Ford Ironman Arizona

INFORMATION & FAQ

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


FAQ Symbol Are we starting in the water or is it a beach start?
  • Water Start
FAQ Symbol Is the swim a mass start?
  • Yes.
FAQ Symbol What is the expected water temperature on race day?
  • The temperature is usually around 70 F that time of year.
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.
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 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 NAS 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 Is there a waiting list for the races when they are sold out?
  • No, NAS races do not have waiting lists.
FAQ Symbol When can I sign up for next year's race?
  • Athletes participating in the current year's event will be able to sign up on Saturday from 9AM-11AM. General registration begins Monday from 7AM-9AM, volunteers will have priority in line over general entries.
    If there are spots left over after onsite registration is complete, they will open on Active.com at 12PM local race site time.
FAQ Symbol Are there ways to enter besides general entry?
  • Yes. There may be Community Fund slots available after a race sells out. More information is here:
    www.nasports.com/commfund/index.php

    You may also be able to qualify for a sold out race. Please see that specific FAQ for more information.
FAQ Symbol What is the latest date that I can withdraw and still get a partial refund?FAQ Symbol What are the withdrawal procedures?FAQ Symbol Will there be relays?
  • No.
FAQ Symbol Which Age group will I race in on race day?
  • ALL 2008 EVENTS ATHLETES WILL RACE THEIR AGE ON RACE DAY! We will be governed by the USAT age up rule beginning in 2009 that you will race your age on December 31 of the race year.
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 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 I have moved, how do I change my address?
  • E-Mail North America Sports at: admin@nasports.com with the new address or correction. Make sure you mention the specific race in which you are entered.
FAQ Symbol 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.
Merchandise
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
FAQ Symbol How many qualifying slots are there for Ford Ironman World Championship and Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship , and how are they distributed?
  • Go to:
    www.nasports.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.
FAQ Symbol Are disk wheels allowed?
  • Yes.
FAQ Symbol Where can I find information about USAT and WTC policies?FAQ Symbol Are wetsuits allowed?
  • Yes, in accordance with USAT wetsuit / water temperature rules. In fact, wetsuits are strongly advised for races early or late in the year as the water is typically very cold.

    However, please note that water temperatures at Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida can get up to 84-85 degrees. Wetsuits will only be permitted if water temperatures are below USAT guidelines. Go to www.usatriathlon.org for complete rules. The water temperature has been over 80 degrees the past two years and wet suits have not been allowed at Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida.
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 Where do I find general race information and rules?
Spectator Information
FAQ Symbol 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.
FAQ Symbol Where can I find a schedule of events for race week?
  • Refer to the Athlete Information Guide on the web site, posted roughly two weeks prior to the event.
FAQ Symbol What is the Ford Ironman Marketplace?
  • The Ford Ironman Marketplace features various booths- including a showcase of Ford vehicles, Ironman merchandise, Inside-Out Sports retailers/bike services, the Janus Inspiration Station (spectators can create inspirational signs to line the course). It provides a perfect gathering and meeting place for athletes and spectators.
FAQ Symbol Where is the best place to watch Ford Ironman Arizona?
  • The swim course is located in Tempe Town Lake. The Mill Avenue Bridges provide a perfect view of the swim.
    The bike course is 3 loops, allowing spectators to see their athlete four times at the intersection of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway.
    The run course is also three loops offering many opportunities along the streets and through Tempe Beach Park to see the athletes.
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 into the medical tent to look for my athlete if they have not arrived at our meeting destination?
  • The Medical Tent is highly congestied 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 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 What roads will be closed to traffic on race day?
  • Please refer to the Road Closure Brochure on the web site, posted roughly two weeks prior to the event
FAQ Symbol Where should I park during race week?
  • Refer to the Athlete Information Guide on the web site, posted roughly two weeks 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 weeks prior to the event.
FAQ Symbol Is there anywhere to eat onsite at the event?
  • Yes, check out the Race Day Cafe at all of our events. It is always located near the transition area in the Athlete Village.
    There are also a wide variety of restaurants along Mill Avenue within walking distance of the transition area.
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 What are the cutoff times?
  • Swim Cutoff-9:20AM

    Bike- Due to the three-loop nature and limited timeframes for road closures, there will be three cutoff times for the bike course.
    1st cutoff – 3:00PM: At the 76-mile mark at the corner of Mill Ave & Rio Salado Pkwy. Athletes who have not reached this point by 3:00PM will not be allowed to continue on the bike course.
    2nd cutoff – 4:15PM: At the 93-mile mark, the turn around on Beeline Highway (87). Athletes who do not reach this point by 4:15PM will not be allowed to continue on the bike course.
    3rd cutoff – 5:30PM: Athletes who have not crossed the timing mats to return to transition will not be allowed to continue on the run.

    Please understand that based on permits for the roads on the course and the safety of the athletes involved, cutoff times must be respected for all Ironman events.

    Run
    1st Cut Off – 10:15PM: Just west of the Mill Avenue Bridge, starting the 3rd loop, approximately 17.4 miles into the run. Athletes who do not reach this point by 10:15PM will not be allowed to continue.
    Midnight-Course closes. Race ends.
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 want to buy my own ChampionChip, where do I go?FAQ Symbol Will there be live on-line results available on race day?
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:

    1. 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.

    2. If you live in an area that is not serviced by TriBike Transport, Inside Out Sports has a complete shipping and setup service, both to and from the race. Info is here:
    www.insideoutsports.com/category.aspx?categoryid=118
FAQ Symbol Where can I learn more about the area?FAQ Symbol What is the host hotel and how do I find other lodging information?
  • Use the Lodging (or Travel) link to go to the accommodation section of the web site.