Ford Ironman World Championship

FAQ for the Ford Ironman World Championship

1. How do I qualify for the Ford Ironman World Championship?
Depending upon the IRONMAN event, competitors can gain entry by qualifying for a race by past performance, submitting a timely application in "open" events, or winning a spot through a lottery process. WTC always reserves the right and discretion to permit other participants in its IRONMAN events.

2. How can I get a copy of previous Ford Ironman World Championship shows?
DVDs of past Ironman World Championships, along with other shows, are available through ironmandvd.com.

3. How do I find information about the qualifiers?
Go to the EVENTS section for a complete list of events and contact information. Choose the Ironman 70.3 tab to see events in that series.

4. Are there Clydesdale/Athena divisions?
There are no Ironman slots for Clydesdale/Athena athletes.

5. What is the race fee for the Ford Ironman World Championship?
The entry fee for the October 11, 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship is US$500. If the athlete withdraws on or before August 31st, US$150 of the entry fee will be refunded.

6. What happens to the slots of people who qualify and later drop out?
Our history shows our attrition rate is between 10-12%, the number of slots are determined at the beginning of the season and distributed to the different qualifying races and the lottery. The race is always over subscribed since we know we will have a percentage of drops during the season, so all slots are accounted for and there is no waiting list.

7. If a person finishes the Ford IMWC will he automatically be qualified for next years race?
No. Only the first male and female winners in each age-group category are invited to return along with the top 10 male and female professional finishers.

8. What is the date of the Ford Ironman World Championship?
The 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship will be on October 11, 2008.

9. Who do I notify if my address changes?
Address changes should be directed to the Hawaii race office by either fax or email kona@ironman.com.

10. How do I qualify if there is no race in my country?
There are many International qualifying events to choose from, or you may enter the International Lottery if you are not a U.S. Citizen.

11. Who do I contact regarding travel to Kona?
The official travel partner of the World Triathlon Corporation is Anthony Travel at 1-800-736-6377 (www.anthonytravel.com).

12. How do I determine whether I should race as an age grouper or professional?
You must declare your status, and race in that division. Professionals must hold a valid professional/elite card or a letter from their country�s federation. This must be submitted with the application.

13. If I qualified as an age grouper and then turn professional, can I still race and vice versa?
No. You must requalify as a Professional earning a Pro slot. If you race as a Professional Athlete during the calendar year, you may not race as an age grouper in IRONMAN for that year and the following year.

14. I earned a slot but can�t race. Can I give the slot to my friend?
No, race slots may not be transferred. You must notify the Hawaii office in writing that you will not be able to do the race.

15. What happens if my birthday falls right before Kona, and changes my age-group?
Situation: I'm 24 and have qualified in the 20-24 age group category. However, my birthday falls prior to the Hawaii race date and I will be 25 by race time. In what age group category do I race in Hawaii?

Your age on race day determines the age-group category. Whatever your age is on race day, that is the age-group category you must race in. For example: If you have qualified for Kona at age 24 and earn a slot in the 20-24 age-group BUT you have a birthday prior to Kona�s race date and become 25 before race day, you will race Kona in the 25-29 age-group category. The rule is you race the age-group category of your actual age on the day of the event.

16. How long are the distances in the Ford Ironman World Championship and what are the cutoff times?
The swim is 2.4 miles and the cutoff is 2 hrs. and 20 min., the bike is 112 miles and the cutoff time is 10 hrs and 30 min from the beginning of the race and the run is a full marathon which is 26.2 miles and the cutoff time is 17 hours from the beginning of the race.

17. What will be the official race drink?
Gatorade Endurance Formula, Orange flavor on the bike course, and Gatorade Endurance Formula, Lemon Lime flavor on the run course.

18. What is the date for the Ford Ironman World Championship in future years?
2008:  10/11/2008
2009:  10/10/2009
2010:  10/9/2010
2011:  10/08/2011
2012:  10/13/2012

19. What will be the official energy gel for the Ford Ironman World Championship?
PowerBar Gel

20. What is the official energy bar for the Ford Ironman World Championship?
PowerBar

21. What is the average time it takes an "age-group" triathlete to prepare for an Ironman?
Triathletes train an average of seven months for the Ford Ironman World Championship. The average hours per week devoted to training for the World Championship generally fall between 18 and 22. Average training distances for the three events:
Miles per week swimming: 7 (11.3 km)
Miles per week biking: 232 (373.3 km)
Miles per week running: 48 (77.2 km)

22. Can you provide a list of all qualifying races, with the number of slots per group?
It is best to contact each of the qualifying races in our series for this information as the number of slots available from each race may vary from year to year. The only way to be sure you get accurate information is for you to contact each race directly. PDFs of all race information are available under the Media Center tab.

23. What is the timing system used for the event?
ChampionChip

24. Where can I see the list of people who Qualified for Kona?
That information is on the Ford Ironman World Championship page.

25. How do I go about obtaining official race photos from the Ford Ironman World Championship?
Contact Action Sports International (www.asiphoto.com) at (770) 696-2575 or email the Hawaii Race Office at kona@ironman.com for additional assistance.

26. Are there any "team" Ironman events?
The Ford Ironman World Championship and its qualifying races do not have "team" events. Ironman is an individual endurance event.