The sun rises over Mt. Hualalai, and 2,000 of the world’s toughest triathletes plunge into the warm water of Kailua Bay. They swim 2.4 miles, then mount their bikes to battle the raging winds as they cycle 114 miles over black lava fields. Finally, they run a full 26.2-mile marathon.

It’s miserable. It’s glorious. It’s the Ironman World Championship in beautiful Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, proudly sponsored by Allianz Global Assistance.

The Ironman mantra is, “Anything Is Possible” — and that’s also the reason why race insurance is crucial for any athlete. If you fracture your ankle just before the race, or if your flight’s delayed, you’ll lose your chance for glory and the money you paid to enter. Whether you’re a cyclist, a runner, a swimmer or all three, the Registration Protector from Allianz Global Assistance* is an important investment — here’s why.

Registration Protection Covers Even Ultra-Expensive Race Entry Fees

Running a local 5K Turkey Trot might set you back $30. Running the New York City Marathon, however, costs $255.¹ Ironman competitions usually cost more. General entry for the recent Miami race was $395; or $500 for the race in Fortaleza, Brazil.²

But wait — we’re just getting started. The Jungle Ultra Marathon costs around $2,600 for the privilege of running 230 kilometers through the Peruvian jungle, waving hello to jaguars as you pass.

Or, you can pay $1395 (if you qualify) to enter the STYR Labs Badwater 135, widely considered to be the world’s toughest foot race. Tie on your running shoes in Death Valley and run 135 miles across three mountain ranges until you make it nearly to the top of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48 states. Oh — and you have to do it within 48 hours.

Why do organizers charge so much? Races are expensive. The fees pay for operations (like port-a-potties and road closures), advertising, security, food, swag and staffing.³ The more remote or challenging the race, the greater the costs associated with it.

The Registration Protector covers up to 100 percent of insured registration costs, subject to certain conditions and limitations, up to the maximum coverage amount of $10,000. So you know you’re protected, even for elite events.

Six more reasons to buy the Registration Protector from Allianz Global Assistance

1. Refunds are rare in the racing world.
Race organizers rely on having a certain number of competitors in every event. For that reason, entry fees are typically non-refundable and non-transferable. You might get back a fraction of your fee if you cancel a month or more ahead of time, but that’s it. Registration protection from Allianz Global Assistance starts at just $6.99.

2. Existing medical conditions can be covered.
You don’t let your existing condition stop you from racing, so it shouldn’t keep you from purchasing race insurance, either. As long as you meet these criteria, you may qualify for existing medical condition coverage:

• You must be medically able to travel on the purchase date.
• Registration costs cannot exceed $10,000 per person.
• You must insure the full, non-refundable portion of registration.
• You must purchase insurance within 14 days of the registration purchase.

Allianz Global Assistance defines an existing medical condition as an illness or injury that you, a traveling companion or family member were seeking or receiving treatment for or had symptoms of on the day you purchased your plan, or at any time in the 120 days before you purchased it.

3. Sometimes, you’re not the one who gets hurt.
Maybe you never get sick. But what if a loved one does? If a family member is hospitalized or requires your care, that may be considered a covered reason for race cancellation and reimbursement.

4. Crazy things can happen.
You get in a car accident on the way to the race. Your flight gets canceled. A tree falls on your house. These things happen, unfortunately. The Registration Protector includes several covered reasons for event cancellation, including illness, injury, home/business issues, employer termination and more.

5. With the Registration Protector, you have a team of travel experts on your side.
Registration Protector customers get free access to our 24-hour travel assistance hotline, staffed by an elite team of in-house travel specialists. They help travelers all over the globe find the best medical care, replace missing travel documents, send messages home and more.

6. Allianz Global Assistance is a name you can trust.
Since its launch in 2012, 750,000 event participants have protected more than $55 million in race fees through Registration Protector. Allianz Global Assistance is known worldwide for providing affordable, reliable and sometimes lifesaving insurance coverage for travelers. And we’re proud to sponsor the 2016 Ironman World Championship.

*Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated “A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence. Plan(s) may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are brands of AGA Service Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Non-Insurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by AGA Service Company. Consumer is responsible for charges incurred from outside vendors for assistance or concierge services. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com.