[Also see Qualifying Times | Qualified for 2009]
Getting to the Starting Line at the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona is not easy. Each year more than 50,000 triathletes compete to earn one of about 1800 qualifying slots at these races.
Each Ironman has its allocation of slots determined by that race's organizers, and the number can differ by event. With an average of less than 75 slots per race, distributed among each age group, the competition is fierce.
We've been there. We know what it's like. We're here to help.
One of the most frequent questions I receive from readers is simply: how does one qualify for Kona? And with such limited training time?
- Training Plans
- Triathlon FAQ
- Planning Your Training and Racing Season
- Balancing the Numbers: Inside Triathlon Magazine Cover Story
- How Much Training Time? Part 1 -- Overview; Part 2 -- Specifics
- Runner or Triathlete? Why Not Both?
- Getting Razor Sharp: Periodization
- Improve Triathlon Cycling
- Tips for Faster Transitions
Then read these race reports, and you'll understand.
- Ironman Wisconsin 2002: Slot #2 10:42:49
- Ironman Hawaii 2002: World Championship Debut 11:17:21
- Ironman Wisconsin 2003: Slot #3 10:38:24
- Ironman Hawaii 2003: Racing the Sunset 10:55:27
- Ironman Hawaii 2004: In Memory of . . . 11:51:08
Details Course Map, Schedule, Details
2008 World Championship 2008 Results
Qualify for 2009 Qualifying Times Qualified for 2009
Advice: Everything You Need to Know to Finish
2008 World Championship 2008 Results
Qualify for 2009 Qualifying Times Qualified for 2009
Advice: Everything You Need to Know to Finish
