IRONMAN 2025 World Championship Preview
It will be the last solo women's duel in Hawaii.
This Saturday October 11, the mythical island of Kailua Kona will once again be the heart of world triathlon with the dispute of the World championship HOMBRE DE HIERRO women's 2025.
A very special edition: it will be the last time women competed solo in Hawaii before the format once again brings men and women together on the same weekend.
The event promises to be historic. Fifty-nine professional triathletes, including three world champions and several prestigious debutants, will fight to write their names alongside legends such as Paula Newby-Fraser, Chrissie Wellington o Daniela Ryf, all queens of volcanic asphalt.
A journey as beautiful as it is ruthless
Swimming: 3,8 km in the sacred waters of Kailua Bay
The day kicks off with a 3,8km open sea swim off the coast of Ali'i Drive.
The triathletes will swim to the return buoy, located almost 1.850 meters from the pier. Although conditions are generally favorable, the Pacific Ocean unforgiving: cross currents and waves can decide the first minutes of the race.
Eye with Lucy Charles-Barclay, who already holds the all-time swimming record in Kona (48:14, 2018).
Cycling: 180 km of wind, lava and strategy
From the pier, the most iconic segment begins: the 180,2 km from Queen Ka'ahumanu HighwayA lunar landscape between fields of black lava and sweltering heat that will test both your strength and your head.
The turning point in How, after a long climb, marks the halfway point of the route. Crosswinds are the greatest enemy: every gust can break up groups and ruin strategies.
In this part, the record remains in the hands of Daniela Ryf, with a spectacular 4:26:07 (2018).
Marathon: 42,2 km of glory and suffering
The foot race, of 42,2 km, starts with a stretch along Ali'i Drive before ascending towards the Energy Lab, a legendary place for its harshness and solitude.
The return to downtown Kailua-Kona is a mixture of suffering and excitement. Thousands of people scream along the roadside, pushing the athletes toward the red carpet.
Everything is decided here, as demonstrated Mirinda Carfrae, who still holds the marathon record in Kona (2:50:26, 2014).
Favorites for the world title
Laura Philipp (GER): The champion who wants her crown in Kona
After winning in Nice 2024, the German is looking to complete the double. Her season has been almost perfect: victories in IRONMAN Hamburg, 70.3 Kraichgau y Challenge Roth, with marathons under 2h45.
His strong point is consistency. In Hamburg he raced 2h38, the fastest marathon of her career. If she manages to reach T2 near the front group, it will be difficult for anyone to stop her.
Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR): The Return of the Sea Queen
Champion in 2023 and runner-up on four occasions, Lucy returns to his favorite stage. This year he won the competitions London T100 y Spain, showing that he has regained his best form.
Her dominance in the water and her experience in Kona make her the most dangerous competitor. Her challenge: maintaining her pace in the marathon, where she has historically lost time to stronger runners.
Chelsea Sodaro (USA): The champion who believes again
Champion in 2022, Sodaro He's returning after an uneven season, but with his morale intact. Despite injuries and family issues, he managed to qualify for the last IRONMAN Sweden.
When he's in shape, his running is devastating: he's run under 2:55 three times in Kona and Nice. If he finds his groove, he can surprise again.
Kat Matthews (GBR): Consistency Made Triathlete
Current leader of the IRONMAN Pro SeriesThe British athlete has two consecutive world championship runner-up finishes (St. George's 2022 and Nice 2024). Her year has been impeccable, and she's eager for gold.
Her balance in all three segments and her mental strength make her a strong contender. She only needs a title to complete her career.
Taylor Knibb (USA): youth and ambition at full speed
Triple world middle distance champion, Knibb She's facing her second Kona experience. Her cycling power is brutal, and she can break the race from the 30th kilometer of the Queen K.
His challenge lies in the marathon: to win, he'll need to break three hours, something he hasn't yet achieved. But if he reaches T2 with a big lead, anything is possible.
Other luxury candidates and debutantes
Up to 20 triathletes will make their debut in Kona this year. Among them are:
- Solveig Løvseth (NOR): Hamburg 2025 champion, she is the great Norwegian promise and aspires to be the best debutant.
- Lisa Perterer (AUT): Triple Olympic winner with podium finishes in Cozumel, Texas, and Lake Placid. Very solid on the bike.
- Marjolaine Pierre (FRA): Fourth in Nice 2024, technical and brave.
- Marta Sanchez (ESP)Sixth in Nice 2024, with a real chance of finishing in the top 10. In Kona, she will try to break the three-hour barrier in the marathon.
- Hannah Berry (NZL) e India Lee (GBR) They also arrive with consistent performances in the middle distance.
Notable absences
The big drop is Julie Derron, Olympic runner-up, who never recovered from a bike crash. She will also be Els Visser, still injured.
Both were top 10 contenders, so their absence opens the door to new surprises.
Points at stake: IRONMAN Pro Series and prizes
The Kona World Championship will not only crown the world champion, but will also be decisive in the final classification of the IRONMAN Pro Series, which distributes 1,7 million dollars in prizes.
Kat matthews currently leads the ranking, followed by Laura Philipp y Taylor Knibb.
A win in Kona could change everything, as the race carries double the points compared to other events on the circuit.
Date, times and how to follow the race
Saturday 11 2025 October
- 07:25 a.m. (local time in Kona) / 19:25 p.m. (Spanish time): The professionals start.
- 07:40 (local time) / 19:40 (Spanish time): Age group start.
You will be able to follow the competition live and free en proseries.ironman.com, DAZN, YouTube and on international television channels such as OutsideTV, The Team, HR, ESPN y SuperSport.
Individual athlete tracking will also be available through the IRONMAN Athlete Tracker App to iOS y Android.
Kona 2025: The Last Great Women's Battle
Kona will once again vibrate with the purest essence of triathlon: heat, wind, strategy, and suffering.
It will be the farewell to an era, the last solo women's World Cup.
And, above all, a race that could mark the beginning of a new queen in Hawaii's history.
