Ironman Races and Kona Qualifying Slots by Race -- 2011 and 2012 Season


This year, more than 60,000 triathletes will compete in 30 races (34 in 2012) across the globe, many of them hoping to earn one of more than 1900 (and approximately 2000 in 2012) coveted Kona Slots. 




Qualify for Kona (or win the lottery) and you earn the right to race with the best triathletes in the world. We've conducted extensive research to assemble what is perhaps the only comprehensive listing of estimated Kona qualifying slots on the web. Want to go to Kona? Here's where you want to start.




Qualifying Races: 1527 to 1642 Slots. In the 2011 season (from September 2010 to August 2011 to qualify for Kona in October 2011), 30 races will offer approximately 1527 Kona slots. (also see how races offering slots have changed over time: Kona Qualifying Events 2005 vs 2012)


In 2012, with the addition of Ironman races in New York, Quebec and Melbourne, we project that 34 races (assuming China remains discontinued and Philippines 70.3 will not offer slots)  will offer as many as 1642 qualifying slots. Though we must note that organizers have been changing slots per race quite regularly, and we're updating as often as possible. 




This net increase of 70 slots pushes the total number of Kona slots -- including lotteries, pro, Ironman Executive Challenge, and other described below -- to nearly 2000 for the first time. 


Current estimates are based on available data, and may change at any time. The allocation of slots among events has changed in many cases; updates for some races are to be determined. Check official race sites and ironmanworldchampionship.com for latest information, and see notes below, describing the allocation and qualification process.


Lottery: 250 Slots.  About 250 slots are distributed by 5 lotteries: 
If you are selected in the lottery, you must validate that entry by completing a WTC-owned Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event within an established timeframe. We have not come across information regarding a 2012 lottery process as of mid-August. 


Pro Division: 85 Slots. Beginning in 2011, pros earn Kona slots via a pro ranking system. Approximately 85 slots are expected to be awarded to pros this year. Additionally, pros who have won the Ironman World Championship within the previous 5 years are automatically granted entry. 


Ironman Executive Challenge (XC): 25 Slots. Select business executives (roughly 12 to 16 per race) compete with age groupers in one of several Ironman or Ironman 70.3 races for the chance of winning Kona slots specifically reserved for the executives. In the 2011 season, Ironman XC included Ironman events in Arizona, Coeur d'Alene, Florida, Germany, and Louisville (typically 3 or 4 slots per race), and Ironman 70.3 events in California, Mallorca, New Orleans and Switzerland (1 slot per Ironman 70.3 event). 


Other: 49 slots. Last, add around 49 -- a very rough guess -- slots distributed to NBC (for feature human interest stories), sponsors, a celebrity or two (IndyCar racers Tony Kanaan and Vitor Meira, e.g.), and an extra lucky VIP or two.

Other than trying your luck – against very long odds -- at the lottery (we estimate 7,500 enter the lottery), if you want to go to Kona, you need to qualify. An overview of the qualifying slot distribution process:
  • The 1500+ race slots are allocated among 27 Ironman qualifying races and 6 Ironman 70.3 events (was 5, but 30 Ironman China slots were awarded to Ironman 70.3 Philippines), as shown above, race by race
  • The slots each race gets (e.g., Wisconsin = 65 slots) are allocated among age-group divisions 
  • Each age group in a race gets one slot; the rest are allocated based on number of participants per age group (e.g., if 20% of athletes are M30-34, that AG gets 20% of the remaining slots)
  • The slots in each race’s age-group division are reserved for the top finishers (e.g., the top 6 finishers in M45-49 are entitled to take a slot)
  • It may happen that some athletes will choose to not accept a slot they earned for some reason; any slots not accepted ‘roll down’ to the next finisher(s) who also have the option to accept or pass on the slot.
  • The ‘Roll Down’ process continues until all slots are taken
See official race rules for details and timing. It's very important to know who, where, when and how much, if you've qualified or have a shot at a rolldown.
Visit ironman.com and ironmanworldchampionship.com for any and all official information regarding qualifying for Kona.