IRONMAN AND LONG COURSE TRIATHLON TRAINING GUIDE IRONMAN KONA HAWAII

INSIDE IRONMAN KONA

A Brief History of the Ironman World Championships

From 15 competitors toeing the line on the shores of Waikiki to over 2,000 triathletes racing through the lava fields of Kailua-Kona, the world's most popular endurance race boasts quite the history.
7 Kona Qualifiers Around the World

Think you've got what it takes to get to Kona? Here are seven races that offer qualifying spots to top contenders.
10 Things to Do in Kona

You don't have to compete in the Ford Ironman World Championship to enjoy race-week festivities. Here are 10 things to put on your must-do list while you're in town.
How to Reach Your Potential in Kona

Just getting to Kona is a big accomplishment. But after a season of tough training and racing, here's how to ensure you've saved your best for last.

"I just look at today as a long training day with 2500 of your best friends—and it's catered—so have some fun." - Paula Newby-Fraser
"You only have control over one thing during a race and that's your attitude. Take care of your attitude and it will take care of you."
- Mike Reilly, The Voice of Ironman
In 1992, Paula Newby-Fraser became the first woman to break nine hours at the Ironman World Championship when she completed the course in 8:55:28.
In 1982, Julie Moss crawled across the finish line in one of the most memorable and inspiring Ironman finishes in history.
After winning six Ironman championships, Dave Scott took four years off from racing in Kona, only to come back at age 40 and clinch second place in 1994.
The original Ironman race, thought up by John Collins, was inspired by the idea of combining the distances of the of the toughest Hawaiian race—the 2.4-mile Waikiki Roughwater Swim, 112 miles of the Around-O’ahu Bike Race, followed by a 26.2-mile run on the same course as the Honolulu Marathon.
12 people finished the first ever Ironman in 1978, now there are nearly 2,000 participants.
In 2011, Craig Alexander set a new course record of 08:03:56, breaking a 15-year record held by Luc Van Lierde.
"It might be the only finish line in the world where it ends and people don't want to leave." - Mike Reilly

Find an upcoming race and check out our training section for tips and advice.