1. When does on line entries open and close?

Normal Entries are open from 21st February to the 30th July 2012 at midnight.
Take note of the Early Bird Special running up to the 20th February 2012

2. What is the entry fee?

Individuals:

• South African R 800, 21st February – 30th July 2012 (excl Day License Fee) 
• International € 80, 21st February – 30th July 2012 (excl Day License Fee)
• Early Bird Entry -South African athletes that pre-register and pay before 20 February 2012 can take advantage of the early bird special of R695 (excl Day License Fee)
• The TSA Day License Fee of R70 per individual is payable in cash at registration in Forever Resorts Warmbaths, Bela Bela

Teams:

• Any format team: R1000 (21st February – 30th July 2012) excl Day License Fee.
• The TSA Day License Fee of R100 per team is payable in cash at registration in Forever Resorts Warmbaths, Bela Bela

3. How do I pay my entry fee?

You can pay online by credit card, direct bank deposit or by means of electronic fund transfer (EFT) when you enter this race. Please note that a 24-hour payment policy applies for payment by credit card or EFT. 

• Your name will not go onto the start list unless we have received this proof of payment.
• We must receive proof of your payment (fax or email) within 24 hours of you completing the online entry.
• Send your proof of payment to our fax: 041 5814553 or e mail it to: sharon.talbot@ironman.com
• The Day License Fee is payable in cash at registration

Please note that should you not supply proof of payment within 24 hours of completing online entry, your slot may be released to another athlete in the event of a sell-out race.  Completing the online entry process without making payment is not enough to reserve your slot on the starters list.

Please assist all parties concerned and let’s avoid unnecessary last minute bottle neck administration.

4. What is the Refund/Withdrawal policy?

There is no Refund, Withdrawal or Transfer policy for 5150 races.

5. Why do I need to buy a TSA day license?

Day Licenses are applicable to athletes who are not registered with Triathlon South Africa (TSA) through its various provincial structures (i.e. CGT, EPTA, KZNTA, WPTA, GNT, NWT, ATA & FSTA). 

TSA’s mandate is the development and administration of the sport of triathlon, as well as the training of race officials/referees. The day license fee is a day membership fee and goes towards insurance for both athletes and the event. Athletes who are registered with TSA have pre paid these costs in an annual lump sum payment.

The Day License Fee is a Day Membership of TSA and is over and above the race entry fee for individuals. We will have an up to date list of TSA members at race registration at Bela Bela. If your name doesn’t appear on the list you will have to pay the Day License Fee in cash. Register with TSA in good time. Athletes whose application is in “process” in race week will be considered NOT to be TSA members and will have to pay the Day License fee.

In the case of teams, each team will have to pay a R100 day license fee. 

Avoid paying a Day License Fee and Register with TSA: http://www.triathlonsa.co.za/Public/Registration.aspx

The Day License Fee is payable in cash only at registration in Bela Bela.

6. Is there a waiting list for the event?

No, we do not offer a waiting list so register early to avoid disappointment! 

7. Are there age requirements to be eligible to race?

Yes, for individuals, all participants must be a minimum 18 years on race day. There is no maximum age restriction - just an ability to complete the event in the allocated time.

For Teams, the minimum age for a team member must be 16 years on race day. There is no maximum age restriction - just an ability to complete the portions of the event entered as part of a team. MINOR’s parents must be present at the venue registration to sign the indemnity.

8. What is the age group breakdown for race entry?

Standard 5 year age groups. E.g. 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44;45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64 ... etc

9. What age group will I race in on race day?

Your age on race day may not be your triathlon age category age. All participants will race based on their age as on the 31st of December 2012 (example:  if you are 39 on race day of 25 August 2012 but will be 40 by the 31st of December 2012, you will fall into the age group 40-44 for the 5150 Triathlon Bela Bela)

10. How do I switch out of or into an existing team relay?

Only the team captain (i.e. the person that completed the entry) can request a switch doing so online. All such amendments must be done online no later the 30th July when entries close.

11. What if my team members can’t compete due to unforeseen circumstances and I am the only one on my team?

Changes to the composition of teams can be done online by the team captain up to the 30th July 2012. After that period the team will forfeit its entry slot and entry fee.  

12. Must all team members have to be present at athlete registration?

Yes, without exception, all relay team members must check-in at the same time or they will not be able to participate. Each team member must bring proof of identity (ID book, Driving License or Passport) and sign the indemnity.

13. Will each team members receive a medal, t-shirt and goodie bag?

Yes

14. What categories are offered?

• Age Groups are for the remaining athletes who will complete in their traditional TSA age group divisions. (18-24; 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, etc.  
• Age Group Elites is a single open category for any athlete that can prove, upon entering, completing a 5150 or other TSA/National Federation sanctioned standard distance triathlon under a certain time: For a males a sub 02:15 is applicable and for females a sub 02:30. Athletes need to supply proof of such results when entering the event. (If you fail to do so, you will be bumped to the conventional age group category). Should you enter as an Age Group Elite you will not receive a trophy in the normal age group division.
• The Elite/Professional category is for athletes with a World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) Pro/Elite license. It is also applicable to athletes with an Elite or Under 23 Elite License from Triathlon South Africa (TSA) or any other National federation
• Teams may consist of two or three athletes (mixed / all male / all female). One category for team prizes exist, regardless of their composition; i.e. First, Second and Third.

15. What timing chip/timing system will be used?

Timing chips with a chip belt will be provided at athlete’s registration with the race packs. Timing chips must be worn on your left ankle and handed in at after the race in transition with bike check out. You will need your chip and chip belt to release your bike! A Fee of R750 will be charged per lost chip. Please double secure the chip with a safety pin.

