1. Is the 2009 event full?
No, but entries will close on March 31, 2009.
See Race Entry information.
2. What is the latest date I can withdraw?
The latest date to withdraw and receive a refund is
February 20, 2009. No refunds will be offered for
withdrawals after this date.
3. Can I transfer my entry fee to someone else?
No. The entry fee is not transferable.
4. Do you have to qualify to race in Ironman China?
No.
5. How do I obtain my race packet?
Race packets must be picked up at race registration at the host hotel beginning 10:00 on Thursday, April 16th. See the 2009 Event Schedule for details.
6. I can't make it to Haikou until Friday the 17th or
even Saturday the 18th. What should I do?
We strongly encourage all athletes to arrive in-time to register
and check-in their bikes and equipment by 4pm on Saturday at
the latest. Depending upon the flight schedules on the 18th, late registration and bike/equipment check-in may be allowed by pre-arrangement with the race office. No registrations or bike checks will be allowed on Sunday morning. NO EXCEPTIONS.
7. What is the timing system used for the event?
Champion Chip.
8. If I have my own chip, can I use it?
Yes. Include your chip number on your entry form, and be
prepared to demonstrate to race officials at registration
that the chip is functioning.
9. I have moved. How do I change my address?
Email Ironman China at: info@ironmanchina.com with the
new address or correction.
10. Is Ironman China a full distance race?
Yes: 3.8K swim / 180K bike / 42K run.
11. Are there any other events held in conjunction
with this race?
Yes. There is a 70.3 race event being staged on the same day. The 70.3 race will also include relays in three divisions: male, female and masters. Visit 70.3 Race Information page for details. Entered athletes wishing to switch from one distance to another should contact the race office at info@ironmanchina.com.
12. Are the distance markers on the course in kilometers or miles?
They are in kilometers.
13. Where can I find race course maps and descriptions?
Course maps and descriptions are available in
the Course Information section of the web site.
14. Is the swim a mass start?
Yes.
15. Are we starting in the water or is it a beach start?
Current plans are for the swim to start on the west bank of the Nandu River. An in water start is possible depending upon the final build-out and design of our swim start area. Each race (full-distance and 70.3) will be a mass start.
16. Are wetsuits allowed?
Almost certainly, yes. Our current rule allows wetsuits in the absence of unusually warm water. We are seeking approval for a rule change that will allow wetsuit use regardless of water temperature leaving each athlete to balance overheating against the benefits of wetsuit use. If approved, the new rule will be posted on this site. Wetsuit thickness must not exceed 5mm.
17. What are the weather conditions expected to
be for race day?
The average temperature for April is 26.6 degrees C (or 79 degrees F). Expect the temperature to be in the low to mid-70s at the start of the swim with a moderate breeze of five to eight miles per hour from the south or southwest. Highs are likely to reach the mid- to upper 80s by late afternoon, with sunset at approximately 1900hrs. local time. The water temperature is expected to be 23-25 degrees C (or 74-77 degrees F).
18. Are disk wheels allowed?
Yes.
19. What are the cut-off times?
Swim: 2 hour 20 minutes (9:20am); /Bike: 10 hours 30 minutes (5:30pm) Finish: 17 hours (12 am) after the actual start of the race.
20. Where will the aid stations be, and what
will be available? Aid stations will be placed approximately every 15K on the bike course and every 2K the run course. The following items are expected to be offered at the aid stations:
Bike Aid Station
Gatorade (served in 600ml bottles)
Bottled water (served in 600ml bottles)
Power Gel
Power Bar
Cola
Fruit
Run Aid Stations
Gatorade (served in cups)
Bottled water (served in cups)
Power Gel
Power Bar
Cola
Fruit
Cookies
Tips and Tricks From PowerBar for 70.3 and Ironman China
Special Foods Aid Stations
Special Foods aid stations are for the use of full-distance Ironman athletes. 70.3 athletes will not have access to these aid stations. Use of the Special Foods Aid Station is optional.
At registration, athletes will be provided two bags for use as Special Foods bags -- one marked for bike and one for run. Athletes may place food and drink items only (no equipment) in their Special Foods bags.
Special Foods bags will be collected from athletes on race day (Sunday) morning at designated collection points outside of the transition area. Athletes must be careful to drop their bag at the correct collection point for bike and run.
Bags will be transported and made available to athletes as follows:
- Bike Bag — 91K on the bike course (near the transition area/ start of loop #2)
- Run Bag — approximately 21K on the run course (exact place to be announced)
Special Foods Station is for nutritional purposes ONLY and ONLY food items will be allowed in the bags. All bags will be checked and non-nutritional items removed. All unclaimed bags will be DISCARDED after station is closed. Athletes will be required to slow or stop in order to retrieve their Special Foods bags.
21. How many qualifying slots are there for Hawaii, and how are they distributed?
There are 50 qualifying slots for Kona. 4-5 slots will be allocated to professionals with the remaining are distributed to age groups according to the formula set down by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC).
