Ironman Expands Athlete Divisions and Aligns Rules with World Triathlon

Ironman has announced updated 2023 global competition rules for Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Series, aimed at broadening inclusivity through new and modified athlete divisions.

The big picture: Ironman has added a new division, Open, to provide inclusion opportunities for all able-bodied athletes who wish to race in an event without a gender or age-based peer comparison. Additionally, the PC Open/Exhibition division has been expanded to now include athletes with an intellectual disability, creating the Physically Challenged/Intellectual Disability (PC/ID) Open division.

What they are saying: “Inclusion in Ironman changed my life because it helped me get my dreams by giving me a big crazy goal," said Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman. “Now I also have a purpose to help others enjoy this amazing opportunity. A huge thanks to Ironman for being first and inspiring all the major running races around the world to follow."

Context: The 2023 Ironman Competition Rules, including new and updated athlete divisions, will go into effect on March 1, 2023. Athletes in the PC/ID Open division will be eligible for the PC/ID Open World Championship Drawing, while athletes in the Open division will not be eligible for Ironman or Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifying slots.

Noteworthy: Ironman will be further aligning with World Triathlon rules and policies in a number of areas, including the eligibility regulations for Transgender Athletes and approved running shoes for all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events.