Course Information
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Where can I find a map of the race course?
Swim/Bike/Run course maps are available in the course section of the web site.

What nutrition will be available on course?
Bike course aid stations will offer the following:

• IRONMAN Perform
• Water
• Bananas
• Bonk Breaker Bars
• GU Original Energy Gels
• Roctane Ultra Endurance Gels
• GU Chomps

There will be aid stations approximately every mile on the run course offering:

• IRONMAN Perform
• Water
• Bananas
• Bonk Breaker Bars
• GU Original Energy Gels
• Roctane Ultra Endurance Gels
• GU Chomps
• Chicken Broth
• Pretzels
• Fruit

Where does Ironman Florida take place?
Ironman Florida takes place in Panama City Beach and is one of the most well known races on the Ironman circuit having been around for over 10 years. The two-loop swim takes place in the Gulf of Mexico. The bike and run course are flat and fast. Utilizing the stunning beaches of Panama City Beach, Ironman Florida offers a great opportunity for athletes to get “their feet wet” in Ironman events

Is the swim a mass start?
Yes, the swim is a mass start.

Are we starting in the water or is it a beach start?
Athletes will start on the beach.

What is the average water temperature on race day?
Water temperatures should hover near 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Registration
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What is the 2012 entry fee?

General Entry:

• $625.00 USD

Ironman Foundation:

• $1250.00 USD

*QUALIFIER FOR THE 2013 IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

What is the Refund/Withdrawal Policy?
Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via e-mail to florida@ironman.com . Without exception, all requests must be received on or before September 18, 2012 to be eligible for a partial refund of $150.00 (USD). Transfers or deferrals are NOT permitted. *Withdrawal policy also applies to the Ironman Foundation Slots.

If general entry sells out, is there any other way to race?
Yes, once the event is sold out a limited number of Ironman Foundation slots will be available for those still wishing to enter.

How much does it cost for an Ironman Foundation slot?
An Ironman Foundation entry is $1,250 USD, with $625.00 USD going toward the race entry fee and $625.00 USD for the charitable donation. The charitable donation portion is tax deductible. For more information on Ironman Foundation, please click here.

Do I need to qualify, validate or confirm my entry by completing another event?
No, competitors do not need to qualify or validate to enter. However, we do suggest competing in a shorter distance triathlon event before race day.

Is there a waiting list for the races when they are sold out?
No, we don’t offer a waiting list.

What age group will I race in on race day?
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 31st of the year of the event.

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
• 75-79
• 80+

What are the age requirements?
All athletes must be 18 years of age on race day.

What categories are offered?
Professional, Age Group, and Physically Challenged

Will there be relay/teams?
No. Relay/teams event will not be held in conjunction with this race.

Can family members and/or friends check-in for me and pick-up my race packet?
No, only registered athletes are allowed into athlete check-in. Please bring your photo ID and USAT card (if applicable) during designated check-in hours.

General
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Where will Lost and Found be located during the event?
Lost and Found items will be available at the Information Tent during race week. It is recommended that you mark your gear with your race number as Ironman is not responsible for lost items.

After the conclusion of the event, please contact florida@ironman.com to locate any missing items and schedule returns. Shipping fees will apply.

*All unclaimed items will be donated within 30 days.

What are the typical weather conditions for Panama City Beach, Florida in November?
Average temperature: high 72 low 48
Weather conditions: winds are average from the northeast at about 8 mph and humidity is around 45%.

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 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 in regards to the massage during race week?

Massage Captain, Lee Thompson
thompson1966@hotmail.com
850-628-7633

Merchandise
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Who is the contact for the official merchandise?
For inquiries about merchandise, please e-mail orders@ironmanstore.com.

Where can I purchase event merchandise?
Please click here to purchase merchandise.

Race Photos
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Who do I contact regarding race photos?
FinisherPix is the official race photographer. Go to www.finisherpix.com.

Media
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Who do I contact for media-related inquiries?
Media@ironman.com

Qualifying
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How many slots to the 2012 Ironman World Championship?
There will be 65 qualifying Age Group slots to the 2012 Ironman World Championship on offer at the 2011 Ironman Florida. For more information, please log onto www.ironmanworldchampionship.com.

How does the age group slot allocation work?

• Prior to race day, at least one slot shall be tentatively allocated to each Age Group category (both male and female). Please see the official Age Group category breakdown listed below.
• Final slot allocation will be determined on race day based on the number of official starters. If there are no starters in a particular Age Group, then that slot will be moved to the next calculated Age Group within the gender.
• Final slot allocation shall be representative of the actual number of Age Group starters in each category in the race.  For example, if 8% of the Age Group starters are Female 40-44, then 8% of the slots are allocated to the Female 40-44 category.
• Athletes MUST claim their slot in-person during the designated registration period for the world championship. Please check the Schedule of Events for  more information.

What is rolldown and how does it work?

