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

What is the expected water temperature on race day?
The average water temperature in May is between 74-81 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 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 is The Woodlands?
The Woodlands, located twenty-eight miles north of Houston, is the host venue for Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas. The Woodlands is surrounded by lush forests and offers its residents and visitors a place to shop, play and relax. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlands.com

Registration
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What is the general entry fee?
$625.00 USD (plus processing fees) – Major credit cards only (VISA, AMEX and MASTER CARD); cash or checks will not be accepted.

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.

What is the Withdraw/Refund Policy?
Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via E-mail to Texas@ironman.com. Without exception, all requests must be received on or before April 2, 2012 to be eligible for a partial refund of $150.00 (USD). Transfers or deferments are NOT permitted.*Withdrawal policy also applies to the Ironman Foundation Slots*

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 Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas. 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.

Are there age requirements?
Entrants must be 18 years of age on race day.

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 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 Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas.

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.

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

Race Photos
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Who do I contact regarding race photos?
FinisherPix is proud to be selected as the Official Photo Service of Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas.

FinisherPix will have several photographers working at the swim exit, on the bike course, on the run course, and of course, at the Finish Line! In addition, FinisherPix will have photographers positioned after the finish where you can have a photo taken after you receive your medal.

So what do you need to do?

1.    Register your email address at www.finisherpix.com to be notified as soon as photos are online
2.    Please be sure you have your number visible on the FRONT of your bike helmet so we can identify your cycling photos
3.    Please be sure to keep your bib number visible on the FRONT of your body during the run & at the finish line so we can identify your photos
4.    Smile & celebrate when you cross the finish line! Don’t worry about touching your watch, the timing company will ensure an accurate record of your achievement

Visit www.finisherpix.com to view, order, and share your photos from the event!

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 50 qualifying Age Group slots to the Ironman World Championship on offer at the 2012 Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas.

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 2012 Ironman World Championship and 2012 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 Welcome Dinner and Athlete and Volunteer Awards Celebration with their athlete wristband.

How do I purchase banquet tickets for family and friends?
You can purchase additional tickets here.

 

Rules
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Where do I find general race information and rules?
Information and rules are available here and at ironmantexas.com/course

Where can I find information about Ironman policies?
More information will be made available in the coming weeks.

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 Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas. 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. Please visit http://www.usatriathlon.org/ 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

Non-Wetsuit Legal Swim Advisory
If the water temperature on race day is between 24.5 degrees Celsius/76.1 degrees Fahrenheit and 28.8 degrees Celsius/ 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit, there will be TWO (2) corrals set to enter the water. The first corral will be for WETSUIT CHIP-IN and the second will be for NON-WETSUIT CHIP-IN. There will be a timing mat in each corral, along with Race Officials, to keep a written record of who is eligible for Awards and World Championship slots. It is the athlete’s responsibility to enter the correct corral and any adjustments will not be conducted post-race.
*Athletes are encouraged to attend the Mandatory Athlete Briefing as well as listen for PA announcements race morning for water temperature details and procedures.

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

Spectator Info
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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.

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 texas@ironman.com to locate any missing items and schedule returns. Shipping fees will apply.

*All unclaimed items will be donated within 30 days.

Timing
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What are the courses cut off times?
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?
ChampionChip Timing System.

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 accommodations information.

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