Qualification

Qualification
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How do I qualify for the 2012 Ironman World Championship?
Athletes gain entry into the 2012 Ironman World Championship one of three ways: by earning a qualifying slot at one of the qualifying events held worldwide, by being selected in the Ironman Lottery Program or by winning a slot through the Ironman’s charitable eBay Auction. Official qualifying events award Ironman World Championship slots to their top age-group finishers. Qualifying races are one of two distances: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run or 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run.

What divisions are offered?
Professional, Age Group, Physically Challenged, and Hand Cycle divisions are offered.

Is there Clydesdale/Athena or Relay division slots?
No. Relay or Clydesdale/Athena divisions will not be held in conjunction with Ironman World Championship.

How does the age group slot allocation work?

  • Prior to race day, at least one slot shall be tentatively allocated to each Age Group category (both male and female). Please see the official Age Group category breakdown listed below.
  • Final slot allocation will be determined on race day based on the number of official starters. If there are no starters in a particular Age Group, then that slot will be moved to the next calculated Age Group within the gender.
  • Final slot allocation shall be representative of the actual number of Age Group starters in each category in the race.  For example, if 8% of the Age Group starters are Female 40-44, then 8% of the slots are allocated to the Female 40-44 category.
  • Athletes MUST claim their slot in-person during the designated registration period for the world championship. Please check the Schedule of Events for more information.

What is the Age Group breakdown?

  • 18-24
  • 25-29
  • 30-34
  • 35-39
  • 40-44
  • 45-49
  • 50-54
  • 55-59
  • 60-64
  • 65-69
  • 70-74
  • 75-79
  • 80+

What is rolldown and how does it work?

  • At the conclusion of on site registration for the automatic qualifiers, any unclaimed slots within an Age Group will be rolled down to the next eligible finisher within that Age Group.
  • If an athlete chooses not to take the slot, does not attend the rolldown ceremony or has already qualified, the next eligible finisher in that Age Group may claim the qualifying slot.
  • Following rolldown, any unclaimed slots within an Age Group will be reallocated to another Age Group within the gender based on the athletes-to-slots ratio.
  • The Age Group within the gender with the largest athletes-to-slots ratio will receive the first reallocated slot, followed by the next largest ratio receiving the second re-allocated slot (if applicable), and so on.

Am I required to be on-site during the 2012 Ironman World Championship registration and rolldown to claim my slot?Athletes must be present on-site during official registration and rolldown hours to claim their slot. Athletes should plan accordingly per the official qualifier event schedule.

Where can I find the number of slots per age group at a qualifying event?
Please log on to the qualifying event’s official website to view the number of allocated age group slots.

If there is no race in my country, how do I qualify?
Log on to the “Events” page to view a full list of qualifying events to locate the event closest to you.

Where can I see the list of people who qualified for Kona?
This information can be found on the Ironman World Championship page.

Which Ironman 70.3 events are qualifiers for the 2012 Ironman World Championship?

I accepted and registered for my slot but can’t race. Can I give the slot to my friend or defer it till next year?
Transfers or deferrals of slots are NOT permitted. Please contact worldchampionship@ironman.com to withdraw from the event.

Is there a waiting list for athletes who qualify and later drop out?
Transfers or deferrals of slots are NOT permitted. We don’t offer a waiting list or rolldown for athletes who have not qualified.

How do I determine whether I should race as an age grouper or professional?
You must declare your status and race in that division. Professionals must hold a valid professional/elite card or a letter from their country’s federation. For more information on Ironman pro membership please log onto www.ironmanpromembership.com.

If I qualified as an age grouper and then turned professional, can I still race and vice-versa?
No. You must re-qualify as a professional earning a pro slot. If you race as a professional athlete during the calendar year, you may not race as an age grouper in an Ironman event or the Ironman World Championship for that year as well as the following year.

