Ironman Pro Series: What is it? A Comprehensive Guide
The Ironman Pro Series revolutionises pro triathlon, featuring 18 events, a points system, and a $1.7M bonus pool.
The Ironman Pro Series has emerged as a great addition to the world of triathlon, offering a performance-based, year-long competition that spans across 18 selected Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events.
This series provides professional athletes to showcase their endurance, speed, and strategy, all while competing for a substantial prize pool. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Ironman Pro Series a significant evolution in professional triathlon racing.
Series Overview
Open to all professional triathletes holding an Ironman Pro Membership, the Ironman Pro Series unfolds over 12 months, integrating seamlessly with the existing professional racing calendar. Athletes accumulate points across these events, with the ultimate goal of winning a share of the USD $1.7 million bonus pool, in addition to event-specific prize purses.
How the Series Works
Participation in the series is automatic for registered Pro athletes, requiring no additional steps to accrue points. Starting from zero on January 1, 2024, athletes can earn points from early April at 70.3 Oceanside, through to the 70.3 World Champs in mid-December.
Points are awarded based on performance, with World Championship offering 6,000 points for first place, descending through Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events. The aspect of this series is its emphasis on athletes' top five results, with a maximum of three Ironman results contributing to their final ranking.
Strategic Implications for Athletes
The point allocation system incentivises good planning and peak performance at key events. For instance, achieving a podium finish at the World Champs significantly boosts an athlete's point tally, while consistent performances across the series can assist their standing in the overall rankings. This system rewards not just victory but consistent excellence and strategic race selection.
| Date | Event | Location |
| April 6, 2024 | Athletic Brewing IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside | Oceanside, Calif., USA |
| April 27, 2024 | Memorial Hermann IRONMAN North American Championship Texas | The Woodlands, Texas, USA |
| May 4, 2024 | Intermountain Health IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship St. George | St. George, Utah, USA |
| May 11 , 2024 | Zafiro IRONMAN 70.3 Alcúdia-Mallorca | Alcúdia, Mallorca, Spain |
| May 19, 2024 | Qatar Airways IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga | Chattanooga, Tenn., USA |
| June 2, 2024 | IRONMAN European Championship Hamburg (F Pro) | Hamburg, Germany |
| June 8, 2024 | IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder | Boulder, Colo., USA |
| June 16, 2024 | Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns | Cairns, Queensland, Australia |
| June 23, 2024 | IRONMAN 70.3 Mont-Tremblant | Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada |
| June 30, 2024 | IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendée | Vendėe, France |
| July 14, 2024 | IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz | Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain |
| July 21, 2024 | Athletic Brewing IRONMAN Lake Placid | Lake Placid, N.Y., USA |
| August 18, 2024 | Mainova IRONMAN European Championship Frankfurt (M Pro) | Frankfurt, Germany |
| August 25, 2024 | IRONMAN 70.3 European Championship Tallinn | Tallinn, Estonia |
| September 1, 2024 | IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun | Zell am See, Austria |
| September 22, 2024 | VinFast IRONMAN World Championship - Women’s Race | Nice, France |
| October 26, 2024 | VinFast IRONMAN World Championship - Men’s Race | Kona, Hawai`i, USA |
| December 1, 2024 | IRONMAN 70.3 Western Australia | Busselton, Western Australia |
| December 14 &15, 2024 | VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship | Taupō, New Zealand |
Bonus Pool and Prize Money
The Ironman Pro Series not only enhances the competitive landscape but also substantially increases the financial stakes. With a total bonus pool of USD $1.7 million distributed at the series' conclusion, the top-ranked athletes stand to gain significant earnings. This financial incentive adds an extra layer of motivation for the world's elite.
2024 IRONMAN Pro Series Prize Money - US dollars (Based on Year-End Standings)
| Men | Women |
|
First | $ 200,000 | $ 200,000 |
|
Second | $ 130,000 | $ 130,000 |
|
Third | $ 85,000 | $ 85,000 |
|
Fourth | $ 70,000 | $ 70,000 |
|
Fifth | $ 50,000 | $ 50,000 |
|
Sixth | $ 40,000 | $ 40,000 |
|
Seventh | $ 30,000 | $ 30,000 |
|
Eighth | $ 20,000 | $ 20,000 |
|
Ninth | $ 15,000 | $ 15,000 |
|
Tenth | $ 10,000 | $ 10,000 |
|
TOTAL TOP 10 | $ 650,000 | $ 650,000 | $ 1,300,000 |
11-50 equal payments | $ 200,000 | $ 200,000 | $ 400,000 |
Grand Total Bonus Pool |
|
| $ 1,700,000 |
Impact on the Sport
The introduction of the series represents a shift in professional triathlon racing. By creating a structured, year-long competition, Ironman has provided a platform for athletes to demonstrate their commitment across a diverse range of events and conditions. This elevates the level of competition and also enhances the visibility and appeal of the sport, attracting a global audience and providing compelling racing season.
Looking Forward
As the series progresses, it will undoubtedly shape the strategies and priorities of the athletes. The emphasis on strategic race selection, consistent performance, and the allure of significant financial rewards are set to elevate the competitive intensity.
