Rules

Race Rules

Swim Rules & Guidance

1. Wetsuits are mandatory
2. Each swimmer must wear the swim cap provided in registration. Wearing swim goggles or a face mask is recommended, but not required
3. No fins, paddles, snorkels or flotation devices of any kind are allowed
4. Swimmers are required to stay on course, swim anti-clockwise and keep course markers to the left. Failure to do so will result in disqualification
5. A swimmer experiencing difficulty and in need of assistance should roll onto their back and raise an arm overhead and call or seek assistance. A swimmer, who has received assistance, whether voluntary or involuntary, must withdraw from the race.
6. The swim course will be closed 2 hours 20 minutes after the start of the race. Athletes still in the water after this time will be withdrawn from the race

Bike Rules & Guidance

1. All athletes are required to ride road/triathlon bikes. Mountain bikes, beach cruisers and bikes with coaster-type brakes are prohibited.
2. No tandems, hybrids, recumbent or mountain bikes allowed
3. Absolutely NO DRAFTING of another bike or any other vehicle is allowed
4. Athletes must ride single file on the left side of the road near the verge except when passing another cyclist. Side-by-side riding is not allowed
5. Cyclists must keep a 10-meter distance (approximately 5 bike lengths) between bikes except when passing
6. Overtaking cyclists may pass on the right for up to 30 seconds, but must move back to the left side of the road near the verge after passing
7. An overtaken cyclist must fall back 10 Meters before attempting to regain the lead.
8. Each athlete must wear the IRONMAN UK issued race number at all times while on the course. The race number must be placed on a race belt and displayed on the back where it is clearly visible. Folding or cutting race number or intentional alteration of any kind is STRICTLY PROHIBITED
9. Bike helmets must be fastened before the athlete removes their bike from the racking. The helmet must remain fastened until the athlete has handed their bike over in transition.
10. Outside assistance is not allowed. Friends, family members, coaches or supporters may not bike, drive or run alongside an athlete, may not pass food or other items to an athlete. It is incumbent upon each athlete to reject immediately any attempt to assist, follow or escort.
11. Each athlete must be individually responsible for repair and maintenance of their own bike. Assistance by anyone other than IRONMAN UK bike technical support officials or another athlete will be grounds for disqualification. Technical support by IRONMAN UK technical support officials does not include the normal changing of flat tyres
12. Athletes may walk with their bike, if necessary
13. Cyclists are responsible for following traffic laws and for the consequences of any infractions
14. The bike course will be closed 10 hours and 30 minutes after the start of the race. Athletes still on the bike course after this time will be withdrawn from the event and will not be permitted to continue.

Run Rules & Guidance

1. No form of locomotion other than running, walking or crawling is allowed
2. Each athlete must wear the IRONMAN UK issued race number at all times while on the course. The race number must be placed on a race belt and displayed on the front where it is clearly visible. Folding or cutting race number or intentional alteration of any kind is STRICTLY PROHIBITED
3. Outside assistance is not allowed. Friends, family members, coaches or supporters may not bike, drive or run alongside an athlete, may not pass food or other items to an athlete. It is incumbent upon each athlete to reject immediately any attempt to assist, follow or escort.
4. The run course will be closed 17 hours after the start of the race. Athletes still on the run course after this time will be withdrawn from the event and will not be permitted to continue