Champions Clash in a Lone Star Showdown!

Reader: I’d love to see more Olympic distance Ironman branded events, especially in the US. As a corporate executive and mom of 3 children under the age of 7, being able to fit in training for an Olympic distance is significantly more realistic than a 70.3. Full Ironman distance is out of question for me these days due to time commitment for training volume required.

Reader: Speaking as a woman Ironman athlete with 10 Ironman finishes (including Kona) and a number of 70.3 races, change needs to start at the local level with support from the Ironman organization. Women can’t realistically train and compete without strong local support such as welcoming, local tri communities that offer accessible swim clinics, weekly bike groups and run clubs. Having the base of that support enables both the athletic growth and the feeling that moving up to a longer distance is achievable. Ironman should consider creating partnerships to develop branded MDot feeder races at shorter distances or clinics (with available childcare), that are women only, that are not just in the large cities but in the smaller towns and suburbs. Reach out to local coaches. Often I see women sucked into expensive monthly, canned, training plans that promise the allure of a nationally recognized star head coach, but offer no local, in-person support. That sets up failure. Also, economic barriers are increasing in the current economy, families that are struggling to meet the weekly grocery bill do not have 2K for a set of race wheels, let alone the cost of an Ironman race weekend. Same can be said for your older female athletes who may be on the verge of retirement or layoffs. My last Ironman 70.3 race cost me over 5K when I added up the entry fee, hotel, travel, meals. (I’ve deliberately scaled back this year and entered a 70.3 only 45 miles away). Also, communication that elaborate gear isn’t required to participate will encourage more. Ironman could consider partnering with triathlon equipment manufacturers and large triathlon retailers to offer an Ironman branded entry level package of quality equipment including bike. Emphasis on quality with special financing or discount.

Reader: I’ve been a triathlete for 20 years and have participated through all stages of life and it is ridiculously difficult to be a mom and an Ironman triathlete, even with a very supportive spouse. Decreasing cost, creating community, woman-friendly policies will all be needed to increase participation. I was lucky to be starting in the sport and have young children when our community hosted the Hy Vee Triathlon and multiple IronKids triathlons. This allowed our whole family to be involved with a bunch of community resources (training groups, kids events, shorter races, social activities) that made it not a sacrifice to be involved in triathlon but a value-add to our family. When the Hy Vee triathlon ended, I saw first hand how these resources dried up or shrunk significantly. Ironman could really grow female (and all) participation by creating regions with multiple development races of all distances for all ages & experiences to drive more grassroots growth.

Reader: It's honestly a couple of things for me personally: The costs are huge. I don't mind the demands of training but they are rigorous and not for everyone. When I talk to other women it's often about how there are just not many women competing. This has always been a male dominated sport. Worse is what it's like there out on the course. It can be intimidating for women to be swam over pushed around. Heck on the run, some men find it ok to be obnoxiously or even eerily want to pace you (and I'm not talking everyone). I had a guy who paced me for a long time on my last IM. There's a point on the run where we are running through dark patches and he kept asking me really inappropriate questions and it got so uncomfortable that the next chance I got I ducked into a porta potty and waited for him to finally decide he couldn't wait on me any longer (yeah he waited- creepy, no?) So while an anomaly these things all give us pause. Add to that the demands of life, unsupportive spouses etc and you have a perfect storm of women throwing up their hands and sayin oh well.

Reader: Female triathlete here! Relieved to see IRONMAN bringing shorter events to their races. Along with including more women in their marketing, they can also advertise these shorter races, because a half or a full ironman is not the end-all, be-all. I'm curious to see how their plans for "community programming" manifest, because having support solely during races isn't going to get women to the starting line.

Reader: One of the biggest things IRONMAN overlooks is that women are not just smaller men: our training styles, spending habits, and racing experiences are often fundamentally different. Yet the IRONMAN experience continues to have glaring blind spots when it comes to truly serving the female athlete. It’s the little things that add up: the microaggressions that make women feel like an afterthought. From registration bags filled with men’s deodorant to a brand name that inherently excludes women, the message is clear—this wasn’t built with us in mind. The solution starts with more women in leadership roles, but it can’t stop there. It requires empowering those leaders, listening to their feedback, and being willing to rethink the athlete experience from the ground up. That’s how you build a brand that truly serves all endurance athletes.

Reader: Cost is a big thing - not only the races but coaches (training and nutrition). Then add in equipment and pool/gym membership. I know a lot of people who train on their own, have average equipment and only do local small races and love it - we have a tri series in our state that doesn’t require a USAT membership and they are a ton of fun - people from all walks of triathlon do them. Women numbers are still a lot lower but maybe slightly above the bigger expensive races.

Reader: The higher the cost, the more women feel they have into put into the race to justify the entry fee. But, when balancing other commitments (work, childcare), this seems untenable and so women don’t race.

Reader: Until there is equality of childcare, gender pay gap- this will not improve The time it takes to train for an IM each week does not work if families have children. I have been able to complete at IM as I do not have children. Men need to be less wankerish- I am a competent open water swimmer (played waterpolo) I just finished IM New Zealand and there was bad behaviour from the men in the swim- another lady i was talking to after said the same thing. Boys if you want us there then stay in your lane.

Reader: Increasing female visibility in IRONMAN media

Reader: There are plenty of female-led organisations seeking to address the gender split inequality at Ironman and in other long distance events. Their voices need to be amplified by men with the platform and reach to make a difference (like this one). Please see SheRaces, 10 IronWomen, Fund Her Tri and Feisty Triathlon to begin with.

Reader: I also like that they are doing iron kids. The more they do these events the more women with kids will want to participate and have their kids participate. I’ve seen it with cyclocross at a local level. Our cyclocross community thrives with more women signing up because the kids race too! It’s an awesome community environment and family feel.

Reader: I think an IM branded Sprint race is a great idea. Maybe women’s and/or first timers only?? Crossing the finish line on the red carpet would be quite a thrill…and addicting.

Reader: What an interesting topic for discussion! The community aspect of triathlon is one of the main reasons why first timers become lifers, and I think that aspect is so much more important for women than for men. Building and encouraging that community aspect is a key way triathlon entities can improve female participation.

Reader: Cost is the #1 barrier, always. Ironman CEO claims to be committed to reducing barriers to participation. Put your money where your mouth is bro.

Reader: Having done 6 full IM’s. The only improvement s are larger changing tents for women, other than that we only need a less expensive race entry. Challenge races are cheaper and more family friendly. More flexible entry rules would help. Women get pregnant after all potentially deterring some.