INFORMATION & FAQ
Located on Historic Galveston Island and nestled among 242 acres of lush tropical gardens, the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center's contemporary architectural design and natural beauty is complimented by views of three spectacular pyramids that are home to a living rainforest, ride film theater, educational exhibits and one of the largest aquariums in the United States.
The complex also features an IMAX 3D Theater, 4D Special FX Theater, the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat and Palm Beach- a private freshwater white sand beach complete with soothing lagoons.
- Bike Shipping Information
- Course
- Entry
- General
- Merchandise
- Qualifying
- Rules
- Spectator Information
- Timing
- Travel
Who do I contact in regard to bike shipping options?- TBD
Is the swim a mass start or a wave start?- The swim is a wave start.
What is the expected water temperature on race day?- In April, the average water temperature is 72 F.
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.
What are the course cut off times?- Swim: 1 hour and 10 minutes after final wave start
Bike: 5 hours and 30 minutes after final wave start
Run: 8 hours and 30 minutes after final wave start
Where will the aid stations be located and what will be offered?- Aid stations vary slightly from year to year but the general offerings are below. There will be 4 strategically placed aid stations along the bike course offering:
Gatorade Endurance formula
Water
Powerbars
PowerGels
Bananas
There will be aid stations every mile on the run course offering:
Gatorade Endurance Formula
Water
PowerBars
PowerGel Energy Gels
Fruit
Defizzed cola
Where can I find a map of the race course?- Swim/Bike/Run courses are available in the course section of the web site.
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 entry fee for the 2011 Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas and the 2011 Lonestar Sprint?- Entry fee for the 2011 Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas:
$250 (Open-12/31/10)
$275(1/1/11-Close)
Entry fee for the 2011 Lonestar Sprint:
$75 (Open-12/31/10)
$90 (1/1/11-Close)
Major Credit cards only (VISA, MASTER CARD and AMEX); cash or checks will not be accepted.
What is the Refund/Withdrawal policy?- Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via E-mail to Texas70.3@ironman.com . Without exception, all requests must be received on or before February 28, 2011 to be eligible for a partial refund of $75.00 (USD). Transfers or deferrals are NOT permitted.
There are NO refunds given for the Lonestar Sprint.
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.
What type of weather is usually expected on race day?- In April, the average high is 73 F and the average low is 62 F.
What is the schedule of events race week?- Please go to the schedule page by using the INFORMATION > SCHEDULE link on the site.
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.
Will wetsuit rentals be available?- No. Wetsuit rentals will not be available.
Where can I get merchandise from past events?- Please visit http://www.tracingsgraphics.com for merchandise from the 2009 event.
Who do I contact regarding race photos?- Action Sports International are the official race photographers. Go to http://www.asiorders.com.
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 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 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?- Download this pdf for more information:
http://www.ironmanusa.com/usat-wtc-faq.pdf
Please visit http://www.usatriathlon.org for a complete set of the competitive rules.
Why do I have to be a member of USAT or buy a one-day license and what does that insurance cover?- Please visit http://www.usatriathlon.org/pages/668 for more information.
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+
What categories are offered?- For Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas and Lonestar Sprint we will offer the following categories: Professional, Age Group and Paratriathlete.
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.
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.
I am part of a team or club participating in the Memorial Herman Ironman 70.3 Texas. Is there any place for us to gather and cheer on our athletes?- Yes. We will host a team tailgating area near transition. This is your chance to have a gathering spot for your team and to cheer on athletes. Bring your tents, trailers, picnics and energy. Email audra@ironman.com to secure your spot.
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
If I have my own chip, can I use it?- Yes, just e-mail your chip number to the Timing Department at timing@ironman.com . In the subject line, please include "Personal Chip - Race Name"
For example, if you plan to use your own chip for Ironman Louisville, send us your information with the subject line "Personal Chip - Ironman Louisville"
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?- To avoid the lost chip fees, please mail your chip to the following address:
Attn: Timing
World Triathlon Corporation
2701 North Rocky Point Dr.
Suite 1250
Tampa, FL 33607
Where can I find timing results from the 2008 event?- Copy and paste this link into your web browser: http://results.active.com/pages/resultsCalendar.jsp to find results from past events.
How can I buy my own ChampionChip?- TBD
Will there be live on-line tracking and results on race day?- You can follow the race live on race day at http://www.ironman.com
Will I receive an Official Finisher's certificate?- Yes, you will receive your certificate via E-mail.
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.