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.

Is the swim a mass start?
No. The swim start is set in a time trial fashion (athlete position is first come, first served).  The final athlete is projected to enter the water by 7:45 a.m.

With a time trial start, what is the official finish line cutoff time?
The finish line cutoff time will be 12 a.m. midnight regardless of start time.

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 Louisville take place?
Ironman Louisville takes place in Louisville, Kentucky, which is situated on the Ohio River in north-central Kentucky. The race will take athletes through a variety of Louisville’s scenic areas, including Waterfront Park, Oldham and Henry Counties and the city of LaGrange. Athletes will end their journey with a finish line celebration at Fourth Street Live

Registration
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What is the entry fee?

General Entry:

• $600.00 USD

Ironman Foundation:

• $1200.00 USD

*Qualifier for the 2012 Ironman World Championship

Will onsite registration be available?
If the event is not sold-out online, we will take onsite registrations during athlete check-in hours. Athletes will be charged an additional $25.00 USD late registration fee on top of general registration. Please check the registration tab on the website for information on standard entry fees.

What is the Refund/Withdrawal Policy?
Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via E-mail to Louisville@ironmanm.com Without exception, all requests must be received on or before July 11, 2012 to be eligible for a partial refund of $150.00 (USD). Transfers or deferments are NOT permitted. Withdraw policy also applies to Ironman Foundation Slots.*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 $1,200 USD, with $600.00 USD going toward the race entry fee and $600.00 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.

Will there be on site registration for the 2012 race?
No, there will NOT be on site registration for the 2012 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.

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?
Finisher Pix is the official race photographer. Visit www.finisherpix.com for more information.

*2011 race photos were taken by ASI and can be ordered at www.asiorders.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?
2012 Ironman Louisville will offer 50 Age Group qualifying slots to the 2012 Ironman World Championship, taking place on Oct. 13 in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i. 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 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 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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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 louisville@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?
SWIM: The swim course will close 2 hours, 20 minutes after the final athlete enters the water.

BIKE: There is a cut-off at the start of the second loop of the bike course at 2:30 p.m. (approx. mile 60). Any athlete who has not reached the start of the second loop of the bike by 2:30 p.m. will not be permitted to continue. The bike course will close at 6:20 p.m. Athletes arriving at the bike dismount line after 6:20 p.m. will not be permitted to continue.

RUN: There is a cut-off at the start of the second lap of the run course at 9:45 p.m. Any athlete who has not reached the start of the second loop of the run by 9:45 p.m. will not be permitted to continue. The run course will officially close at midnight.

FINISH LINE CUT OFF: The race will officially end at midnight, 17 hours after the swim start. Regardless of the athlete’s actual start time, the run course and finish line will close at midnight.  Athletes who are concerned about not making the bike and run course cut-off times should seed themselves near the front of the swim start line. Aid station stops, transitions, etc., will be included in your total elapsed time. Splits will be recorded for each segment of the race.

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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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.