The IRONMAN® is a triathlon style race organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. The full event consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run; all to be completed in a time limit of 17 hours with cut off times for each leg. Participants who finish within the time parameters achieve the prestigious title of 'Ironman.' In 2005, the World Triathlon Corporation added the Ironman 70.3—also known as a Half IRONMAN®—for those who can't or do not wish to compete in the full IRONMAN®. The 70.3 event consists of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
There are hundreds of IRONMAN® races around the globe—from the Americas, Europe and the Oceania region, thousands of people compete in an IRONMAN® event every year. Hawaii held the first ever IRONMAN® on February 18, 1978. Today the Hawaiian race is referred to as the "IRONMAN® World Championship," a prestigious event in which participants must qualify to enter.
Athletes qualify for the IRONMAN® World Championship in a variety of ways. Professional athletes acquire points based on their placement in a previous IRONMAN® race. The top 50 males and 35 females then qualify to compete in the IRONMAN® World Championship. Amateur athletes are also able to qualify based on their placement in the IRONMAN® or a few select IRONMAN® 70.3 races. Random lottery drawings and the Ironman Foundation's charitable eBay auction are other ways to secure a spot in the World Championship.
IRONMAN®'s trademark saying is "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life." The effort and dedication that each participant puts into this event is nearly unimaginable. Boulder Bibs is proud to support IRONMAN® events around the world with our quality bibs and fulfillment services.
The Boulder Bibs team.