16. Can I/Must I wear a wetsuit for the swim leg?

The water should be between 17 and 20°Celsius. It will in all probability be a wetsuit legal swim, provided that the water is not more than 24.5°Celsius. Should the water be below 14°C wearing a wetsuit will be compulsory. (WTC water temperature ruling). Your wetsuit must not be thicker than 5mm.
Therefore the odds that it will be a wetsuit legal swim are overwhelming.

17. Swimming is my great weakness, can I complete this event?

The 5150 Triathlon Bela Bela race course is particularly suited to first-time triathletes and triathletes that are less comfortable during the swim leg of the race.  While competitors must be able to swim 1.5kms, it is comforting to know that the swim is completed in a Ski Dam within Forever Resort Warmbaths and at most spots the water is shallow enough to stand in (Chest depth for a male of average height). Due to the nature of the swim course you are always very close to shore. See Swim Course Map. The 5150 Bela Bela Triathlon is arguably the best introduction to triathlon swimming in South Africa.

18. What type of bike can I use?

You can use a triathlon bike/time trial bike, conventional road bike or mountain bike.

19. Can I use a disc wheel on my bike?

Yes, you can use discs. The race organiser can disallow disc wheels in the case of high wind speeds/gusts of wind.

20. What does “non-drafting” refer to?

It refers to the cycling leg where athletes are not allowed to ride in the slip stream of another bike. The drafting zone is 10m (Between yourself and the bike in front of you – if you cycle closer than 10m to the athlete in front of you, you are drafting) PLEASE REFER TO THE DETAILED “ATHLETES GUIDE” FOR MORE INFORMATION.

21. What is the role of referees in a triathlon?

Unlike Road Running or Cycling, Referees play an active part in triathlon. This is from the outset at the bike check in, the swim, bike and run legs as well as transitions and the finish line. The main mandate is to see that the event unfolds in a safe and fair manner – that the rules and principles of the race are obeyed and to police them where they are violated. Like with Ironman, 5150 Triathlon is based on the principle of individual effort without any outside assistance or unfair advantage.

22. Where’s the aid stations located?

The cycle aid station is located in town and athletes will pass it on the 20km mark. (Cyclists will pass there once)

On the run course the aid stations will be passed six times.

23. When can I remove my bike from the transition area?

From 17:00-18:30. The cycling course closes at 17:00 and we CANNOT allow bikes to be removed prior to that OR, just after the last athlete has left T2. This is however at the discretion of the race director. 

Again, there is a procedure to bear in mind when checking out your bike. Athletes need to hand their timing chip and chip belt to be able to check their bikes out of transition. No Chip = No Bike.

24. What if I lose my chip before or during the race?

If you lose your timing chip before the race, report to the timing tent to be issued a new chip.  You will be charged R750 for the lost timing chip.

25. What is the entry fee policy into Forever Resorts Warmbaths?

• All athletes will get free entry into Forever Resorts Warmbaths. Your competitor’s race wrist band is your passport into and around the resort. Keep it on until Sunday the 26th when you leave. 
• All Forever Resorts Warmbaths residents will receive a resort wrist bands when they check into the resort as their accommodation includes the use of the swimming pools.
• Athletes who are not residents of Forever Resorts Warmbaths will receive one complementary Forever Resorts Warmbaths wrist entry band for a spouse or partner. All others accompanying a non resident athlete onto the race venue will need to pay a R50 entrance fee per day, as normal day visitors to the resort do. (This fee has been discounted by our hosts from R120 for the 5150 Bela Bela Triathlon weekend) 

26. Can we bring our club gazebo?

Yes, but it must be placed at the demarcated spot for Club gazebos. See map in Athletes guide.

27. Who do I contact regarding race photos?

Finisher Pix is the official race photographer -  www.finisherpix.com.

28. Who do I contact for media-related inquiries?

The event media liaison is Michael Flanagan michael.flanagan@ironman.com

29. Where is Bela Bela?

The Bushveld town of Bela Bela is within easy access from Gauteng on the N1 free way north. The town is situated a mere 8km north west from the Bela Bela/Settlers off ramp, approximately 100km from Pretoria, 130 km from Sandton and150km from the OR Tambo International, all on freeways.The co ordinates for the Forever Resorts Warmbaths in Bela Bela are 24 53 07 S and 28 17 30 E 

30. Where can I stay in Bela Bela?

The Forever Resorts Warmbaths which plays host to the 5150 has a variety of accommodation options to choose from – Game Lodge, Hotel, Chalets and Camp Site. There are great accommodation specials available over the weekend of South Africa’s inaugural 5150 – so make a weekend of it and bring the whole family. See section on Travel and Accommodation on the main menu.  

Please contact Loren Hoffman on warmbathsconf@foreversa.co.za from Forever Resorts Warmbaths in Bela Bela.  To minimise administrative delays, please consult directly with Loren rather than central reservations in Pretoria as Forever Resorts Warmbaths directly block books the resort for 5150 athletes.

31. What is there to do in Bela Bela?

At the Forever Resorts Warmbaths you can do the 5150, ride the super tubes or a foofie slide, play volleyball or putt putt, relax in the hot or cold water pools, ride go carts, mini quads or horses, cruise on a pedal boat, play squash or tennis, enjoy the wave pool, explore the game reserve and spoil yourself in the natural warm water hydro. These are just some of the things to do in the Forever Resorts Warmbaths in Bela Bela!

The Waterberg area of Limpopo Province where the town of Bela Bela is situated is also a great destination with its superb natural beauty.

32. What is the climate like in Bela Bela?

Bela Bela has a pleasantly mild climate during the winter months and an average of 286 sunny days every year. The average August maximum temperature for Bela Bela in August is 24 degrees Celsius, with 33 degrees the highest ever recorded. The average minimum for August is 6 degrees.
(This research is based on over thirty years of recordings).