Ironman adds qualification slots (including 70.3 races) for women’s championship in Nice

With more than half of the field that raced at the Ironman World Championship in Kona from North America (53 per cent) and just 28 per cent from Europe, Ironman knows that it’s going to be a challenge getting over 2,000 women on the start line in Nice for the world championship next year. Ironman received a lot of criticism leading into this year’s race that qualification for Kona had become too easy, with roll down slots extending through entire fields, and invitations going out to athletes after the fact.

Kona coverage: Yes, a women’s only race made it easier to qualify. And, yes, that’s good for the sport

Despite all that criticism, though, it’s hard not to label this year’s women’s only race in Kona a resounding success. Every single competitor made the swim cut off, and a whopping 97 per cent of the competitors finished the race, a record.

Ironman is looking to ensure it has a large field in Nice next year, but also wants to make sure that the process remains competitive. So, rather than simply add more slots to Ironman events, the company is opening other pathways to qualification. In addition to the regular age group qualification,  the top-10 women in each age group from this year’s Kona race will receive invitations to race. Women will also be able to qualify at select 70.3 races, as will the top women in Ironman’s age group rankings. There will be no roll down opportunities for the slots for the top-10 finishers from Kona, or at the 70.3 qualifying races.

Canadians will no-doubt be disappointed to note that Ironman 70.3 Mont-Tremblant is not on the list of 70.3 qualifiers, although Ironman does note that additional slot allocations will be updated.

“We have just seen a compelling standalone Ironman World Championship women’s race, and know how critical a vibrant women’s race is to the continued growth of our sport. We want the best and most deserving athletes at the start line next year in Nice,” said Andrew Messick, CEO & President of the Ironman Group in a press release sent out today. “In looking beyond traditional qualifying slot allocation, we will recognize exceptional skill, ability, and dedication, while also maintaining the integrity of the Ironman World Championship as the ultimate stage for the fastest and most competitive athletes in the sport. The 2023 women’s Ironman World Championship showcased this, and we are excited to provide additional qualifying opportunities to attract more athletes that can perform at a world championship level to the 2024 Ironman World Championship in Nice next September.”

Messick spoke with us for The Life of Tri podcast about the women’s qualification process – you can hear that interview by clicking on the link below.

Kona Coverage: Straight talk from Ironman CEO Andrew Messick on Kona, Nice and the future of world championship qualification

Here are the four ways women will be able to qualify for next year’s Ironman World Championship in Nice, France:

1. Age Group Qualification – Athletes are able to secure a slot via the age-group qualification process at one of over 30 Ironman races globally. All Ironman events will have dedicated quantities of female Ironman World Championship slots allocated proportionally to age-groups and awarded to the fastest finishers via a roll down process where the slot rolls to the next fastest, if not claimed. Slot allocations for Ironman races can be found here.
2. 2023 Ironman World Championship Age Group Top 10 Invitational Slots – The top ten female finishers of each Age Group category at the 2023 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawai’i will be invited to accept a slot to the 2024 Ironman World Championship. Validation of slot will be required. Note, these slots do not roll down should an eligible finisher decline their invitation.
3. Ironman 70.3 Invitational Slots – The top five finishers in each age group at select Ironman 70.3 triathlons around the world will be invited to accept a slot to the 2024 Ironman World Championship in Nice, France. Slot allocations for Ironman 70.3 events with Ironman World Championship slots can be found here. Note, these slots do not roll down should an eligible finisher decline their invitation.
4. Top Age Group Ranked Invitational Slots – Female athletes who finished top of their age group for the 2023 year-end Age Group Rankings will be invited to accept a slot to the 2024 Ironman World Championship in Nice, France. Official, finalized age group rankings will be communicated in early January 2024. Validation of slot will be required.

Today’s announcement isn’t without historical precedence. Until Ironman events surged in popularity during the early 2000s, many half-Ironman races served as qualifiers for the world championship event in Hawaii. Age group winners have also traditionally received an invitation to defend their titles the following year.

Men’s Kona slot allocations

Most of the men who qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Kona before the dual locations were announced chose to defer their entry to Kona, 2024, making the men’s qualifying for next year very competitive. Based on the chart posted on ironman.com there are 1,005 slots available for men looking to race in Kona next year during the qualifying period from Ironman Talinn (Aug. 5, 2023) to Ironman Copenhagen (Aug. 18, 2024). Of those just over 1,005 slots, 360 have already been allocated.

Legacy program and other qualifying opportunities

Athletes will also be able to qualify for next year’s race in Nice through the Ironman Legacy Program, which offers a chance to compete at the world championship to athletes who have completed 12 Ironman races. Ironman also offers slots through its Foundation (fund raising) and the Physically Challenged Open/ Exhibition Division drawing.