Download Qualifying Doc.
2008 Ironman Hawaii Qualifiers
22. Will bike mechanic services be available?
Yes. The Bike Boutique, Asia's leading bike shop, will have a repair facility available in the Ironman Village staffed by international mechanics. The Bike Boutique will also offer a range of parts and retail products. Please arrive in Haikou with your bike race-ready as inventories of parts will be limited.
23. Are there any unescorted bike transportation services?
These services are not easy to arrange in China but we are working hard at it. If successful, the information will be immediately posted on this site. For athletes taking post-event tours, our travel partners may provide bike storage and transportation solutions in conjunction with their tour packages.
24. What are the pro and age group course records?
2008 was the inaugural race. Please see the 2008 race results for winning times/ course records. Note that the 2009 race course is significantly different that the 2008 course.
25. Whom do I contact regarding race photos?
http://www.marathon-photos.com
26. I didn't turn in my timing chip after the race. Can I send
it back so I won’t be charged a “lost chip” fee?
Chips must be returned as required in race materials or your
deposit will be lost.
27. Whom do I contact about massage during race week?
Massage information will be posted on this site as soon as arrangements are made with local masseurs. The expectation is that paid massage services will be available at the Ironman Village. Free post-race massages will be available to participants.
28. Will official Ironman China merchandise be offered for sale?
Yes, official merchandise will be offered for sale at the Ironman Village and on-line (inventory allowing). The range and quality of merchandise will be significantly better than that available at the 2008 race.
29. Is there a host hotel?
As soon as final arrangements are made, the host hotel will be announced on this site. Pending this announcement, please visit the Travel section of this site for recommended hotels and travel arrangements.
30. Are there any air/lodging discounts:
Please check back!
31. How do I get from the airport to my hotel and how much will it cost?Taxis are the best and easiest form of transportation. Depending upon your hotel, the cost from the airport will be less than 100 RMB. The host hotel will be about a 20 minute ride from the airport.
32. Will my driver speak English?
Probably not. The pre-event athlete newsletter will include a "taxi card" including the host hotel, other major hotels and event areas listed in English and Chinese. By pointing to your destination you will be able to communicate with your driver. Additionally, the Ironman Information desk at the airport will be open beginning Monday 13 April. Staff will be available at the Information desk to assist you with transportation and any other issues. The Information desk will be located just outside of international arrival baggage/customs.
33. How do I get my bike from the Haikou airport to my hotel?
The cabs in Haikou are generally small and, depending upon the size of your bike box, you may have difficulty transporting your bike to and from the airport by cab. We have arranged a bike transportation service as follows:
From airport to hotel
- Where: Ironman Information Desk
- When: 13 Apr—18 Apr, from 8am-9pm
- Delivery: There will be at least two deliveries in each day to the host hotel and other major recommended hotels.
- Cost: (estimated) 60RMB
From hotel to airport
- Where: Make reservation and pay at the Information
desk at the host hotel - When: April 20 and 21.
- Delivery: Truck will pick up bikes from the host hotel and other major recommended hotels on a schedule to be announced and deliver to the airport before flight check-in.
- Cost: (estimated) 60RMB
For athletes arriving prior to 13 Apr or after 6pm on 18 April
Depending upon demand, we will try to arrange for extra delivery service for athletes who will arrive between 9 Apr and 12 Apr or after 6pm on 18 April. The cost of this service will be more expensive—possibly as high as 200RMB - the actual cost will depend upon athlete arrivals and the number of bikes transported each day. For more information or to make an appointment contact: Connie at connie@ironmanchina.com
34. What cell phone and internet services are available?
Haikou has excellent GSM cell service. Unlocked GSM international phones with international service will work. However, it is not a simple matter to obtain a local SIM card in China. China Mobile offers international call pay-as-you go SIM cards but obtaining one will require a trip to a China Mobile office and a translator. China SIM cards can be purchased at numerous internet sites such as http://www.telestial.com/products/china_sim.htm or www.pandaphone.com. These sites also rent phones for use in China. If you wish to use a local SIM card please obtain it before leaving for China. Please note that use of a local SIM card requires an unlocked international band GSM phone.
35. What kind of a visa do I need to enter China and how
do I get one?
You will need a tourist visa to enter the country. In order to secure a tourist visa, your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended stay. Please contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country for further information. China tourist visa can be readily obtained in Hong Kong at the airport, from travel agents, and from some hotel concierge services. Visas can only be obtained on workdays and may take a full day to obtain. Ironman China strongly recommends that you obtain your visa before leaving your home country. No one is permitted to board an aircraft destined for China without a valid passport and current visa.
Chinese tourist visas are requesting the Ironman office
address and phone number.
The address and contact info for the race is:
Haikou Sports Institute
No. 191 Wen Ming Road East
Haikou, Hainan Island, China 570203
Phone: (86) 898-65396011
Contact person: Mr. Sean Shen
For general questions not covered in the FAQ’a please contact info@ironmanchina.com
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