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Timex One GPS watch legal?

Is the new Timex One GPS watch legal for IM racing? It receives text messages. Seems like it would violate the "no communication devices" policy.

Comments

  • Considering (a) Timex is Ironman's longest running sponsor and (b) the watch ITSELF is named IRONMAN, I suspect WTC will interpret its own rules to allow this watch in its races. I doubt they'll have any sense of irony about it.

  • To get messages, does it need to be paired to a phone via Bluetooth? The Garmin 910 will get text messages as well when paired with a bluetooth phone. But, since you can't carry a phone on course, it doesn't work....
  • Regardless, I'm can 100% guarantee that no race official will be looking for illegal electronic devices as long as they stay on your wrist, remain in your pocket / aren't used as a communication device. 

    Hierarchy of enforcement on the bike is typically:

    1. Drafting
    2. Crossing the centerline
    3. Improper passing / failure to drop back
    4. Blocking
    5. Abandoning equipment / throwing away trash at any place not an aid station. 

    As for the run, can't say I've ever seen officials on the run course, other than the riders riding with the top 3 men and women pro's. And I've seen LOTS of pacing by non-athletes over the years, as well as more than a few earbuds. 

    Short answer is to just use it as a watch and you'll be fine. 

  • You can put it in "airplane mode" and use it as a watch only to keep yourself 100% within the rules.
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