Start here to Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Please note some questions are specific to running/walking, triathlon or duathlon and
noted as such.
Q: Who is Iron Girl?
A: Iron Girl is a Florida-based lifestyle brand known for its unique events, quality
products and inspirational participants. Started in 2004 with two 10K/5K events, Iron
Girl is now the nation’s premier all-women’s series, encompassing 10 events that range
from run/walk to duathlon and triathlon. With a mission of empowering women toward
a healthy lifestyle, Iron Girl has celebrated finishers ranging in age from 5 to 81, with an
average age of 35, and in fitness level from beginner to professional.
By logging on to IronGirl.com, athletes can enjoy an interactive Web site filled with
training tips, guest columnists and nutrition information. IronGirlShop.com is an online
resource that offers a variety of products to support participants beyond the finish
line. The Iron Girl brand has been featured in a range of media outlets to include USA
Today, The New York Times, Runner's World, Family Circle, Ok! Magazine, Women's
Health, Fitness and Self.
Q: Who is allowed to participate in an Aflac Iron Girl event?
A: The event is open to all girls and women of all fitness levels. The youngest competitor
in our run/walk event is 5 years old and our oldest was 81 years old. The average age of
the participate is 35 years old. Whether this is your first event or your 100th event, Aflac
Iron Girl welcomes you to experience the Aflac Iron Girl events.
*Please note you must be at least 14 years old to participate in a triathlon or duathlon.
Q: How can I check if I am registered for the event?
A: When you register on Active.com you will receive an on screen confirmation that your
registration was processed. In addition, you will receive a confirmation Email from
Active.com with your registration information. On the home page of each event specific
web site we have a link there that says, Click here to check or confirm your registration
status. Please visit the event site for the event you are participating in to check.
Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: Please note that once you register for the event, your entry fee is non refundable. This
is noted when you register on Active.com.
Q: Can I transfer my entry to a friend or another event?
A: Unfortunately no, we do not process transfers to another person or another event.
Q: How do I get my name on the bib?
A: You must be registered for the event at least three weeks prior. Please check the event
specific web site to check the cut off date for your event.
Q: Are strollers, dogs, bicycles, headphones, rollerblades or skateboards, etc. allowed
on the course?
A: For the safety of all participants we do not allow strollers, dogs, bicycles, headphones,
rollerblades or skateboards, etc. on the course. As a participant in the event you must
wearing your bib number on course at all times.
Q: How do I change my event from one distance to another?
A: Four weeks prior to the event you can request that your event distance be changed by
Emailing [email protected] with the request. If you miss the deadline to switch distances
you will have to make the change on event weekend. Please pick-up your packet and then
proceed to late registration to have your event distance changed.
Q: During the race I decided I can’t complete the 10K or 10 miler and I finish in the
5K. What do I need to do?
A: Please make sure once you come across the finish line that you find the timers booth
located at the finish line and let them know you didn’t do the 10K and came in with the
5K instead so they can make the switch. Why does this matter, if you registered for the
10K, come in with the 5K the chances are your time will be a winner for the 10K or take
away an age group placement from someone who did the 10K.
Q: Do I have to have cancer to do your event?
A: The Aflac Iron Girl event is open to all girls and women of all ages. We do have a
special program, Aflac's Team Courage Special Program dedicated to honoring those
women who are cancer survivors. Aflac commends you on your determination in facing
challenges and adversity with cancer. As the second year in our title sponsorship of this
women’s event series, Aflac is proud to be your biggest fan on race day! Please allow us to
honor you by paying the entrance fee for your participation in an Aflac Iron Girl event.
Contact the event three weeks prior to an event (if not already sold out) in order to
receive a slot. Before you register for the Aflac Iron Girl event, under the Contact Us tab
on IronGirl.com is a form to fill out to request the registration code. This registration
code will allow you to register for free for participating Aflac Iron Girl events if you are a
cancer survivor.
Q: Do I have to raise money to participate in your event?
A: No, fundraising for the event is optional.
We are proud to announce our new charity program for 2009! The Aflac Iron Girl
national event series will support the charitable cause of pediatric cancer research that
will benefit select children’s hospitals and cancer centers throughout the country. Visit
IronGirl.com and click on the GiveBack tab to learn more about the fundraising program
in your event city.
Q: Storing my personal belongings at the event? (applies to running/walking events)
A: Due to liability issues we cannot store or hold your personal belongings during the
event. Please make sure you arrive at the event early enough to pick-up your packet and
return it to your car before the start of the race.
Q: Where does my timing tag go?
A: Your timing tag can be tied to your shoelace on either shoe. When you pick up your
race packet, there will be directions on the package. No timing tag, no finish time! You
must return your timing tag after the event, otherwise you will be charged.
