Standard Bank

IRONMAN African Championship South Africa

Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa TBD 2020

Opening Soon

Rolling Swim Starts - PE

Age Group athletes only

What is a rolling start?

Athletes will wait in holding areas (depicted by swim time boards) according to your own predicted, realistic swim time (self-seeding).  From the holding area, you will filter into the swim start chute.  As per the event-specific Athlete Info Guide, at consistent intervals a limited number of athletes will be sent off with the sound of the start hooter.   In effect, this will create a “time-trial” dynamic for the race and for the determination of the final results. 

It is important to note that each athlete's individual race time will only start when you cross the swim start timing mat.  Your cut-off time will thus be based on your swim start time.

Why a rolling start?

  • It allows a “single file” swim course, reducing congestion. 
  • It allows athletes to swim within their own ability and improve the overall swim experience.
  • It defuses the drafting problem on the bike course.

Q & A :

  • Who determines your swim time ?
    • You, the athlete, determine your anticipated swim time and seed yourself accordingly.  Your predicted swim time does not need to be communicated to the race officials in advance.
  • Do moderate swimmers have any advantage by starting in the front of the field with faster swimmers ?
    • No, it is quite the contrary.  If a moderate swimmer starts in the front, he / she will be passed by and hinder fast(er) swimmers, which poses a needless risk to all involved.
  • How does this impact the cut-offs ?
    • The cut-offs remain the same (as per the event specific Race Schedule and Athlete Info Guide) for each person, with timing only commencing when you cross the start timing mat.  All athletes finishing out of the cut-off time(s) will not be allowed to continue to the next discipline / will not appear in the final results.