IRONMAN Worlds Return to Kona!
The Heartbeat of Triathlon Is Coming Home
IRONMAN has always been more than a race—it’s a global movement. And in the latest update from the top, we’re hearing news that brings the heart of the sport back to where it all began: Kona, Hawai‘i.
After a bold two-year experiment of splitting the IRONMAN World Championship across two locations, the team has announced a major shift for 2026.
Here’s what it means for the triathlon community—and how it reflects the voices of over 10,000 athletes who spoke up about the future of our sport.
A Message from the Top: Putting Athletes First
In a heartfelt letter to the triathlon community, The IRONMAN Group reflected on a year shaped by athlete feedback, community insight, and bold vision for the future.
The key message? This community is what makes IRONMAN special.
Every conversation, survey, and race experience over the past year pointed to one truth: athletes want to race together—and they want to race in Kona.
Why the Championship Was Split in the First Place
Let’s rewind. In 2023, the IRONMAN World Championship moved to a split-location format due to two key challenges:
COVID-19 deferrals created a massive athlete backlog, requiring two days of racing.
Kona’s community constraints made a two-day format unsustainable.
To preserve the spirit of the race while respecting local capacity, IRONMAN divided the men’s and women’s events between Kona, Hawai‘i and Nice, France. The hope? Increased visibility for women in triathlon and a broader reach for the sport globally.
What the Data Revealed: Community Over Everything
Following the split-format races, IRONMAN launched one of its most extensive feedback efforts in history: post-race surveys, focus groups, athlete interviews, and a global survey with over 10,000 respondents.
Two key findings stood out:
Kona is sacred. Regardless of age or gender, athletes ranked racing in Kona as their top preference for the IRONMAN World Championship. Any format not including Kona scored lowest in terms of appeal.
The split format didn’t grow the sport. Contrary to the goal of expanding women’s participation, the data showed no increase in new female athletes. In fact, more women exited the sport after completing the championship—suggesting that the separation diluted the communal impact of the event.
2026: Kona Is Back And So Are Unified Championships
With all this in mind, the next chapter begins in 2026: a single-day, IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.
That’s right—men and women will once again race together on triathlon’s most iconic stage. This marks a return to the emotional and athletic energy that makes Kona unforgettable. But this isn’t just a return—it’s an evolution.
What’s New for Kona in 2026?
This isn’t a simple rollback to the old format. It’s a reimagined experience with cutting-edge innovation designed to elevate the athlete journey:
Expanded athlete field: Nearly 3,000 competitors will take the start, a significant increase from past single-day events.
Equal pro coverage: New content technology will provide equal race-day broadcast time for both men’s and women’s professional fields.
Innovative wave starts: Adjusted start times and swim wave formats will ensure competitive integrity while managing field size and safety.
Global viewership: The revamped championship is expected to reach over 140 million viewers across 160+ countries.
In every detail, the message is clear:
IRONMAN is investing in a world-class race experience that remains grounded in tradition but optimized for the future.
What About Nice?
Nice isn’t going anywhere. In fact, its world championship status is being cemented in a big way.
The 2025 IRONMAN World Championship (Men’s) will still be held in Nice.
Then, Nice will host the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in 2026 and 2028, with an option for 2030 as well.
Nice has proven itself as an elite-level race destination, and now it’s taking a permanent place in IRONMAN history—just on the 70.3 side.
A Community-Driven Future
IRONMAN leadership has emphasized that this decision was not taken lightly—and not everyone will agree. But the guiding principle was clear: do what’s best for the athletes, based on real feedback, and with respect for the legacy of triathlon.
For those who have raced in Kona, dreamed of it, or watched it from afar, this announcement confirms what we already knew: Kona is the heart of IRONMAN. And soon, it will beat louder than ever.
FLJUGA Is Here to Guide Your Kona Journey
At FLJUGA, we’re more than just a triathlon blog—we’re your training partner and race-day wingman. As Kona returns in 2026, now’s the time to start building your path to that iconic finish line. Whether you’re gunning for a qualifying slot or simply chasing your next big breakthrough, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
At FLJUGA, our mission is simple: to make triathlon accessible, achievable, and inspiring for athletes at every level.
As Kona prepares to welcome the world back in 2026, we’re here to help you train smarter, dream bigger, and take real steps toward that legendary finish line.
FAQ
Will the IRONMAN World Championship always be in Kona from 2026 onward?
The 2026 race will return to Kona as a single-day event. Long-term plans will evolve with athlete feedback and community support.
What happens to the split-format races?
Split-format World Championships will be discontinued beginning in 2026, as they did not increase participation or satisfaction among athletes.
Can age group athletes still qualify for Kona in 2026?
Yes. Qualification will continue through IRONMAN races worldwide. Details will be announced closer to the 2026 season.
Will Nice continue to host IRONMAN races?
Yes! Nice will host the 2025 Men’s World Championship and then the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in 2026 and 2028.
Kona Is Back And So Is the Dream!!
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