When is Kona Ironman 2024? Everything You Need to Know About the New Format
Triathlon enthusiasts are likely to be familiar with the Kona Ironman as one of the most prestigious and iconic races in the world.
The event is the ultimate endurance challenge for endurance athletes, who must swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles under harsh Hawaiian conditions. It is also the IRONMAN World Championship, where the best of the best compete for glory and honor.
But do you know when is Kona Ironman 2024? What is the new format for the IRONMAN World Championship? Will it alternate between Kona, Nice, and France for the next six years? In this blog post, I will explain everything you need to know about the Kona Ironman Triathlon 2024 and its new upcoming format.
When is Kona Ironman 2024?
The Kona Ironman 2024 for men (both professional and age groups) will take place in Kona on Saturday, October 26, 2024. This will be the only race in Kona in 2024.
The Kona Ironman 2024 for women (both professional and age groups) will take place in Nice, France, on Sunday, September 8, 2024. This will be the first time that the IRONMAN World Championship for women will be held outside of Kona.
The Kona Ironman 2024 is part of a new format for the IRONMAN World Championship, which will alternate between Kona and Nice for the next six years. In 2025, the rules will be reversed: the men will race in Nice and the women in Kona. It will continue until 2030 when both men and women will race in Kona.
Why a New Format?
The new format was announced by IRONMAN in October 2023, after a year of uncertainty and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced IRONMAN to cancel or postpone many of its events around the world, including the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona in 2020 and 2021.
According to IRONMAN officials, the new format is intended to showcase the diversity and beauty of the sport in different locations and provide more opportunities for athletes and spectators to experience the IRONMAN World Championship.
How to Qualify for Kona Ironman 2024?
The qualification process for the Kona Ironman 2024 will remain largely unchanged from previous years.
Athletes can qualify by winning their age group at one of the IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3 events around the world or by earning enough points in the IRONMAN Legacy Program or the IRONMAN Lottery Program.
However, there are some differences depending on whether you are aiming for Kona or Nice.
| Location | Gender | Qualification Period | Qualification Method |
| Kona | Men | Sep 1, 2023- Aug 31, 2024 | Winning age group at any IRONMAN event or earning enough points in the IRONMAN Legacy Program or the IRONMAN Lottery Program |
| Kona | Women | July 29, 2024- Sept 22, 2024 | Winning age group at any IRONMAN event |
| Nice | Men | July 29, 2024- Sept 22, 2024 | Winning age group at any IRONMAN event |
| Nice | Women | Sept 1, 2023 – July 28, 2024 | Winning age group at any IRONMAN event or earning enough points in the IRONMAN Legacy Program or the IRONMAN Lottery Program |
You can find more details about the qualification process on the official website.
How to Prepare for Kona Ironman?
Preparing for the Kona Ironman 2024 or the Nice Ironman 2024 is not an easy task. It requires a lot of dedication, discipline, and training. You will need to follow a specific and personalized training plan that covers all aspects of your performance, such as nutrition, hydration, recovery, equipment, and mental strength.
You will also need to familiarize yourself with the course and the conditions of the race location. The Kona Ironman 2024 and the Nice Ironman 2024 have different characteristics and challenges that you need to be aware of and adapt to. For example:
The Kona Ironman 2024 is known for its hot and humid climate, strong winds, and hilly terrain. The heat, the wind, and the elevation changes will require you to train under similar conditions.
The Nice Ironman 2024 is known for its scenic and varied landscape, featuring a swim in the Mediterranean Sea, a bike ride through the Alps, and a run along the Promenade des Anglais. You will need to train in different environments and be prepared for the water temperature, the altitude, and the transitions.
How to Survive Kona Ironman?
If you’re planning to participate in the Kona Ironman, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself for the race and increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you survive the Kona Ironman:
Before the Race
Hydration and Nutrition:
Drink lots of water and eat healthy foods. Do what you usually do before big races. This will help you feel strong on race day. Eating the right foods can give you the energy you need. Remember, your body is like an engine, and food is its fuel.
Pacing:
When swimming, don’t go too fast. Save your energy for later because the race can get really hot and tough. It’s a long race, so pacing yourself from the start is crucial. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint.
Training:
Plan your training for the next 8 to 12 weeks. Start with basic training, then work on speed, and finally, take it easy before the race. Consistent training is key. Also, try to train during similar weather conditions to get used to the Kona climate.
On Race Day
Avoiding Drafting:
Be careful of drafting (following too closely behind someone). It’s not good for the race and can take away from the hard work of others. Play fair and respect other racers. Everyone’s worked hard to get here.
Staying Hydrated and Eating:
Kona can be very hot and humid. Drink lots of water and eat the right amount of food. Listen to your body. Keep a water bottle with you and take small sips regularly. It’s better to prevent dehydration than to treat it.
Thinking Positive:
Stay calm and believe in yourself. Clear your mind and just focus on the race. Positive thoughts can boost your performance. Remember, your mind is as important as your body in this race.
After Crossing the Finish Line
Resting Up:
You did it! Now, make sure to rest, eat good food, and drink lots of water. Your muscles need time to recover. Consider getting a massage or doing some light stretching.
Celebrate your achievement!
You’ve tackled one of the most challenging races in the world. Share your experience with friends and family, and remember this moment.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of surviving the Kona Ironman. Remember to stay hydrated, pace yourself, and keep a positive mindset. Good luck!
Conclusion
To conclude my whole article, the Kona Ironman 2024 will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, for men, while the women’s race will occur earlier on Sunday, September 8, 2024, in Nice, France.
This begins a new 6-year rotation format between Kona, Hawaii, and Nice, intended to showcase different locations and provide more opportunities for participants.
Athletes can qualify through age group wins at IRONMAN events or accumulating enough points, but the qualifying periods differ between Kona and Nice.
Competitors will need to properly prepare for the unique demands of each course. Kona presents hot, humid, and windy conditions plus a hilly bike route, while Nice offers a scenic Mediterranean swim, cycling through the Alps, and a run along the Promenade des Anglais.
I hope this blog post has answered your question about the Kona Ironman 2024 and given you some useful information about the new format. If you have any other questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you.
