Getting Into Ironman China and Getting Into China

Ironman China is 5 months away and there are a few logistical issues to sort out. Granted these aren't nearly as much fun as swimming, biking and running but they simply must be done.

1. Passport

If you aren't a resident of China then you will need a passport to get into China. So it's time to dig out your passport and check how long it is valid. To get a Chinese visa, you will want it to be valid for at least 6 months passed April 2008. In other words, if it expires in 2008 it's probably a good idea to renew it.

Despite what you've read, renewing your passport doesn't have to be a long, hard process. Last month I went to the local post office where they had a special line for passport renewers. They had all of the forms and even a camera to take the new passport photos. I was also able to buy the money order for paying the passport fees and of course mail it in from there. It took about an hour (most of that was waiting for the family ahead of me to finish) and cost about $100 all-in. Make sure that you bring your old, expired passport (it will be returned to you later after you receive your new passport). I didn't pay an expedite fees and about 2 weeks later received my new passport.

Of course different countries may have different procedures but the point is to not wait. When dealing with the federal government it is always best to do things early. Stated simply, China won't let you in without a valid passport regardless of what good story you tell them explaining why you don't have one or who else's fault it is.

2. Visa

According to the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Los Angeles (link) unless you are from Singapore or Brunei in addition to a passport you will need a visa to enter China. They note that "Pursuant to SINO-US agreement on business & tourism visa, eligible US citizens visiting China for the purpose of business or tourism can apply for multiple entry visas valid for 12 months." The fee for this visa is $100.00 (excluding expedited service fees which you should be able to avoid).

The Chinese visa is generally valid for 6 months from the issue date to entry date. You cannot apply for your visa until you are within 6 months of entry into China according to your travel itinerary. They will want to know the duration of stay in China (which is generally up to 30 days with longer stays requiring registration with "the local public security bureau in China").

Assuming you are going in on a tourist visa (Type "L"), the following applies:

a. Visa applications are not accepted by mail. This is a big one. Not an issue if you live in a big city with a consulate but an issue if you don't. That said, travel agents, friends and relatives can do so on your behalf.

b. You do not need an appointment.

c. Visas take about 4 days to process.

d. Ironically they don't accept the Visa credit card (or any other credit card or checks for that matter) for visas. You need cash, money order or a bank check.

You should note that the information listed above is subject to change, without notice, at the discretion and interpretation of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates General.

3. Race entry

This is easy. Just go to the Ironman China website where you will find a link to registration (which as with all WTC events is being handled by Active.com). There you will find:

Registration Fee is USD $470 for the full IM (the 1/2 is about 1/2 of this)
Any registered competitor who withdraws prior to February 21, 2008 will receive a refund in the amount of USD $150. No refunds will be offered after February 21, 2008. (Note: the refund for the 1/2 Ironman is $100).

The Entry Fee includes a gift pack and complimentary admission to the Carbo Loading Party and the Awards Banquet.

There are some provisions for switching from the full IM to the 70.3 and the instructions are on Active.com.

The total entry for both races (Ironman China and Ironman 70.3 China) is 1500. The final number of Ironman China entries to be accepted depends upon the number of Ironman 70.3 China registrations. With only 300 entries being allocated to Ironman 70.3 China, however, there will be a minimum of 1,200 entries available for Ironman China.

Note: If you have raced a WTC Ironman lately you know that the # of racers has been steadily increasing over the years leading to crowded swimming and biking courses. To me the thought of racing with a maximum 1,200 is exceptionally appealing. There are also 50 Kona slots.

Get this stuff done so that you can focus on the fun stuff in the pool, on your bike or out on the track.

Happy training.