How to Qualify for Ironman Hawaii

Qualifying for Ironman Hawaii is a combination of performance and luck. You must compete in a qualifying race and be one of the top finishers in your age group. The number of Ironman qualifying slots in a particular race is dependent on the number of registered participants. If top athletes have already secured a qualifying slot in a previous race, those slots "roll down" to the next lucky finisher in that age group.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Research qualifying races at least a year in advance. Most races are a full Ironman, but there are several half Ironman qualifiers. Ironman Hawaii is always held in the fall, so some qualifying races are in held at the end of the previous year.
2. Narrow the list down based on location or time of year. You may be forced to choose a U.S. race if you have time and money constraints. Foreign races in non-European countries sometimes have a weaker field of competitors. Races that are scheduled later in the year can be an easier qualifier if the top athletes already have qualified in another race.
3. Go to race websites to determine how many Ironman slots are available. If they don't have a breakdown by age group, look at the previous years to estimate how many will be allocated to your age group. Ironman Canada, Ironman Lake Placid and Ironman Germany usually have at least 100 slots each, but may not be your best chance at qualifying.
4. Look at the top finishing times in your age group to determine if you have a shot at securing a qualifying slot.
5. Examine the course and look for an advantage in your strongest sport and avoid tough courses in your weakest sport. If you excel at swimming, choose a race with an ocean swim without a wet suit. If cycling is your best sport, choose a tough bike course.
6. Register well in advance of the deadline. Registration closes early if the maximum number of participants is reached, which is often at least a year in advance.
7. Begin training at the optimal time before the qualifying race you've selected. If this is your first Ironman, get a coach to help you train. Consider running a dry run half Ironman halfway through your training.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the race website for the final allocation of qualifying slots. This information is usually available either after registration closes or the week of the race.
• Talk to others who have competed in your chosen race or other qualifying races. Find out what they did right and learn from their mistakes.
• Get support from family, friends and your boss before registering and training for an Ironman. It is a very time-consuming process that requires understanding from those around you.