Ironman Kona Hawaii: Correlation Between Average Finish Times and DNF Rates

In ranking the top 25 Ironman triathlons by degree of difficulty, average finish time is the primary ranking criteria. The question has come up, particularly about races that experience vastly differing conditions from one year to the next (such as Louisville, Wisconsin, Kona), how are DNF rates factored in?

Our position has been that tougher conditions lead to slower finish times, which should also result in higher DNF rates. Similarly, perfect conditions tend to result in faster finish times and fewer DNFs. As such, the average finish time, by definition, captures the implied impact of DNF rates. As shown in the chart above, plotting Kona DNF rates and Average finish times from 2002 to 2010 yields a result that supports this view.  For more. see our complete Ironman Kona Coverage or see our Site Map.

Ironman Kona Hawaii 2010 Number of Participants by Age Group

The chart illustrates the mix of1926 registered  athletes by race division. Also see our analysis of Kona Qualifying Times, Qualifying Slots by Event and our Complete Kona Coverage.

Ironman Kona Swim/Bike/Run Splits 2002-2010

When you race in Kona, odds are good that you'll face the legendary headwinds in the lava fields for at least the last 30 miles of your bike ride, if not more. When the winds are howling at 40 to 50 mph gusts, almost lifting riders off the road, that's Kona at its most devious. Some years, the headwinds are intense; other years, a tailwind helps you sail on the Queen K Highway.

The winds were at top force in 2004, and the difference in overall finish times is clear: a 6:22 bike split was the defining factor in the only race in Kona since 2002 that had an average finish time over 12 hours. Not surprisingly, 2004 saw a remarkable 9% DNF rate as well. Yet, the next year featured most enjoyable tailwinds, leading to substantially faster times.  For more, see our Complete Ironman Kona Coverage.