How to qualify for the 2026 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona
The World Championship HOMBRE DE HIERRO 2026 will return to Kona, Hawaii, on October 10. We'll explain how you can secure your spot to live the dream of competing in the temple of triathlon.
The return to a unique date in paradise
In 2026, the most competitive triathletes on the planet will meet again in Kailua-Kona (Hawaii) to compete, in a single day, in the IRONMAN World Championship, the most legendary test of long-distance triathlon.
After several years with headquarters divided between Nice and Hawaii, the organization has confirmed that The 2026 edition will be held entirely in Kona, thus recovering the original essence of the competition.
Will Saturday 10 of October 2026, a date marked in red by thousands of athletes who dream of crossing the finish line on Ali'i Drive.
The classification system: how to get your place
The road to Kona is not easy. To qualify, you must obtain a slot (qualifying place) in one of the most 40 full-distance IRONMANs distributed around the world during the 2025–2026 season.
Each test grants a limited number of places, distributed by age and gender groups.
Classification by age groups (Age-Group)
- Winner of each age group: Automatically get a direct spot to Kona.
- If the first classified does not accept his slot, this “roll-down” to second or third place.
- Any unclaimed space go to “Performance Pool”, a global scoring system where the times of all athletes in that race are compared.
- The remaining places They are assigned according to this age-adjusted ranking, in order of in-person acceptance during the awards ceremony.
To claim your spot, you must attend the awards ceremony in person after the race and formalize the registration and payment at that time. Not doing so means losing the opportunity.
IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaii: A direct shortcut to Kona
The mythical IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaii, which is celebrated on May 30th 2026, offers 28 additional slots for the 2026 IRONMAN World Championship.
Participating in this test allows you to compete in the same setting where the triathlon legend was forged, with real classification options through the standard Age Group system.
Registering for and completing the Hawaii 70.3 can not only be your ticket to Kona, but also a unique experience on the same waters and roads you'll be riding at the World Championships.
IRONMAN Legacy Program: The Reward for Perseverance
Not all roads to Kona lead directly through classification. IRONMAN Legacy Program It is designed to recognize the loyalty of triathletes who have dedicated years to the franchise.
To qualify for a place through this program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Having completed 12 IRONMAN triathlons officials (full distance).
- That these 12 races have been held in 12 years the poor.
- To have finished two IRONMANs in the previous two years upon request (one per year).
- Never having competed before at the Kona World Championships.
The application period will be open from 29 from November to 31 from December from 2025.
Other ways to get your slot
In addition to the direct qualification spots and the Legacy program, there are alternatives for triathletes looking for a different or charitable experience:
IRONMAN Foundation – Charity Bibs
La IRONMAN Foundation offers a limited number of each year IMF Charity Bibs, charity bibs that give direct access to the World Cup in exchange for a minimum donation or fundraising.
These registrations benefit social projects in the host communities and are allocated through auctions or fundraising programs.
Further information: www.ironmanfoundation.org
IRONMAN XC – Xclusive Challenge
The program IRONMAN XC (Xclusive Challenge) combines competition, VIP experience and premium logistics.
The top finishers in XC events receive spots in Kona with exclusive services, personalized attention, and benefits for their companions.
It is designed for those who want to compete and experience the World Cup with all the comforts possible.
Inclusion: special categories and adapted athletes
IRONMAN remains committed to diversity.
By 2026, specific places will be reserved for:
- Athletes with physical or intellectual disabilities, Through the Physically Challenged/Intellectual Disability Open Division Drawing (open draw worldwide).
- Handcycle athletes, who will be able to qualify for three IRONMAN 70.3 events designated by the organization.
Kona: The Story Behind the Myth
Kona isn't just a race; it's a triathlon mecca. Since 1978When Gordon Haller won the first edition in Oahu with a time of 11:46:58, up to the current records of Gustav Iden (7:40:24 in 2022) y Lucy Charles-Barclay (8:24:31 in 2023), the World Cup has been the scene of legendary feats.
athletes like Mark Allen, Paula Newby-Fraser, Chrissie Wellington, Jan Frodeno o Daniela Ryf They have written the history of this sport on the volcanic asphalt of Hawaii.
Competing there is a dream that few achieve, but that all triathletes pursue at some point.
Next steps: plan your season
For those dreaming of Kona 2026, the time to plan is now.
See the lens assembly tutorial
calendar official IRONMAN, select a qualifying event and start building your path.
Whether through the performance, trajectory and solidarity, each square has a story of effort and passion behind it.
Because more than a goal, Kona is the destination that crowns a lifetime of triathlon.
Ways to qualify for Kona 2026:
| Mode | main requirements | Comments |
| Classification by age group | Be the best in your group or be among the best normalized times | Mandatory presence at the ceremony to accept the slot |
| IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaii | Participate on May 30, 2026 | 28 slots available |
| Legacy Program | 12 IRONMANs in 12 years, without having competed in Kona | Solicitudes: 29/11–31/12/2025 |
| Charity Bib (IMF) | Minimum donation or collection | Limited spaces, auction or direct donation |
| IRONMAN XC | Classification in “race within a race” format | Includes VIP experience |
| Adaptive athletes | World draw or specific classification | Special quotas |