• At the conclusion of on site registration for the automatic qualifiers, any unclaimed slots within an Age Group will be rolled down to the next eligible finisher within that Age Group.
• If an athlete chooses not to take the slot, does not attend the rolldown ceremony or has already qualified, the next eligible finisher in that Age Group may claim the qualifying slot.
• Following rolldown, any unclaimed slots within an Age Group will be reallocated to another Age Group within the gender based on the athletes-to-slots ratio.
• The Age Group within the gender with the largest athletes-to-slots ratio will receive the first reallocated slot, followed by the next largest ratio receiving the second re-allocated slot (if applicable), and so on.

Anti-Doping Policy
1. In accordance with the World Triathlon Corporation Anti -Doping Policy, all athletes accepting qualifying slots for the 2013  Ironman World Championship and 2013 Ironman World Championship 70.3 will be required to sign a condition of Entry, Release and Indemnification waiver, by which they agree to be placed into the WTC Registered Testing Pool for both in and out of competition testing, and voluntarily consent to be governed by the published rule: www.ironmanpromembership.com
2. We encourage all athletes to be familiar with the most current WADA Prohibited list which can be found: http://ironmanpromembership.com/anti-doping/
3. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency and the 2010 International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions, there are some substances which require a Declaration of Use. The WTC recommends completing this in two ways:
a) Filing a Declaration of Use directly to your NADO or through your secured ADAMS login The WTC Declaration of Use form can be found - www.ironmanpromembership.com
b) On the Doping Control Official Record at the time of testing should you be selected for Doping Control The substances which require a Declaration of Use are listed below:
i) Albuterol and Salmeterol by inhalation for the treatment of asthma
ii) Inhaled or locally injected glucocorticosteroids (intramuscular use requires a TUE)
iii) Platelet Rich Plasma injections (except intramuscular which requires a TUE)

Race Week Events
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What is the race week schedule?
Please check the schedule of events on the race website and refer to the Athlete Information Guide which will be posted two weeks prior to race day.

Will my entry include banquet tickets?
Yes. All athletes receive complimentary entry into the Awards Banquet (where applicable) and Welcome Dinner with their athlete wristband.

How do I purchase banquet tickets for family and friends?
You will be able to purchase additional tickets online a few weeks prior to the event. Continue to check back for more information.

Rules
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Why do I have to be a member of USAT or buy a one-day license and what does that insurance cover?
USA Triathlon will sanction this race. To complete the online registration process, athletes will need to enter their USAT annual license number or purchase a one-day license ($12.00 USD) during online registration. Athletes must bring their photo identification and show proof of current USAT membership during athlete check-in. Otherwise, it will be required to purchase a one day license on-site. Click here for a complete set of the competitive rules.

What are the swimwear restrictions?
Swimwear must be 100% textile material, which is defined as materials consisting of natural and/or synthetic, individual and non-consolidated yarns used to constitute a fabric by weaving, knitting and/or braiding. Simply put, this would generally refer to suits made only from nylon or Lycra that do not have any rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene. Swimwear must not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor extend past the knees. Swimwear may contain a zipper. A race kit may be worn underneath swimwear.

What are the wetsuit restrictions?

• Wetsuits cannot measure more than 5 mm thick.
• Wetsuits are permitted if the water temperature is up to (and including) 76.1 degrees Fahrenheit (24.5 degrees Celsius) or colder.
• Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit (28.8 degrees Celsius).
• Athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit in water temperatures between 76.1 degrees Fahrenheit (24.5 degrees Celsius) and 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit (28.8 degrees Celsius) will not be eligible for awards, including World Championship slots.
• Full wetsuits are permitted (arms and legs covered).
• The De Soto Water Rover wetsuit is PROHIBITED

Are disk wheels allowed?
Yes. Race organizers reserve the right to restrict use depending on conditions.

Spectator Information
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Where is the best place to watch Ironman Florida?

• The beach is open for spectators to view the swim.
• The bike course 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.

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 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.

What is the Ironman Village?
The Ironman Village features various booths — including a showcase of Ironman Store, Ironman exhibitors and Ironman Bike Shop, as well as many other services and products. It provides a perfect gathering and meeting place for athletes and spectators.

Timing
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What are the courses cut off times?
SWIM: The swim course will close 2 hours, 20 minutes after the official start of the age-group field.
BIKE: 10 hours, 30 minutes after the official start.
RUN: 17 hours after the official start.
FINISH LINE CUT OFF: 17hrs (or 12 midnight)

What is the timing system used for the event?
ChampionChip

If I have my own chip can I use it?
Yes, e-mail your chip number to Ironman Race Timing at: timing@ironman.com or stop by the Timing table during athlete check in.

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?
Ironman Race Timing
2701 North Rocky Point Drive
Suite 1250
Tampa, FL 33607

Will there be live on-line tracking and results on race day?
Yes, please visit www.ironman.com for live race day coverage including athlete tracking and up-to-date race results.

Will I receive an Official Finisher’s certificate?
Yes, you will receive your certificate via e-mail shortly after the event.

Volunteers
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Where can I sign up to volunteer?
Click here for volunteer information.

Travel
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What is the host hotel and how do I find other lodging information?
Click here for travel & accommodation information.

Bike Shipping
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Who is the bike transport provider?
Click here for bike shipping information.