Frequently Asked Questions:
Bike Shipping Information 
Who do I contact in regard to bike shipping? Are we starting in the water or is it a beach start? Is the swim a mass start or a wave start?- The swim is a wave start.
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 and what will be available?- Bike aid stations are located approximately at Mile 15, Mile 30 and Mile 46. Run aid stations are located approximately every mile and the mileage is marked. The offerings are below:
Bike Aid Station
Gatorade Thirst Quencher (Lemon Lime)
Water
PowerBar Gel
PowerBar
Fruit
Run Aid Stations
Gatorade Thirst Quencher (Orange)
Water
Cola
PowerBar
PowerBar Gel
Fruit
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.
What is the entry fee?- $275.00 USD (Open-6/30/10)
$300.00 USD (7/1/10 – Close)
Major Credit cards only (VISA, MASTER CARD and AMEX); cash or checks will not be accepted.
What is the Refund/Withdraw Policy?- Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via E-mail to California70.3@ironman.com . Without exception, all requests must be received on or before February 21, 2011 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.
When can I sign up for next year's race?- Registration will be announced shortly after the current year's race.
Will Ironman Qualifying slots to Ford Ironman Coeur D'Alene, Ford Ironman Lake Placid, Subaru Ironman Canada, Ford Ironman Louisville, Ford Ironman Wisconsin, Ford Ironman Florida, Ford Ironman Arizona and Ford Ironman St. George be offered at 2011 Rohto Ironman 70.3 California or 2011 Rohto Ironman 70.3 Florida?- As of May 17, 2010, we are no longer offering Ironman Qualifying slots for any of the above races at 2011 Rohto Ironman 70.3 California and 2011 Rohto Ironman 70.3 Florida.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
What is the 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.
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? 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.
