|
INFORMATION & FAQ
Course
Entry
General
Merchandise
Qualifying
Rules
Spectator Information
Timing
Travel
 Is the swim a mass start? Are we starting in the water or is it a beach start? What is the water temperature?- Between 68-72 degrees at that time of year (76 degrees for 2000)
Where can I find a map of the race course?- Swim/Bike/Run courses are available in the course section of the web site.
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 Formula/ Orange Flavor
Water
PowerBar Gel
PowerBar
Bananas
Oranges
Run Aid Stations
Gatorade Endurance Formula/ Lemon Lime
Water
Cola
PowerBar Gel
Pretzels
Chicken Soup Broth (Fulls only, after dark)
Oranges
Bananas
PowerBar
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.
Is there a waiting list for the races when they are sold out?- No, NAS races do not have waiting lists.
When can I sign up for next year's race?- On site at 9:00AM-11:00AM local time and online beginning at 12:00PM local race site time the day after the race.
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.
What is the latest date that I can withdraw and still get a partial refund? What are the withdrawal procedures? Will there be relays? Which Age group will I race in on race day?- AGE ON RACE DAY is used for all age group for all NA Sports Events. Ex: If you are 39 on race day and 40 on Dec. 31st of that year, you will race in the 35-39 age group for that event. We are Exempt from the USAT age up rule
What is the schedule of events race week?- Please go to the schedule page by using the INFORMATION > SCHEDULE link on the site.
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.
Who do I contact about massage during race week? 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.
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 regarding race photos?- Action Sports International are the official race photographers. Go to www.asiorders.com.
How many qualifying slots are there for Ford Ironman World Championship and Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship , and how are they distributed? Are disk wheels allowed? Where can I find information about USAT and WTC policies? Are wetsuits allowed?- Yes, in accordance with USAT wetsuit / water temperature rules. In fact, wetsuits are strongly advised for races early in the year as the water is typically very cold.
However, please note that water temperatures at late-season races such as Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida can get up to 84-85 degrees. Wetsuits will only be permitted if water temperatures are below USAT guidelines at any of our events. Go to www.usatriathlon.org for complete rules. For example, the water temperature has been over 80 degrees the past two years at Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida and wet suits have not been allowed at that event.
Where do I find general race information and rules? 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 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. The schedule will also be posted on the schedule page of the website as soon as it is available. Until then, the previous year's schedule is left posted for reference.
What is the Ford Ironman Athlete Village?- The Ford Ironman Athlete Village 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.
Where is the best place to watch Ford Ironman Florida?- The beach is open for spectators to view the swim.
The bike couse is one loop, making it difficult for spectators to view due to traffic regulations. The best place to watch your athlete get on and off their bike is in the transition area.
The run course travels through PCB. Spectators can line the streets to watch their athlete run to the finish.
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.
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 Athlete Village.
You can also help support the locals with plenty of local restaurants near the Athlete Village/transition area.
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.
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.
What roads will be closed to traffic on race day?- Refer to the Spectator Information Guide on the web site, posted roughly two weeks prior to the event.
Where should I park during race week?- Refer to the Spectator Information Guide on the web site, posted roughly two weeks prior to the event.
How should I get around on race day?- Refer to the Spectator Information Guide located on the web site, posted roughly two weeks prior to the event.
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
What is the timing system used for the event? What are the cut-off times?- Swim: 2 hours and 20 minutes, Swim/Bike: 10 hours and 30 minutes (IM Florida ONLY is 10 hours and 15 minutes), Swim/Bike/Run: 17 hours
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 want to buy my own ChampionChip, where do I go? Will there be live on-line results available on race day? Are there any air / car discounts?- Yes! Go to the INFORMATION > AIR/CAR link for more information.
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.
# 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/index.aspx?urlname=bikeshipping
Guest and non-guest bikes shipped directly to the Boardwalk Beach Resort will incure a handling fee of $10 shipping in and $10 out. NOTE: Athletes must arrange thier own shipping and insurance before we will accept bike to be shipped out.
Please have the following information on shipping label:
Athlete Name
Guest arrival date( if non-guest no arrival date needed)
9450 S. Thomas Drive
Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
850.234.3484
Please try to ship for early arrival if at all possible to avoid backlog on shipments.
Where can I learn more about the area?- Visit visitpcfla.com/ for information on the Panama City Beach area.
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.
|