For triathlon and duathlon events the timing tag will be attached to a Velcro ankle strap
that you wear on either ankle.
Q: Where does my race bib go?
A: Please affix your race bib to the front of your shirt or with a race belt. We need to see
that bib number at all times.
Q: Will I receive an award for completing the race?
A: Whether you finish first or last, all race participants will receive a custom finishers
medal as soon as you cross the finish line. We believe all athletes should be awarded for
their success.
Q: Where can I find results after the race?
A: Results will be posted at www.IronGirl.com on the event specific web site under the
results tab. Also your personal finishing time will be Emailed to after the race.
Q: Will I receive a photo from my race?
A: ASI photography will be at each race venue to take pictures of you during the race!
Don’t forget to smile ☺ you will receive an Email telling you when you can view (and
order) the pictures. This will be approximately 1 week after the race date.
Q: In my race, I received two different finish times... an "gun finish time" and a "net
time". Why don’t the two times match?
A: The actual finish time, which is also called the gun time, represents the time the timing
company starts the race clock, up until the time you finish the race. Because there are
many people at the starting line, once the race has officially started, there is a period of
time before you cross the starting line. Your timing tag signals the system when you
actually crossed the starting line and when you actually cross the finish line. For most
people, unless you start at the very front (where most of the fastest runners stand), your
gun and net time will not match. For race placement in your age group and overall
standings the gun time is used. Also for awards the gun time is used.
Q: I see people wearing belts with their number attached. Are these mandatory?
A: We want your race experience to be enjoyable. Please wear race clothing that you feel
comfortable wearing. Some women prefer to safety pin their race number to a shirt/jersey
during the run, whereas others prefer a race belt.
The advantage of a race belt (especially for woman who wear a tri-suit) is that you can
grab your belt and number quickly as you are transitioning from the bike to the run.
Q. If I enter the mother/daughter category to run, do I have to stay with my
mom/daughter? (applies to running/walking events)
A. A mother and daughter team do not have to run together. The mother and daughter
finish times will be added together to determine your overall placement.
Q: What if I have to go to the restroom before, during or after a race?
A: If you gotta go, you gotta go! There will be Port-O-Lets throughout the race venue.
Q: What time do I need to be at the race before the start? (applies running/walking
events)
A: If you have already pre-registered we recommend that all athletes arrive at the race
venue at least45 minutes before the official start time. That means… the car is parked,
you’ve picked up your race packet, your bib is on, your timing tag is tied to your shoes
and you are standing among plenty of excited participants!
Q: What time do I need to be at the race before the start? (applies to triathlon and
duathlon events)
A: We recommend that all athletes arrive at the race venue at least 90 minutes before
transition closes. You will need the time to park, set up your transition area and warmup. That means… the car is parked, your bib is on, your timing tag is around your ankle
and you are standing among plenty of excited participants!
Q: Do I need a wet suit? (applies to triathlon events)
A: Following the USAT rule - wet suits will be allowed up to 78 degrees water temp. After
78 degrees to 84 degrees you can wear a wet suit but you will not be eligible for age group
awards. Please note we will do an official water temperature reading on race morning. But
wet suits will likely be necessary.
Q: What are T1 and T2? (applies to triathlon and duathlon events)
A: The transition area (T) is a designated area where you can lay out all your equipment
(bike, helmet, shoes, towels, socks, water bottles, race bib, etc.). Even though each athlete
will have her own space, this area can become very congested after the swim portion and
before the run. T1 and T2 are terms used by triathletes when speaking about transition 1
and transition 2. After you finish your swim you will approach T1 to get yourself ready
for the bike portion (swim to bike). After the bike you will approach T2 to get ready for
the run (bike to run). You will go to the same transition area during the race.
Q: What is a wave start? (applies to triathlon and duathlon events)
A: We aren’t talking about the waves in the ocean! A wave start is when athletes start in
separate groups by age, as opposed to everyone starting together in a mass start.
Q: What is drafting? (applies to triathlon and duathlon events)
A: Drafting is a technique of riding your bike in a close pack. In a non-drafting race, a
person can be penalized for riding in the drafting zone: an area approximately 3 bike
lengths long and 6 feet wide surrounding each cyclist. The advantage of drafting is that
you will be able to increase your speed and decrease your effort due to a decrease in wind
resistance. Not only is drafting dangerous, but a drafting cyclist has an easier ride when
the person in the lead is doing all of the work. Because we want your Iron Girl experience
to be enjoyable and safe, we prohibit drafting on the bike portion.
Q: How do I rent or ship my bike? (applies to triathlon and duathlon events)
A: Check with our local official bike shop as noted on the event specific site for the event
you are participating in. Under the event tab as you scroll down it will have the bike shop
information and contact. They will have programs to help you with your bike needs.