Frequently Asked Questions
Course
Where can I find a map of the race course?
Swim/Bike/Run courses will be available soon in the course section of the web site.
What nutrition will be available on course?
PowerBar will be the nutrition provider for Urban Hotel Group Ironman Australia and Urban Group Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie 2011. Gatorade is provided at aid stations on-course, which are located every 15 kilometres on the 180.2 kilometre bike leg and every 2 kilometres on the 42.2 kilometre run leg. Orange Ice will be the Gatorade flavour available on the bike course and Lemon Lime the flavour of choice for the run.
Is this event Triathlon Australia’s designated Australian Championship?
No. Urban Hotel Group Ironman Australia ceased to be Triathlon Australia’s designated Australian Championship after 2007.
Where is Port Macquarie?
Port Macquarie, on the picturesque Mid North Coast of New South Wales, is the host venue for Urban Hotel Group Ironman Australia. Port Macquarie is a beachside city, accessible by air from Sydney and Brisbane, and by road from Sydney and Newcastle. For more information, please visit www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au.
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Entry
When do entries open?
2012 entry will open on May 11 at 12pm NOON AEST.
When do entries close?
2012 entry will close on Friday, November 4, unless demand results in an early closure.
What is the entry fee (not including relay/teams)?
The general entry fee is $695 while Triathlon Australia annual members receive a discounted rate of $675.00 (fee includes GST and Active.com service fee).
What is the Refund/Withdrawal Policy?
Any requests received before 5pm – January 31, 2012 will be eligible for a refund of $400.00 Any requests received before 5pm – April 6, 2012 will be eligible for a refund of $200.00 Any requests received after 5pm – April 6, 2012 will not be eligible for a refund under any circumstances
All refunds when processed are final. It is the athletes’ responsibility to ensure that the withdrawn confirmation has been received by the race office. Any requests not acknowledged by race office will not be considered valid and therefore will not be refunded.
Do I need to qualify, validate or confirm my entry by completing another event?
No. However, we do suggest competing in a shorter distance triathlon event before race day. The Asia-Pacific Ironman 70.3 events would be an ideal prelude.
Is there a waiting list for the races when they are sold out?
No, the 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, Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 and all qualifying events will implement a common 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.
What categories are offered?
Urban Hotel Group Ironman Australia: Age Group and Professional
Will there be relay/teams?
No. A relay/teams event will not be held in conjunction with Urban Hotel Group Ironman Australia.
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General
Will DVDs be given out or available for purchase?
We will have more information on the race recap DVD shortly.
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Media
When can I sign up for media accreditation?
Media information and registration will be available in the media tab of this site.
Merchandise
Who is the contact for the official merchandise?
At this stage we are unable to process merchandise orders online. Please check back soon for more information.
Who do I contact regarding race photos?
Please check back soon for 2011 race photo information.
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Qualifying
How many slots to the Ford Ironman World Championship?
There will be 40 age group qualifying slots to the Ford Ironman World Championship on offer at Ironman Australia 2012.
What is the 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 below. If there are no athletes entered in the race in a particular age group, then that slot will be moved to the largest populated 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 how are they distributed?
At least one Kona 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 below. Be aware that some age groups may be combined for the allocation of a Kona slot at the sole discretion of the race director. PLEASE CHECK FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON KONA SLOT ALLOCATION AT RACE REGISTRATION.
If there are no athletes entered in the race in a particular age group, then that slot will be moved to the largest populated age group in that same gender.
For additional age group slots, slot allocation shall be representative of the actual number of age group applicants in each category in the race.Â
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.
Note: All athletes must be present at Hawaii and Phuket Registration to claim their spot!
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.
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Race Week Events & Banquets
What is the race week schedule?
The race week schedule for the 2012 Ironman Australia will be available under the ‘Information’ tab when it ready for publication.
Will my entry include banquet tickets?
Entry Fee includes a ticket to the Carbo Welcome Banquet, Awards Dinner for the athlete only. Additional tickets for family and friends will be available to purchase online at a later date.
How do I purchase tickets for family and friends?
You will be able to purchase additional tickets from IronmanAustralia.com. An email alert will advise competitors when this facility will be available.
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Rules
Where do I find general race information and rules?
Information and rules will be made available in the coming weeks.
Where can I find information about WTC and Triathlon Australia policies?
More information will be made available in the coming weeks.
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?
Age Group and Professional
Why do I have to be a member of Triathlon Australia or buy a one-day license and what does that insurance cover?
There is no compulsion to join Triathlon Australia as a full member but this type of membership does provide insurance cover 24/7 whilst training or competing as well as access top additional member benefits. A one day licence (or one day race membership – ‘ODRM’) is compulsory if you are not a full member of TA as this is part of the TA sanctioning requirements for the event and provides you with public liability insurance and limited personal injury cover for the actual race. Note Internationals cannot join TA as a full member and can only be provided with a ODRM and therefore should take out separate travel insurance. If you are not a member of Triathlon Australia, the option to purchase a one day license will be available when registering on active.com
Are wetsuits allowed?
Wetsuits being optional is based on water temperature and if above 24C then they may be banned but this can depend on variables such as ambient air temperature. The temperature is taken on the day before the race at 6.00am and advice given at race briefing. It is again taken at 5.00am on race morning for final determination. It is in all likelihood that wetsuits will be optional as they have been for the last six years. Subject to change.
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 photo/post-race area just beyond the finish line.
Are disk wheels allowed?
Yes. Race organisers reserve the right to restrict use depending on conditions.
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Spectator Information
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 Ironman Expo features various booths- including a showcase of Ironman merchandise, Ironman retailers/bike services and many other services and products. It provides a perfect gathering and meeting place for athletes and spectators.
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Timing
What are the course 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.
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Volunteers
When can I volunteer?
Volunteer sign-up will be available through the ‘Volunteer’ tab on this site when it is ready to process applications. Thanks for your support!



