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Ironman, a magic word in the ears of triathletes! This extreme XXL triathlon is a phenomenon around the world. Do you dream of participating in an Ironman? Ekoï takes a look at the longest competition in the discipline chained. The goal: to provide you with all the information you need before you take on the 226 km race!
What is Ironman?
Ironman is a long distance triathlon competition in which three sports are combined: swimming, cycling and running. The Ironman label means "ironman" in French, it is held by the World triathlon corporation (WTC). It is the longest format in the triathlon sphere (except for the ultra-triathlon).
For the record, the creation of the first Ironman dates back to the late 1970s. It was after an informal debate that the idea of this superhuman race was born in Hawaii in 1977. The subject of discord: who is the better athlete: cyclist, swimmer or runner. In order to settle the issue, US Navy Commander John Collins then proposed combining the three iconic island events into one race:
- the Waikiki roughwater swim (swimming component);
- the Around-Oahu (cycling component);
- the Honolulu Marathon (running component).
He announced that the winner of this titanic competition would be crowned "Iron Man". Thus, in February 1978, 15 motivated athletes compete in the first-ever Ironman. Gordon Haller, an American triathlete, won this original edition in 11:46:58 and swept the right to "brag for the rest of his life," as described on the race's official document.
At the end of the day, it was the first Ironman race in the world
On the women's side, Lyn Lemaire was the first "Iron Woman" to cross the finish line of the 1979 Hawaii Ironman with a time of 12:55:38.
The Ironman legend was born!
What is the Ironman distance?
It's time to talk about the outrageous Ironman distances covered by participants:
- 3.8 km swim;
- 180 km of cycling;
- 42.195 km of running, which is a marathon.
All in all, the triathletes swim, pedal and run a cumulative distance of 226 km. Numbers that make your head spin!"
The Ironman is actually an XXL triathlon, the official format recognized by the International triathlon union (ITU), otherwise known as the International Triathlon Federation.
How to prepare for your first Ironman.
Dreaming of becoming an iron woman or man? What a great challenge! But beware, a demanding and assiduous preparation proves to be essential to succeed in this feat in the best conditions.
Know that in general, the majority of triathletes practice on short distance formats before tackling an Ironman. Beginners will gravitate toward the discovery (XS), sprint (S) and Olympic (M) races to get a feel for the chained discipline. Have you already run several so-called "short" circuits? A Half Ironman is a great way to get started on long distance. This labeled race is derived from the Ironman: it's run over distances that are half the distance of the Ironman. An ideal taste of the extreme triple effort!
Keep in mind that the Ironman, like the Half Ironman, requires a huge personal investment. You'll be spending a lot of time swimming, riding and running. In this regard, the French Triathlon Federation (FFTRI) recommends spending 10 hours per week preparing for an XXL triathlon. This volume of training is necessary to condition your body to deliver moderate-intensity, but long-duration efforts.
Succeeding in an Ironman also requires real mental strength both during the event and in the preparation phase. A good way to stay motivated for the Ironman goal is to join a triathlon club. That way, you'll have the benefit of a tailored training plan and most importantly, a team to challenge you!
Finally, consider:
- Work on transitions, starting with the indirect sequence, and then gradually evolving to the delayed and immediate sequence.
- Be sure to respect recovery outings and rest days.
- Feed and hydrate yourself properly, as nutrition plays a key role.
What are the must-do Ironmans in the world?
One fifty Ironman events are on the WTC circuit. These extraordinary competitions take place in the four corners of the globe: Europe, Oceania, America, Africa and Asia.
Among the best Ironman internationally are the impressive New Zealand Ironman, the incredible South African Ironman, or the Kalmar Ironman in Sweden, a favorite of the finisher community.
But the most legendary race is undoubtedly the one that takes place where it all began: the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. The elite of long-distance triathlon, selected in qualifying competitions, compete on the memorable Kailua-Kona course. Competing in and completing the Hawaii Triathlon is a dream that lies within every triathlete!
Who are the Ironman champions?
Among the women, Germany's Anne Haug is the current world champion (2019). The previous four titles are held by Swiss triathlete Daniela Ryf, who achieved the best race time in 2018, 8 h 26 min 16 s Britain's Lucy Charles and Australia's Sarah Crowley shared the podium in the last edition and climbed to the second and third step, respectively.
Among the women, it is important to note that the women's race is the most important one in the world
Among the men, the 2019 Ironman World Champion is German triathlete Jan Frodeno. With a time of 7:51:13, he breaks the record previously held by fellow countryman and two-time champion Patrick Lange, who was the first to complete the course under the 8-hour mark in 2018.
Sebastian Lange
Sebastian Kienle, Timothy O'Donnell, Bart Aernouts or David McNamee are also cadors of the discipline.
Which Ironman triathlon to choose in France?
You can choose between two Ironman races in France:
- the Ironman France Nice;
- the Ironman Vichy.
The Ironman France was the very first triathlon organized in France in the colors of the mythical brand. The first edition of this international competition was first held in the Vosges, in Gerardmer, from 2002 to 2004. Since 2005, it is the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolis that hosts the event every June, replacing the Nice International Triathlon. In terms of route, get ready to split the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, crisscross the roads and hilltop villages of the Nice hinterland and the Préalpes d'Azur regional nature park, and run along the iconic Promenade des Anglais. A spectacular race awaits you!
Formerly named Challenge Vichy, the Ironman Vichy is the second labeled race in the French territory. It takes place annually at the end of August, and has done so since 2015, the year of its first edition. After a swimming event in the Allier lake, the bike course will reserve you a nice positive altitude difference of 2,300 m through the surrounding countryside of the Allier and Puy-de-Dôme. It is in the streets of the historic heart of the Queen of the Water Cities and on the banks of the Allier that you will finish your Ironman run.
Open to both amateurs and professionals, these two competitions offer qualifying spots for the Ironman World Championship. So, ready to snag your ticket to Hawaii?
All you need to do is get in shape
Need more information before you take the plunge? Learn more about what triathlon is and the Half Ironman. To go further, find out how to equip yourself for triathlon!
