1) A guide competes in the race and is only permitted for visually impaired athletes (please see definition of visual impairment above) and ID Open athletes. A handler acts as an aid for the swim start, swim finish, and transition but does not compete in any leg of the race. For more information, please see below the rules and guidelines on becoming a handler or guide. 

2) Visual Impaired Athletes - Securing a guide shall be the responsibility of the visually impaired athlete. The guide must be identified as a guide and wear the required credentials (to be supplied by race personnel). 

a) each visually impaired athlete must have a guide (guide can be of either gender) 
b) each visually impaired athlete is allowed one (1) guide during each race
c) visually impaired athletes are not allowed to have an additional handler (guides may act as a handler for the duration of the event). 
d) guides must meet the minimum age requirements as stated in the IRONMAN Competition Rules. 
e) guides shall be subject to the IRONMAN Competition Rules in addition to further regulations deemed appropriate by the race referee. 
f) guides are not allowed to push or pull their visually impaired athlete. 
g) visually impaired athletes and guides shall not be more than 0.5 meters apart at all times. 
h) guides may not use paddleboards, kayaks, etc. (on the swim portion) or bicycles, motor bicycles, etc. (on the run portion), or any other mechanical means of transportation.  

3)  Handlers - Securing handlers shall be the responsibility of the PC/ID Open Division athlete. The handler must be identified as a handler and wear the required credentials (to be supplied by race personnel). Only one handler is permitted for PC/ID Open Division athletes. Any action taken by a handler which propels the PC Open Division athlete forward may result in disqualification. 

The handler is allowed to assist PC/ID Open Division athletes by: 

a)     helping with prosthetic devices or other assistive devices (PC Open athletes) 
b)    lifting athletes out of handcycles and wheelchairs (PC Open athletes) 
c)     removing wetsuits or clothing  
d)    assistance with consuming nutrition or hydration  
e)    repairing bikes and helping with other equipment in the transition area racking the bikes in the transition area