What is the new rule on recording during an Ironman or 70.3 triathlon?<\/p>\n
Communication devices like two-way radios have long been banned on course for Ironman and 70.3 races. In 2017, the race series updated its policy<\/a> to accommodate the increasing use of cell phones and smartwatches by athletes for data collection and tracking, saying the devices would be allowed so long as they are not used for communication purposes. In other words, you can carry your phone, but not use it in what Ironman called a \u201cdistractive manner,\u201d or \u201cmaking and receiving phone calls, sending and receiving text messages, playing music, using social media, and taking photographs.\u201d<\/p>\n Fast forward almost a decade, and clarity has now been added to include \u201ctaking video\u201d on its list of what constitutes using technology in a \u201cdistractive manner,\u201d along with an outright ban on collecting photos or videos during a race \u2013 regardless of how it\u2019s collected. Specifically, the updated rule states:<\/p>\n \u201cUsing any device (e.g., including without limitation, cameras, phone cameras, video cameras, glasses, etc.) to capture photographs, video, or other visual images during the race is prohibited. Athletes using any device in this manner will be disqualified.\u201d<\/p>\n In other words, no selfies, no GoPros, no smart glasses, and definitely no livestreaming your race, whether you\u2019re using a smartphone or not. The policy is intended to maintain the integrity, focus, and safety of the competitive environment for all participants.<\/p>\n What can I use my phone during an Ironman or 70.3?<\/p>\n If your phone is a critical part of your race-day setup, don\u2019t fret \u2013 you can still carry it for certain functions during your Ironman or 70.3 race.<\/p>\n Tracking & directions<\/p>\n GPS tracking functions for navigation are still permitted during an Ironman, provided the device is secured and not actively manipulated. Sharing your location with your support crew is still permitted, as is using your phone for turn-by-turn navigation.<\/p>\n Bike computer functions<\/p>\n Though using a phone as a bike computer used to be banned in-race, Ironman has since relaxed its rule, so long as the device is securely mounted to the bike (in other words, no holding your phone with one hand while badly steering with the other).<\/p>\n Emergencies<\/p>\n If you\u2019re carrying a phone during a race and come across an emergency, such as a crash or an athlete in distress, using your phone to call 911 is acceptable, but not while in motion. Do not use your phone while riding or running; instead, stop to alert emergency providers. This is not only for your safety and the safety of those around you, but also to allow dispatchers to use your cell phone location to locate the incident.<\/p>\n What you can\u2019t use your cell phone for in an Ironman or 70.3 Though a cell phone may be nice to have for some athletes, it\u2019s typically not an essential piece of triathlon gear. In many ways, carrying your cell phone during a race can be a distraction and a literal weight in your jersey pocket. We recommend leaving your phone behind on race morning, but if you insist on carrying it, know you won\u2019t be able to use it in many of the ways you\u2019re accustomed to during a typical training day. For that reason, many coaches recommend preparing for your race by not using your phone during workouts, to allow yourself to adapt to a phone-free experience. (Screen time can ruin your workouts, anyway<\/a>.)<\/p>\n Texting or calls<\/p>\n The urge to respond to a spouse\u2019s worried \u201cWHERE R U?\u201d text when you\u2019re off your predicted pace can be strong, so instead, use a tracking app like \u201cFind My\u201d on iPhone or \u201cLocation Sharing\u201d on Android. Then turn your notifications off for the duration of your race.<\/p>\n Playing music<\/p>\n You might get hyped by your Backstreet Boys\/Metallica\/EDM playlist, but you\u2019ll have to sing it to yourself. Marathon and trail runners might be surprised to find that headphones, earbuds, and other listening devices are banned at Ironman and 70.3 races (and the vast majority of triathlons), as are external speakers.<\/p>\n Taking photos<\/p>\n Even a quick mid-race selfie could technically get you disqualified. Remember: There are plenty of professional photographers on course documenting your race, along with your support crew (who will no doubt be taking millions of photos and videos every time they spot you on course).<\/p>\n Taking video<\/p>\n Ironman\u2019s 2026 rule update expressly prohibits the use of video recording devices on-course. That helmet-mounted GoPro is a no-go, as is wearing smart glasses or carrying your phone to record yourself crossing the finish line. (We promise, people will still believe you finished. That\u2019s what the medal is for.)<\/p>\n What about other triathlon races?<\/p>\n
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Before planning to bring your phone along for an Ironman or 70.3 race, get to know the usage rules. (Photo: Ironman)<\/p>\n