The History of Ironman
From a legendary bet in Hawaii to the world's most prestigious endurance event— discover how 15 athletes on Waikiki Beach created a global phenomenon.
A Legendary Debate in Hawaii
In 1977, at an awards ceremony for the Oahu Perimeter Relay in Honolulu, a group of athletes debated a classic question: Who are the fittest athletes— swimmers, cyclists, or runners?
U.S. Navy Commander John Collins and his wife Judy proposed a radical solution. They would combine Hawaii's three toughest endurance events into one race: the Waikiki Roughwater Swim, the Around-Oahu Bike Race, and the Honolulu Marathon.
Collins famously declared: "Whoever finishes first, we'll call him the Ironman."
"Swim 2.4 miles, Bike 112 miles, Run 26.2 miles. Brag for the rest of your life."— John Collins, Ironman founder
The First Ironman
On February 18, 1978, fifteen athletes gathered on Waikiki Beach at 7:00 AM for the first Ironman. There were no aid stations, no crowds, and no prize money—just a handwritten race instruction sheet and the challenge of a lifetime.
Gordon Haller, a Navy communications specialist, won the race in 11 hours, 46 minutes, and 58 seconds. Twelve of the fifteen starters finished, each receiving a trophy and the title of "Ironman."
The race remained small until 1980, when ABC's Wide World of Sports broadcast the event. The footage of Julie Moss crawling across the finish line in 1982 became iconic, inspiring millions to attempt the impossible.
First Ironman Stats
- • Starters: 15 athletes
- • Finishers: 12 athletes
- • Winner: Gordon Haller (11:46:58)
- • Last finisher: 17+ hours
45+ Years of Ironman History
The Legendary Bet
At an awards ceremony for the Oahu Perimeter Relay, U.S. Navy Commander John Collins proposes combining Hawaii's three toughest endurance events—the Waikiki Roughwater Swim (2.4 miles), Around-Oahu Bike Race (112 miles), and Honolulu Marathon (26.2 miles)—to settle which athletes are fittest.
The First Ironman
On February 18, 1978, 15 athletes gather on Waikiki Beach for the first Ironman. Gordon Haller wins in 11:46:58. John Collins hands out the first finisher certificates with the now-famous words: "Swim 2.4 miles, Bike 112 miles, Run 26.2 miles. Brag for the rest of your life."
The Race Grows
The second Ironman attracts 50 participants. Tom Warren wins in 11:15:56. Sports Illustrated runs a feature story, introducing Ironman to a national audience and sparking worldwide interest in this extreme endurance challenge.
Julie Moss and the Crawl
ABC's Wide World of Sports broadcasts the race. Julie Moss, leading the women's race, collapses 20 meters from the finish line and crawls across on hands and knees. The footage becomes iconic, defining the spirit of Ironman and inspiring millions.
Move to Kona
The race moves from Oahu to Kona on Hawaii's Big Island. The hot, windy conditions on the lava fields of the Queen K Highway become legendary, making Kona the spiritual home of Ironman.
The Ironwar Begins
Dave Scott wins his first of six Ironman World Championships. His rivalry with Mark Allen would define the next decade and produce some of the greatest races in endurance sports history.
Iron War
Dave Scott and Mark Allen run shoulder-to-shoulder for the entire marathon in what becomes known as the "Iron War." Allen finally breaks Scott on the hills of the Queen K, winning in 8:09:15—both breaking the previous record.
Global Expansion
The Ironman brand expands globally with qualifying races on every continent. The World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) establishes the Ironman 70.3 (half-distance) series, making the sport more accessible.
Chrissie Wellington Era
Chrissie Wellington wins her first of four Ironman World Championships. She would go undefeated in Ironman racing, setting course records and dominating the women's field like no one before.
The Modern Era
Over 100 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events are held annually worldwide. The sport has grown from 15 participants in Hawaii to hundreds of thousands of athletes competing globally each year.
140.6 Miles of Glory
Understanding the Ironman distances and what it takes to become an Ironman.
Ironman (Full Distance)
The original and ultimate triathlon challenge. Completing a full Ironman earns you the right to call yourself an Ironman.
Ironman 70.3 (Half Distance)
Also known as a Half Ironman. A challenging but more accessible entry point to long-distance triathlon.
Olympic Distance
The standard triathlon distance used in the Olympic Games. A great stepping stone to longer distances.