If a person finishes the 2012 Ironman World Championship, will the athlete automatically qualify for next year’s race?
Only the Professional Champions (male and female), Age Group Champions and Hand Cycle Champion athletes are invited to return.

What is the entry fee for the 2012 Ironman World Championship?
$750.00 USD

What is the 2012 refund/withdrawal policy and when is the deadline?Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via e-mail to kona@ironman.com Without exception, all requests must be received on or before August 29, 2012 to be eligible for a partial refund of $175.00 (USD). No refunds will be issued for request made after August 29, 2012. Transfers or deferrals are NOT permitted.

Are there age requirements?
Athletes must be 18 years of age on race day.

What age group will I compete in on the day I participate in the Ironman World Championship?
The Ironman World Championship and all qualifying events implemented both the International Triathlon Federation and USA Triathlon’s Age Group Competition rule: All age group athletes must compete in the age group division corresponding to his or her age on December 31 of the year of the event.

What is the date for the  Ironman World Championship in future years?

  • 2012:  10/13/2012
  • 2013: 10/12/2013
  • 2014: 10/11/2014
  • 2015: 10/10/2015
  • 2016: 10/8/2016

Anti Doping:
In accordance with the World Triathlon Corporation Anti Doping Policy, all athletes participating in the  Ironman World Championship will be required to sign a condition of Entry, Release and Indemnification waiver, by which they agree and  acknowledge that they  have read and fully understands the Rules as adopted by WTC, and  understand that they may be required to submit to a medical control urinalysis, blood, or other non-urine doping test conducted by WTC. Athletes voluntarily consent to be governed by the published rules: www.ironmanpromembership.com / http://www.ironmanusa.com/wtc-antidoping-rules.pdf

Ironman Lottery Program
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*The 2012 Ironman Lottery Program closed on Friday, March 9, 2012 @ 11:59 PM EST/8:59 PM PST

CLICK HERE to view the 2012 Ironman Lottery Release.

What is the Ironman Lottery Program?
Beginning in 2012 the Ironman Lottery will select 100 general Age Group athletes, 100 Legacy athletes plus five Physically Challenged athletes, to compete in the 2012 Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i. Winners will be announced on April 15, 2012 at 12 p.m. ET on Ironman.com. One entry per athlete, duplicate entries will not be valid (except that Passport members can obtain two separate valid entries.  Click here for more information regarding the Passport program).”

In 1990, Ironman enhanced the Lottery Program by establishing the Passport Club and is opened to all athletes worldwide. The Passport Club offers an increased chance of being selected through the lottery.

When does the Ironman Lottery open?
Registration for the 2012 Ironman Lottery and Legacy Program will open at 12 p.m. EDT on November 1, 2011.

 

Where do I register?
The registration link will be available on the home page and Ironman.com. 

What is the 2012 Lottery entry fee?
Lottery Application $40.00 USD
Passport $50.00 USD-Additional membership and second chance.

What are the eligibility requirements for the 2012 Ironman Legacy Program?

To enroll athletes must meet all four of the following requirements*:

1.       Athlete must have completed a minimum of twelve (12) full-distance Ironman-branded** races (includes existing and past events) by December 31, 2011

2.       Athlete has never participated in the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i

3.       Athlete must have completed at least one Ironman event in 2010 and 2011

4.       Athlete must be registered for an Ironman event in 2012

*Legacy athletes will be required to submit their information during online registration.
**2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run

If I am selected and compete in the Ironman World Championship, am I eligible to reapply for the Ironman Legacy Program in future years?
No, once you have competed in the Ironman World Championship, you are no longer eligible to enroll in the Ironman Legacy Program.

If I win an Ironman Legacy slot but can’t compete this year, can I use it the following year?
No, any unclaimed slots will be rolled down to the next eligible athlete.  Ironman Legacy athletes must reapply each year to maintain eligibility in the program.  If selected an athlete may only decline their slot up to three times in their lifetime.

