About IRONMAN

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, who linked the Waikiki Roughwater Swim, a local Oahu cycling club route, and the Honolulu Marathon courses together to create an ultimate endurance test. "If you do it, I'll do it," John famously said, adding "...whoever finishes first we'll call him the Iron Man."

“Swim 2.4 miles, Bike 112 miles, Run 26.2 miles, Brag for the rest of your life.” - John Collins, 1978

Thus in 1978 the first ever Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon was held, with 15 dreamers setting out on the shores of O’ahu, Hawai`i, to complete what was thought to be the impossible – swimming 2.4 miles (3.8km), biking 112 miles (180km), and running 26.2 miles (42.2km), totaling 140.6 miles (226km) in a single day.

From humble beginnings the popularity of IRONMAN has grown, with dreamers from around the world putting their physical abilities and iron will to the test, to prove to themselves that Anything is Possible®.

In the early 2000s, due to the popularity of triathlon and triathletes’ desire for more racing, a half distance IRONMAN was created, in time named IRONMAN 70.3, with 70.3 representing the cumulative distance, in miles (or 113km): swim 1.2 miles (1.9km), bike 56 miles (90km), and run 13.1 miles (21.1km).

Now, the IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series are the world’s premier full-distance and half-distance triathlon series consisting of approximately 150 races in 50+ countries, regions and territories 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, by creating a Series whereby the most consistent-performing professional triathletes across the span of a season will be recognized and rewarded.

The IRONMAN `ohana embraces all that participate, spectate or support. The transformational journey to the IRONMAN finish line leaves a life changed, inspired, ready for more. Join us.

Key IRONMAN facts

How long is an IRONMAN triathlon?

140.6 miles, comprising: Swim 2.4 miles, Bike 112 miles, Run 26.2 miles OR,
226km comprising: Swim 3.8km, Bike 180km, Run 42.2km.

How long does it take to complete an IRONMAN triathlon?

Triathletes have up to 17 hours to complete an IRONMAN triathlon. For professional triathletes, course completion time varies based on course terrain and conditions, but professional men typically have race finish times between 8 and 9 hours, and professional women between 8:30 – 9:30 hours, with some exceptional performances falling below these marks - and getting quicker all the time.

How long is an IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon?

70.3 miles, comprising: Swim 1.2 miles, Bike 56 miles, Run 13.1 miles OR,
113km comprising: Swim 1.9km, Bike 90km, Run 21.1km.

How long does it take to complete an IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon?

Triathletes have up 8 hours and 30 mins to complete an IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon. For professional triathletes, course completion time varies based on course terrain and conditions, but professional men typically have race finish times from under 4 hours, and professional women between 4 – 4 hours, with some exceptional performances falling below these marks - and getting quicker all the time.

Who is the current IRONMAN World Champion?

Lucy Charles Barclay from Great Britain is the reigning women’s IRONMAN World Champion. Lucy finished the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship course in Kailua-Kona Hawai`i in 8:24:31.
Sam Laidlow from France is the reigning men’s IRONMAN World Champion. Sam finished the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship course in Nice, France in 8:06:22.

Who is the current IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion?

Taylor Knibb from USA is the reigning women’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion. Taylor finished the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship course in Lahti, Finland in 3:53:02.
Rico Bogen from Germany is the reigning men’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion. Rico finished the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship course in Lahti, Finland in 3:32:22.

What’s the fastest ever finish of an IRONMAN triathlon?

The fastest ever IRONMAN finish times are held by:
Laura Phillipp (GER) who posted an 8:18:20 at IRONMAN European Championship Hamburg in 2022.
Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR) who posted a 7:12:12 at IRONMAN Cozumel in 2021.

How long does it take to train to be ready for an IRONMAN?

Length of training depends on your level of fitness and the amount of time per week you are able to commit to preparations, and volume of workout you wish to take on.

While there are always ways to sharpen the process, a regular build, from scratch, may take an athlete 12 months.

If you’re interested in becoming an IRONMAN we recommend you explore support via our partners at TriDot. Using predictive technology, TriDot can create customizable, reactive training plans, partner you with a coach, and make your training experience optimized, efficient and hassle-free.

We hope to see you at a start line soon.