INFORMATION & FAQ
Is the swim a mass start? Are we starting in the water or is it a beach start? Where will the aid stations be and what will be offered?- 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
Ironman PERFORM
Water
PowerBar Gel
PowerBar
Bananas
Run Aid Stations
Ironman PERFORM
Water
Cola
PowerBar Gel
Pretzels
Chicken Soup Broth (Fulls only, after dark)
Oranges
Bananas
PowerBar
Where can I find a map of the race course?- Swim/Bike/Run courses are available in the course section of the web site.
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.
What is the Refund/Withdrawal policy?- Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via E-mail to Wisconsin@ironman.com . Without exception, all requests must be received on or before July 21, 2010 in order to be eligible for a partial refund of $150.00 USD. Transfers or deferrals are NOT permitted. *Withdrawal policy also applies to Community Fund slots.
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.
When can I sign up for next year's race?- On site at 9:00 AM local time and online at 12:00 P.M. local race site time the day after the race.
What are the typical weather conditions?- September weather:
Average temperature: high 71 low 48
Weather conditions: September is generally a mild month, is it mostly dry with low humidity and not typically windy.
Water temp: mid to upper 70s
More info can be found at: http://www.cityofmadison.com/beaches
Where do I get updated reports on the lake conditions? 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.
What are the bike shipping options?- TriBike Transport will provide their bike shipping services at the 2010 Ford Ironman Wisconsin. To learn more or to sign up for their service, check out http://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.
If you choose to pack your bike yourself, please do so carefully before transporting it to the event. Most airlines recommend that you use the following procedures when shipping your bike:
• Pack your bike as if you were shipping a carton of eggs. Do everything you can to ensure damage-free delivery.
• Boldly label your bike case with your name, address, etc., so it can be identified quickly.
• If you plan to arrive immediately before the race, you risk having your bike arrive after you do. Plan ahead!
For athletes who are not using 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. They will be staffed by expert bike technicians and stocked with a variety of merchandise.
If you are shipping your bike to the Ironman Bike Store at the Ford Ironman Wisconsin event, please use the following shipping address:
Ironman Bike Store
ATTN: BIKE SHIPPING PROGRAM
Alliant Energy Center
C/O Ironman Wisconsin
Building #11
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
Please email your name and tracking number with the bike service form below to the Ironman Bike Store at ironmanbikestore@ironman.com with the subject heading: Bike Shipping Program: Ford Ironman Wisconsin
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 only needs to store their case and did not purchase a package that specifies case storage.
Bike Shipping Services Form
How do I get information about parking in the area? I can't make it to check-in until the day before the race, what should I do?- If you can't make it to check-in / packet pickup on the designated days, you will not be able to participate in the event. All athletes must register by the last day specified in the race schedule (usually 2 days before the race), no exceptions.
Who do I contact about massage during race week? 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.
What items do I receive for my registration?- Athletes will receive their sling bag at athlete check-in and their finisher hat, t-shirt and medal after crossing the finish line.
Where can I purchase official event merchandise? Who is the contact for the official merchandise? Who do I contact regarding race photos? 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 next calculated 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.
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:
http://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.
Where can I find information about USAT and WTC policies? Why do I have to be a member of USAT or buy a one-day license and what does that insurance cover? 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 Physically Challenged (PC)
Will there be relays?- No, only one athlete may compete.
Are wetsuits allowed?- Wetsuits may be worn in water temperatures up to and including 24.5 degrees Celsius/76.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit in water temperatures exceeding 24.5 degrees C /76.1 degrees F will not be eligible for awards, including World Championship slots. Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 28.8 degrees C/84 degrees F.
Swimwear and swim apparel must be comprised of 100 percent textile material, such as nylon or lycra, and may not include rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene. Swimwear may not cover the neck or extend past the shoulders or knees. Swimwear may contain a zipper. A race kit or trisuit may be worn underneath swimwear.
Wetsuits cannot measure more than 5 millimeters thick.
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 post-race area just beyond the finish line.
Are disk wheels allowed? What are the distances for the Ford Ironman events?- Ford Ironman events consist of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run.
Where is the best place to watch Ford Ironman Wisconsin?- Monona Terrace (transition area) allows spectators to view the swim from above.
Spectators can then take a bus from the Alliant Energy Center to the city of Verona to watch their athletes pass by twice.
The run course is through the streets of downtown Madison. Spectators can line the streets of the course to view the race.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the timing system used?- ChampionChip Timing Systems
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.
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
I want to buy my own ChampionChip, where do I go? Will there be live on-line tracking and results on race day? What are the course cut off times?- SWIM: The swim course will close 2 hours, 20 minutes after the official start
BIKE: 10 hours, 30 minutes after the official start (*please note that riders must start their second loop by 1:30 p.m.) (**ONLY IM Florida is 10 hours and 15 minutes)
RUN: 17 hours after the official start.
FINISH LINE CUT OFF: 17hrs (or 12 midnight)
Are there any air / car discounts?- Yes! Go to the INFORMATION > AIR/CAR link for more information.
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.