If I am not selected in the 2012 Ironman Legacy Program, can I reapply in the future?
Yes, qualified athletes who are not selected in 2012 must reapply for the Ironman Legacy Program each year.

Can I enter the general Ironman Lottery more than once?  Can I get a second chance?
An athlete can only register for the Ironman Lottery once per year.  Duplicate entries will not be valid.  If you register for the Ironman Lottery and join the Passport Club, you will receive two chances to be selected.  See below for more information on the Passport Club.

If I have applied for the general Ironman Lottery in the past, do I have an increased chance of being selected?
Beginning in 2012, athletes will also have an increased chance of being selected for the Ironman Lottery based on the number of years that they have entered. For each year since 2004* that an athlete has registered for the Ironman Lottery, his or her chances increase accordingly.  For example, if an athlete has registered for every Ironman Lottery from 2004* through 2012, his or her chances of winning a Lottery entry to the 2012 Ironman World Championship will be eight (8) times greater than if he or she were registering for the Ironman Lottery for the first time in 2012.

* Note, the year 2001 was previously listed as the cut-off year for increasing one’s chances in the 2012 Ironman Lottery.  Due to incomplete or unreliable data available regarding Ironman Lottery registrants during 2001- 2003, the relevant cut-off year will instead be 2004.   WTC regrets this error and apologizes for any inconvenience this change may cause.   Anyone wishing to withdraw from the 2012 Ironman Lottery because of such change will receive a full refund of his or her Lottery registration fees.

If I am selected through the general Ironman Lottery, what do I do and how do I validate my entry?
Athletes who are selected through the Ironman Lottery must complete an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event within one year of the 2012 Ironman World Championship to validate their lottery slot. Lottery winners must complete a validating race by August 31, 2012, with all validating information submitted to Lottery@ironman.com by August 31, 2012. Failure to comply will result in the forfeiture of the Lottery slot.

When will the winners of the 2012 Ironman Lottery and Legacy Program announced?
Athletes selected will be announced on April 15, 2012 at 12 p.m. ET.  Athletes will be notified via e-mail.

What is the Ironman Lottery refund policy?
Refunds, transfers or deferrals are NOT permitted.  Withdrawal requests must be received by February 28, 2012, via e-mail to Lottery@ironman.com.

If I win a general Ironman Lottery slot, but can’t compete in 2012, can I use it the following year?
No, general Ironman Lottery slots are only good for the year in which they are won and may not be deferred for a future event

Who does the 2012 Ironman Lottery selection?
Ironman has contracted an independent accounting firm to supervise and certify the lottery.

Who does the 2012 Ironman Legacy Program selection?

Winners will be selected by WTC and must meet the requirements listed above.

What is the entry fee for the 2012 Ironman World Championship?
$750.00 USD

2012 Ironman World Championship Withdraw & Refund Policy:
Withdrawal requests must be received via e-mail to Kona@ironman.com.  Without exception, all withdrawal requests must be received by August 29, 2012 to be eligible for a partial refund of $175.00 (USD).  Partial refunds will not be issued for requests made after August 29, 2012.  Transfers or deferrals are not permitted.

What are the requirements for the Physically Challenged Lottery?
Five names will be drawn for the 2012 Ironman World Championship from the total applicants applying in the following Physically Challenged categories.
The following defines the physically challenged divisions for the 2012 Ironman World Championship Lottery:

DIVISIONS
Lower Extremity - This includes single below-the-knee amputees, in which a standard bicycle is used, and run with prosthesis or crutches.

Wheelchair One - This division consists of single above-the-knee amputees who ride a standard bicycle, but use a racing chair on the run.

Wheelchair Two - This division consists of athletes who have double below-the-knee or a double above-the-knee amputation. These athletes ride a standard bicycle and use a racing chair on the run.

Upper Extremity - This is an athlete who has one arm amputated above or below the elbow, in which they will use prosthesis on the bike.

