I’m planning on doing my first ironman race next year and a little worried about getting shut out. I have 3 races I’m looking at, Florida, Louisville(assuming it keeps the same date) and Great Floridian. Florida works out best for me for a couple of different reasons(date, location, etc). Louisville works too but would mean the brunt of training would be in the dead of summer heat. Great Floridian would be convenient and definitely a nice fall back if I get shut out of the other 2. I’m assuming Louisville will fill up quickly so I can’t wait to see if I get into Florida. So, my question is, what are my chances of getting into Florida if I get online as soon as it opens in November?
Is there any way you can go down to volunteer this year? Being there on Monday would guarantee you a spot and you get an interesting viewpoint of Ironman racing when you spectate a full day. You could also look around for a good place to stay and book early.
Jodi
My advice is asking someone here on ST that’s doing the race to sign you up the next day (sweeten the pot with some sort of gift or $$). People on-site can sign up one other person.
Just a FYI IMFL is on a Saturday NOT a sunday
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I agree with Jodi. This is what I did for IMAZ this year and I will be racing next year. You get a WHOLE NEW perspective volunteering at these things. I was both in awe and incredibly apprehensive at the same time. It also helps that I got to swim in the lake, bike a loop of the course, and run part of the course. A little recon never hurt anyone. Volunteering definitely gave me a huge appreciation for what goes on at these races.
What’s the chance… Depends on your internet connection and ACTIVE’s ability to handle the traffic…
If you definitely want in, get there and stand online, or have someone stand in line… The way IM spots have been going, it’s a 50/50 chance.
To answer your question about the online registration, it’s a tad risky but definitely do-able. I’m racing this year with 2 other people and we all signed up online.
However, we had like 6 computers going and got on right when it opened and didn’t get through for about 45 min (I think it sold out in about 90!). It’s frustrating, but not impossible. good luck in your first IM!!
According to http://www.ironmanflorida.com/
Ford Ironman Florida 2007 Sold Out to General Entry
Author: Helen Manning November 5, 2006
Panama City Beach, FL - The 2007 edition of Ford Ironman Florida has sold out to general entry in less than one hour. Entry slots were available beginning Sunday November 5th in person at the race site and online through active.com
Community Fund entry slots may be available on a limited basis beginning Wednesday November 8, 2006. Those individuals interested in securing a Community Fund spot should go to www.ironmannorthamerica.com/commfund for further information.
Ford Ironman Florida has continued to be a very popular race on the Ironman calendar over the eight year history of the event. Ford Ironman Florida will be held in Panama City Beach on November 3, 2007.
I tried getting into CDA online. Was up a full two hours before registration opened, and even with a fast connection speed, I missed out. It closed in like 40 minutes.
you could always sign up with a Multisports camp (http://www.multisports.com/) that way you get a week training on the IM course with Paula, Roch, and other pros to give you advice.
I tried getting into CDA online. Was up a full two hours before registration opened, and even with a fast connection speed, I missed out. It closed in like 40 minutes.
you could always sign up with a Multisports camp (http://www.multisports.com/) that way you get a week training on the IM course with Paula, Roch, and other pros to give you advice.
CDA is sold out?
Digger,
My advice to you would be to do the Florida IM. Considering the fact that this will be your first IM, it is probably the most forgiving course of the whole North America IM’s. It’s relative flat on the bike with no significant hills to worry about and the run is really flat. As far as the event filling up, this could be a problem. I tried to sign up for it this year and it was full within the first 3 days after the registration opened. That just goes to show the popularity of the event. Which ever event you decide to do, make sure you check for the open registration date and try to sign up as soon as you can.
I just posted about this very same thing about a week ago.
I was pretty much told just to find someone to sign me up. I have been in contact with one STer who is racing this year and is willing to sign me up for next year if I sign him up for '09. That news absolutely made my day.
I was also considering trying to sign up for LO and if I don’t get in to that, then Florida. If i didn’t get in to either, I was then going to race Muskoka next year and try to qualify there.
So basically, I think the best route is to find someone to sign us up.
Does anyone know what the signer upper needs from us? Is it just the info on my driver’s license?
I’ll keep my search for people racing this year going and if I find multiple who are willing to stick around for registration I will let you know ASAP.
Thanks for all the great replies. I never knew someone could sign you up. I actually know 2 people doing IMFL this year so I should be able to get one of them to sign me up. I also may just make a weekend out of it and drive up to volunteer and sign up myself. Thanks again!!