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INFORMATION & FAQ
The Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead Triathlon will be the only race in the Great Lakes region that will award slots to the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.
Please go to www.ironman.com for information on the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.
The 2010 Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. To participate in the Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead, you must turn 18 years or older in that event year, and be a member of USAT or purchase a USAT Single event permit.
For more information visit www.USATriathlon.org.
 Is the swim a mass start or a wave start?- The swim is a wave start.
Are we starting in the water or is it a beach start? What are the course cut-off times?- The race will officially end 8 hours after the final wave start. Aid station stops, transitions, etc., will be included in your total elapsed time. Splits will be recorded for each segment of the race. The following cut-off times apply for each segment of the race:
Swim: 1 hour and 10 minutes after final wave start.
Bike: 4 hours and 30 minutes after final wave start.
Run: 8 hours after final wave start.
ChampionChip electronic tags will capture your splits (swim, T1, bike, T2, run and each loop of the run) and overall finish time.
Will there be a First Timers wave?- No, there will NOT be a first timers wave. All athletes must swim in their age group category.
Where can I find a map of the race course?- Swim/Bike/Run courses are available in the course section of the web site.
What is the expected water temperature on race day?- Lake Michigan is a large open body of water. The temperature typically ranges from 60-74 degrees. You may wear a wetsuit if the water is 78 degrees or less.
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 refund/withdrawal policy?- The 2011 Refund/Withdrawal policy will be available soon. Please check back regularly for updated information.
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 the pre-weekend Athlete Check-In take place in Chicago for the 2011 Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead?- No, we will NOT be offering the pre-weekend Athlete Check-In in Chicago for the 2011 Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead.
Please review the 2011 schedule to see the date, time and location of Athlete Check-In. Go to http://www.ironmansteelhead.com/schedule.php
Will Athlete Check-In take place at Lake Michigan College for the 2011 Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead?- No, Athlete Check-in will NOT take place at Lake Michigan College. Athlete Check-In will take place at St. Joseph High School.
Directions to St Joseph High School:
From both east and west I-94, take exit 23 North (Red Arrow Hwy). Go approx 4 miles toward St Joseph, you will see high school on right hand side. Turn right on Kingsley Ave. then right on Stadium Dr. into parking lot. Signs will guide you into parking.
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.
What is the process and deadline for medical deferrals?- There is a $25 fee and medical documentation is required. The deadline for medical deferrals is June 1, 2010.
Where can I purchase official event 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+
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 should I park?- See the Directions & Parking section of the website in the Information Link
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
Will there be live on-line tracking and results on race day? 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.
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