The IRONMAN Group operates many events worldwide, including the IRONMAN® Pro Series, along with other multisport races and series, such as the The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series®, IRONKIDS®, and others. It is the largest participation sports platform in the world.
Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with more than 235 events across 55+ countries. Since its inception as a single race, athletes have now crossed the finish line at challenging endurance races around the globe.
Brief History of IRONMAN
The first-ever Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon was held on February 18, 1978. What started as a good-natured debate over which athletes were the best, the single-day endurance event now known as IRONMAN was created by Judy and John Collins. The raced combined the Waikiki Roughwater Swim, a local Oahu cycling club route, and the Honolulu Marathon to create an ultimate endurance test.
In 1980, the event gained worldwide recognition when ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” aired the IRONMAN race in Hawai’i.
Two years later, the world saw what has become one of most iconic moments in IRONMAN history. San Diego college student and front runner Julie Moss collapsed just yards from the finish line and ultimately crawls to the ends. (I can still remember watching the televised event in awe.) In the meantime, Kathleen McCartney passed her for the win.
Since 1993, the IRONMAN Hall of Fame as recognized many of the people who have epitomized the spirit of competition. Read about them and the many fascinating accomplishments by IRONMAN athletes and promoters: Hall of Fame (ironman.com)
Today, the IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series are the world’s premier full-distance and half-distance triathlon series hosted in 50+ locations across the world. Each series culminates in its respective world championship event: The IRONMAN World Championship held annually in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i and Nice, France, and the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship which rotates globally on an annual basis.
The IRONMAN® Pro Series adds yet another dimension to the thrill of medium and long-distance triathlon racing. Comprising 20 select IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 professional races, the Pro Series is a performance-based triathlon competition contested between April and December. It sees professional triathletes race to earn points and vie for the title of IRONMAN Pro Series Champion, in turn winning the greatest share of the $1.7 million bonus prize purse. More info: IRONMAN Pro Series
IRONMAN swim race start. Image via DepositPhotos.com
IRONMAN World Championship
The IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i was the global event that remains the pinnacle of triathlon competitions worldwide. Now held in separate competitions for men and women, qualifying athletes who make the cut embark on a 140.6-mile journey that will test the limits of their body, mind, and spirit. More info: IRONMAN World Championship
2024 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaiʻi and Nice, France
Through decades of jaw-dropping athletic achievements, the IRONMAN World Championship has established a reputation as the pinnacle triathlon to become an iconic global sporting event. The IRONMAN triathlon includes a swim race, bike race, and ends with a full marathon. Completing the 140.6-mile quest is the ultimate test of body, mind, and spirit.
- October 26, 2024: The Men’s VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i. The historic KONA® race will take athletes through the clear waters of Kailua Bay, along the wind-swept coast, and through the barren lava fields of the Island of Hawai`i, where strength, grit, and heart must be summoned to navigate challenging race conditions, and Island heat. More info: Men’s VinFast IRONMAN World Championship Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
- September 22, 2024: The Women’s VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, France. Nice, France continues as co-host of the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship. Race from the Mediterranean to the Mountains in the glamourous French Riviera city of Nice through beautiful old town architecture, an azure coastline, and sunshine. More info: Women’s VinFast IRONMAN World Championship Nice, France
IRONMAN marathon race runner – image via Depositphotos.com
IRONMAN race courses in Hawai’i
Here is a summary of the course for each leg:
- Swim: 2.4-mile (3.86 km) sunrise swim through ocean currents, out and back from Kailua Bay in the heart of Kona. Wetsuits are not allowed, except for athletes 70 ages and older. Each athlete must complete the swim in 2 hours and 30 minutes or less.
- Bike: 112 mile (180.2 km) along the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, from Kailua-Kona to Hawi on the northwest corner of the Big Island and return. Trade winds can be a challenge for the bicyclists throughout the course. Each triathlete must complete the bike race in 10 hours 30 minutes or less.
- Marathon: The 26.2-mile (42.2 km) marathon racecourse extends from Pahoehoe Beach Park (about 5 miles south of Kona town) northward to the Natural Energy Lab near the Keahole Airport. Racers return to Kona amid the cheers of the spectators at the finish line hear Kailua Pier, where their long, long day began.
Professionals complete the IRONMAN in about 8-9 hours. Non-professionals who are well-conditioned typically come in around 13-14 hours. Anyone finishing the grueling IRONMAN in under 17 hours achieves something relatively few people in the world have done. The race cutoff time is 17 hours after the racer’s designated IRONMAN start time.
More info: Course – VinFast IRONMAN World Championship Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
Event calendar of free and affordable things to do
Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days across the Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina.
Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
You might also like: Hawaiʻi on the Cheap – affordable living and things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com)
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