Hi folks. I’m new to the world of Ironman but I’m curious to know if it’s legal to use an iPhone during the race. I don’t really need it for the run portion but would definitely come in handy on the bike. A couple of bucks for an app is a heck of a lot cheaper than a garmin bike computer. Would love to hear your comments!
I think it’s illegal to use/carry an “phone” during an IM. However, in the instance that say you have it for a bike computer, my guess is that neither an transition person or official would even notice. Now granted you take it out and play with it while racing, you may get dinged, but if it’s truly your bike computer, I dont think they’d know the difference.
At Augusta last year they reiterated several times during the pre race meeting, no iPhones. Some began to ask for clarity along the lines as you’ve asked and they simply repeated, no iPhones. They didn’t say no androids however, go figure.
It’s not legal to carry during the race. I’ve seen races where people were penalized for carrying any type of phone, even in their jersey pocket. Some races make exceptions though, so I would check with the race director.
Why would you?
It’s one of the few days of the year (well in my life anyway) when you have the rare freedom of no phone, no wallet, no car keys and no commitments apart from the finish line and the one you made to yourself to do the race. Enjoy it.
Rules official in Texas just said today he did not care as long as he did not see it. Guess the message is if it stays in your pocket, no problem. Tracking with a Garmin 510 now a possibility? But sounds like it should not be used as primary bike computer though.
DC Rainmaker posed some questions similar to yours in his review of Garmin’s 810. Take a look at the review, especially the portion dealing with USAT’s Official Ruling Using Live Tracking. However, I’m with the poster who said to talk with the race director. What would they do, say “no”?
I have a cycling app. that gives real-time updates. I’ve used it in IMAZ and last weekend at IM Ca 70.3. I start the app., put it in a pocket, take it out and put it in a bag on my fuel belt. I’ve never had a problem, but I’m not doing anything with it other than tracking for my wife.
Because he wants to use as his primary bike app in lieu of a garmin or other.
I have a cycling app. that gives real-time updates. I’ve used it in IMAZ and last weekend at IM Ca 70.3. I start the app., put it in a pocket, take it out and put it in a bag on my fuel belt. I’ve never had a problem, but I’m not doing anything with it other than tracking for my wife.
What app?
I have a cycling app. that gives real-time updates. I’ve used it in IMAZ and last weekend at IM Ca 70.3. I start the app., put it in a pocket, take it out and put it in a bag on my fuel belt. I’ve never had a problem, but I’m not doing anything with it other than tracking for my wife.
What app?
X2
There’s a bunch actually. I use the MapMyRide Premium app, which I think was $2. Maps your route, functions as a bike computer, and has a live tracking feature. If you have the ANT+ attacment, you can pick up power, etc. as well. Like I said though, it’s one of many.
did you not read where the OP said it would be for the GPS like aps. I know it wasn’t spelled out that way, but the OP said that a couple dollars for apps would be cheaper than a garmin. Reading comprehension/critical thinking!
At Ironman Melbourne there were heaps of them on bikes.
I even saw athletes talking on them during the run. Be that tail enders.
I wouldn’t worry.
you want it take it.
(I’m a technical official and I’d only penalize someone if they were talking on it whilst riding… If you stopped to use it I wouldn’t bust you.)
did you not read where the OP said it would be for the GPS like aps. I know it wasn’t spelled out that way, but the OP said that a couple dollars for apps would be cheaper than a garmin. Reading comprehension/critical thinking!
Thank -you, I did manage to get that bit.
Personally I get enough numbers to analyse after the event from the official race times and I don’t need a GPS to work out where the course is. I prefer the simplicity of race day without clutter that I don’t need. It was just an alternate opinion which the OP is more than welcome to ignore.
The app. I use is RoadBike Pro. It was $5 or $6, what’s nice is it loads to Facebook. My wife , friends and family can track in real time if they want to. It gives other data, not sure what, because I don’t care. I use it so my wife has an idea where I am and when she will be seeing me next.
DC Rainmaker posed some questions similar to yours in his review of Garmin’s 810. Take a look at the review, especially the portion dealing with USAT’s Official Ruling Using Live Tracking. However, I’m with the poster who said to talk with the race director. What would they do, say “no”?
One thing to keep in mind too is that WTC events don’t technically abide by all the USAT rules. I reached out to WTC on the matter back then, but as usual, they never both to respond (the only organization on the planet that won’t bother to respond to me).
Given USAT’s reasoning was somewhat flawed (and in direct opposition to what they’ve said previously), I’d definitely talk to the RD - but ensure it’s on paper. So if you do get a penalty you can at least argue your way out of it.
i allow athletes to have their phones on the bike portion, for emergency, they program my number in their phones and can call me, i can send bike support pretty fast, i do tell them it is not for facebook updates,
more and more a smart phone does everything than a Garmin does, why not allow it, safety first
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Just don’t call jimmy johns. They wouldn’t want a non racer on the bike course
Offical rules for cell phones
One may carry a simple cell phone for emergency use, with the switch in the off position, and stored in a bag. To use the phone on the bike course, one must pull off the course, dismount and be off the bike to make a call. To use the phone on the run course, one must come to a complete stop, step off the course, out of the way of other runners and must not make any forward progress while using the phone.
Phones may not be mounted on handlebars, as that would invite, or indicate use while cycling.
“Smart-phones,” or phones that also play music, may not be carried or used.