Visually Impaired - This is for athletes who are legally blind, 20/200 with best-corrected vision, requiring a guide throughout the race. If a guide is needed, they may use a tandem bike and may be tethered during the swim and the run.

Athletes are required to submit a medical description of physical disability from primary care physician.

Upon review of information received, all eligible athletes will be registered for the physically challenged lottery. Any application received with incomplete information will not be processed for lottery selection.  Any decision on whether or not an athlete meets the criteria for a specific division is at WTC’s sole discretion.  All athletes chosen will need to complete an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event within one year of the 2012 Ironman World Championship.

Are there Lottery slots for Hand Cycle athletes?
No. Physically challenged athletes who are paraplegic, quadriplegic or double above-the-knee amputees, and race using a hand cranked cycle on the bike segment and a racing chair for the run segment will be able to compete for two male slots and one female slot at both Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake and Ironman 70.3 Antwerp.

 

Passport Club
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What is the Passport Club entry fee?
Passport Club membership is $50 per calendar year and is open to International and U.S. citizens.

I was a Passport Club member last year, do I have to renew my membership?
Yes, the Passport Club membership is valid till December 31.


How do I join the Passport Club?
Click here to join.
*Please note: 2012 Ironman general lottery applicants can register for Passport Club during lottery registration.

What is the Passport Club?
The Passport Club is Ironman’s booster organization and membership is open to U.S. citizens and International entrants.

When is the deadline to register for the 2012 Passport Club for a second chance into the 2012 Ironman Lottery?
The deadline to register is February 28, 2012 to be included in the 2012 Ironman Lottery. Passport Club members must already register for the Ironman Lottery to be eligible for a second chance.

As a Passport Club member you will receive the following benefits:

  • Second chance into the Ironman Lottery
  • A 5% discount at the Ironman Merchandise Store in Kona, during the race week of the Ironman World Championship.
  • Ironman DVD (to be shipped in Spring 2012)

Who do I contact for more information?
Passport@ironman.com

What is the refund policy?
Ironman Passport Refund/Withdrawal Policy:
Refunds, transfers or deferrals are NOT permitted.
Withdrawal requests must be received in writing via E-mail to passport@ironman.com

eBay Auction
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What is the eBay Auction?
The annual auction with eBay is designed to benefit a variety of charitable organizations worldwide. Through the eBay auction, the Ironman Foundation has raised more than $2,000,000 USD since its inception in 2003.

When does the bidding open for the eBay auction?
The eBay auction will open after the conclusion of the Ironman Lottery. The exact opening date varies from year to year. Please continue to check back for more information.

What is the minimum amount you can bid in the auction?
The minimum bid for slots to the Ironman World Championship is $10,000 USD. The average selling price for slots to the world’s most challenging endurance event is approximately $40,000 USD.

How many slots are available to bid on?
There were four slots available in the 2011 eBay auction. 

Where do the proceeds go?
All funds are tax-deductible and all proceeds go to the Ironman Foundation, which will in turn make donations to a variety of charitable organizations worldwide.

 

If I win the auction on eBay, what is included?
In addition to the opportunity to compete at the Ironman World Championship, winners will also receive private athlete check-in while in Kona and four VIP packages, including race-day passes and invitations to race week functions.

Who do I contact if I have questions regarding the eBay auction?
Please send an e-mail to worldchampionship@ironman.com with any questions you have regarding the eBay auction.

*Please note: the 2011 eBay auction is now closed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi  |  Oct. 13, 2012  |  2.4 mile swim / 112 mile bike / 26.2 mile run

About the event

The 2.4-mile swim begins and ends at Kailua Pier. The 112-mile bike course travels through scorching lava fields and along the Kohala Coast. The 26.2-mile run takes athletes on the Queen Ka’ahumanu highway, ending at Ali’i Drive to the cheers of thousands of spectators at the finish line.

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