The Greatest Ironman Athletes
These athletes pushed the limits of human endurance and defined what it means to be an Ironman.
Dave Scott
"The Man"
6× World Champion
1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987
The first dominant force in Ironman history. "The Man" set the standard for professional triathlon training and nutrition, winning six world titles before Mark Allen.
Mark Allen
"The Grip"
6× World Champion
1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995
After years of finishing second to Dave Scott, Allen finally broke through in the legendary 1989 Iron War. He won six consecutive titles and is considered by many the greatest triathlete ever.
Paula Newby-Fraser
"Queen of Kona"
8× World Champion
1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996
The Queen of Kona dominated women's Ironman racing for over a decade. Her eight world titles and 21 Ironman victories remain records that may never be broken.
Chrissie Wellington
"Chrissie"
4× World Champion
2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
The most dominant female Ironman athlete ever. Wellington went undefeated in Ironman racing, winning all 13 races she entered including four world championships.
Jan Frodeno
"Frodo"
3× World Champion
2015, 2016, 2019
The only athlete to win both an Olympic triathlon gold medal (2008) and Ironman World Championship. His 7:35:39 course record in Roth showed the limits of human endurance.
Daniela Ryf
"The Angry Bird"
5× World Champion
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023
The Swiss powerhouse dominated the 2010s with her incredible bike strength. Five world titles and multiple course records cement her legacy as one of the greatest.
The World's Greatest Ironman Events
From the lava fields of Kona to the crowds of Roth, these races define Ironman.
Ironman World Championship
Kona, Hawaii • Since 1978
The Super Bowl of triathlon. Athletes must qualify through other Ironman races to compete on the legendary lava fields of the Big Island.
Challenge Roth
Roth, Germany • Since 1984
Known for its incredible crowd support and fast course. The "Solar Hill" features thousands of cheering fans. Site of multiple world records.
Ironman Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany • Since 2002
The European Championship. One of the largest Ironman events in the world with over 3,000 participants.
Ironman Lake Placid
Lake Placid, New York • Since 1999
Set in the Adirondack Mountains, site of the 1980 Winter Olympics. Known for its challenging bike course and beautiful scenery.
Ironman Nice
Nice, France • Since 2005
Features a challenging course along the French Riviera. The bike course through the Alps is considered one of the toughest in Ironman racing.
Ironman Cairns
Cairns, Australia • Since 2012
The Asia-Pacific Championship. Swim in the Coral Sea near the Great Barrier Reef, then bike and run through tropical Queensland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ironman triathlon?
An Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, 112-mile (180.25 km) bike ride, and a 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run, totaling 140.6 miles (226.31 km). Athletes must complete the race within 17 hours to officially become an "Ironman." It is considered one of the most challenging single-day endurance events in the world.
Who invented the Ironman triathlon?
The Ironman triathlon was created by U.S. Navy Commander John Collins and his wife Judy in 1978. The idea came from a debate about which athletes were fittest—swimmers, cyclists, or runners. Collins proposed combining Hawaii's three toughest endurance events into one race to settle the argument.
Why is the Ironman World Championship held in Kona, Hawaii?
The race moved to Kona on Hawaii's Big Island in 1981 for logistical reasons. The hot, humid conditions, strong crosswinds on the Queen K Highway, and barren lava fields create an exceptionally challenging environment that has become legendary. Kona is considered the spiritual home of Ironman.
What is the Ironman World Championship course record?
The men's course record at Kona is 7:40:24, set by Gustav Iden of Norway in 2023. The women's record is 8:18:13, set by Daniela Ryf of Switzerland in 2018. These times are remarkable given Kona's challenging conditions.
How do you qualify for the Ironman World Championship?
Athletes must earn a qualifying slot by finishing in the top of their age group at an Ironman-branded event. Approximately 2,500 athletes qualify each year from over 40 qualifying races worldwide. Professional athletes qualify through a separate points system.
What is the "Iron War"?
The "Iron War" refers to the legendary 1989 Ironman World Championship battle between Dave Scott and Mark Allen. They ran the entire marathon shoulder-to-shoulder before Allen finally pulled away in the final miles. Both finished under the previous course record, with Allen winning in 8:09:15. It's considered the greatest race in Ironman history.
Become Part of the Ironman Legacy
Create a personalized poster commemorating your Ironman achievement— join the ranks of those who dared to go 140.6.