Published November 24, 2011 14:14
The World Triathlon Corporation introduces a new “Race Transfer Policy” for all
European and South African Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races. This initiative has been
shaped by the opinions of hundreds of Ironman athletes.
Effective immediately, the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) will substantially change its
withdrawal policy for all1 European and South African Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races. For
an administration fee of R290, athletes can transfer their race entry regardless of their
reason, and all athletes already entered, or signing up for an Ironman and Ironman 70.3
race prior to December 31st 2011 are automatically enrolled.
“We are offering athletes who can’t make it to a race they originally signed up for a unique
chance to still fulfill their dream of finishing an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 in the very same
year by choosing an alternate race”, says Stefan Petschnig, Executive Manager WTC for
Europe and South Africa.
Feedback from athletes was crucial in shaping the new withdrawal policy. “The response we
got took us by storm. Athletes are obviously very passionate about this and hundreds of
them talked to us on Facebook and via e-Mail. We strongly believe that the views of our
athletes are the most important thing for us moving forward, and we will apply the same
procedure to further decisions. “We understand that athletes entrust us with their special
day that they have spent months training for. Two new members of our staff will assist
athletes with their transfers, to make the procedure as easy for them as possible. We are
actually planning another – global – initiative that’ll bring us back to talking to athletes via
Social Media”, Petschnig adds.
WTC’s existing policy which allows for an athlete’s cancellation of a race remains
untouched by the new program.
Race Transfer Policy / Rules
• all athletes that sign up for an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 race in Europe or South
Africa before December 31st 2011 are automatically enrolled. Athletes can still
withdraw and receive a refund according to the existing rules. However, the race
entries can now be transferred up until two months prior to the date of the race
the athlete originally signed up for.
• it is not possible to transfer an entry more than once. Race entry transfers are
R290 regardless of the reason for the athlete’s transfer.
• entries for races before August 25th 2012 can only be transferred to races within
the same calendar year. Entries for races after August 25th can be transferred to
any race prior to June 30th 2013.
• race entries cannot be transferred to any sold-out Ironman or Ironman 70.3
event.
• upgrades between Ironman 70.3 and Ironman races are possible, the fee of R290
and the difference in the entry fee will be charged.
• it is also possible to downgrade a race, although the difference in entry fee will not
be refunded.
• race entries can not be transferred to another athlete.
Race Transfer Policy / Step By Step
• athletes download the electronic withdrawal form to be found on the event
website. They need to complete it and send it to sharon.talbot@ironman.com.
• athletes opting for a transfer will pay R290 and receive a code that’ll allow them to
sign up for an alternate race. In case of an upgrade or a difference in entry fees
athletes will receive the code after paying for the transfer and the entry fee
difference.
About World Triathlon Corporation
World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is a Tampa-based company recognised for athletic
excellence, distinguished events and quality products. WTC's portfolio includes Ironman,
Ironman 70.3, 5150 Triathlon Series, Iron Girl and IronKids, which have a combined total
of more than 180 events worldwide each year. Supported by partners including Timex,
PowerBar, K-Swiss and TYR, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world and
has been a respected name in triathlon since its inception in 1978.
