Event Coverage

IRONMAN 70.3 Shanghai

Shanghai, China ต.ค. 20, 2562



Rolling Swim Start


As part of IRONMAN ongoing race development and improvements, the IRONMAN 70.3 in Shanghai will be using a “Rolling Swim Start”.

This method of start has been introduced into several IRONMAN events across the globe with positive feedback and outcomes.

What is a rolling start?

Athletes will line up according to their realistic predicted swim time (self-seeding) and every 5 sec we will allow certain amount of athletes to start. It will take approximately 20 to 50 minutes to get the entire field across the swim start line. Number of athletes and minutes may change according to the final amount of athletes registered.

In effect, this will create a “time trial” dynamic for the race and for the determination of the final results as each athlete’s time does not start until they cross the timing mat and enter the water.

How does a rolling start work?

In the morning you have the opportunity to enter transition and do any final preparations to your bike and transition bags. After your final preparations in the transition area you are going to the swim start. Prepare in time to leave for the swim start area and look for the flags held by volunteers that will list total swim times by five minute increments: 25-30, 30-35, 35-40 and so on. For example, if your swim time is expected to be closer to 36 minutes please choose to line up closer to the 35-40 min flag, but if your swim time will be closer to 39 min please line up further back from the 35-40 min flag. 

There is no need to tell us your estimated swimming time in advance. Please note that it is your responsibility to line up at your realistic swim speed. If you line up too fast or too slow you chance being swum over and or getting in another athletes way and negatively effecting both your races.

Your time begins to run when you walk over the timing mat. It’s directly in front of the water. Whether you start at 6:50 am or at 7:10 am, you always have 1:10 hours for the swimming competition.

Why change to a rolling start?

It is part of the IRONMAN Global Swim Smart initiative aimed at increasing safety and reducing anxiety in the swim.

It allows athletes to swim at their own ability and improves the overall swim experience

It leads to faster swim times

It defuses the drafting problem on the bike course

Do moderate swimmers have any advantage by starting in the front part of the field?

No, it is quite the contrary. If a moderate swimmer starts in the front part of the field, she/he will be passed by hundreds of fast swimmers which poses a needless risk for all involved parties. The cut-offs stay the same (1h 10min swim) and all athletes with a finishing time of more than cut-off time do not appear in the results list.


Only in this way can the smooth and secure flow mainly at ensuring equal opportunities for all athletes!

Start times:

  • Start Pro Male
  • Start Pro Female
  • Start Age-Grouper – Rolling start

Any questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact us at:

Email: [email protected]

Matt Roberts/Getty Images for IRONMAN