may compete.
FAQ Symbol 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.
FAQ Symbol 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. However, friends and/or families are encouraged to reunite with their athlete in the photo/post-race area just beyond the finish line
FAQ Symbol Are disk wheels allowed?
  • Yes.
Spectator Information
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FAQ Symbol 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.
FAQ Symbol Where is the best place to watch Ford Ironman California 70.3?
  • The swim is located in Oceanside Harbor, the location is crowded because the transition takes up most of the space. The best place to view the swim is around the transition area.
    The best place to watch the bike course is, again in transition. The bike course goes through Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, which is closed to the public.
    The run couse follows the beach and coastal neighborhoods which are both open to spectators.
FAQ Symbol Where should I park during race week?
  • Refer to the Athlete Information Guide on the web site, posted roughly two months prior to the event.
FAQ Symbol How should I get around on race day?
  • Refer to the Athlete Information Guide located on the web site, posted roughly two months prior to the event.
FAQ Symbol Is there anywhere to eat onsite at the events?
  • Yes, check out the Race Day Cafe at all of our events. It is always located near the transition area and the Ford Ironman Marketplace.
    You can also help support the locals with plenty of local restaurants near the Athlete Village/transition area.
FAQ Symbol 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.
FAQ Symbol 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).
FAQ Symbol 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.
FAQ Symbol 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.
FAQ Symbol What is the Ford Ironman Expo?
  • The Ford Ironman Expo features various booths- including a showcase of Ford vehicles, Ironman merchandise, Ironman retailers/bike services, the Janus Inspiration Station (spectators can create inspirational signs to line the course), and many other things. It provides a perfect gathering and meeting place for athletes and spectators.
FAQ Symbol Where can I find a schedule of events for race week?
  • A schedule of events is posted on the website. Go to Information > Schedule. It is also available in the Athlete Information Guide on the web site, posted roughly two months prior to the event.
Timing
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FAQ Symbol What is the timing system used for the event?
  • ChampionChip
FAQ Symbol If I have my own chip can I use it?
  • Of course, e-mail your chip number to Marc Roy at: info@sportstats.ca or check in with Sportstats at registration.
FAQ Symbol 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?
  • Marc Roy
    Sportstats
    190 Colonnade Rd #6
    Ottawa, ON, Canada
    K2E 7J5

    Tel: 613-260-0994
    Fax: 613-260-0998
FAQ Symbol I want to buy my own ChampionChip, where do I go?
Travel
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FAQ Symbol Are there any air / car discounts?
  • Yes! Go to the INFORMATION > AIR/CAR link for more information.
FAQ Symbol Where do I find information about bike shipping and setup?
  • * There are two ways you can transport your bike to Ironman events in North America:

    If you live in area that is serviced by TriBike Transport, you can bring your bike to your local affiliated bike shop and they will pick it up, fully assembled, and deliver it to the race for you. After the race, simply deliver your bike back to TriBike and they will transport it back to your local bike shop. You can see more information, and register for the service at www.tribiketransport.com.

    For athletes who are not utilizing Tri Bike Transport for shipping, the Ironman Bike store offers full-service bike repairs, assembly and disassembly of bikes that are shipped via FedEx, UPS or transported via air carrier.
FAQ Symbol 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.