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Ironman Kona Training Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Qualify and Perform at Your Best

The Complete guide to qualifying for Ironman Kona: science, strategy, and stories from the field.

Ironman Training Plan 1-1 Training Plans

Kona Qualification Time Calculator

See if your current Ironman time would qualify for Kona based on historical data

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What Makes Kona Special?


  • Kona is the original Ironman, dating back to 1978. Its legendary heat, humidity, winds, and competition make it the gold standard in triathlon.

  • 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile windy bike, 26.2-mile marathon across lava fields.

  • From pro athletes to determined age-groupers, everyone on the island shares a single goal: reach the finish line on Ali’i Drive.

Kona Qualification—Pathways and Changes

Current ways to qualify:

  1. Top finishers in each age group at official Ironman events earn slots.
  2. Complete 12 full Ironmans to receive a special legacy slot.
  3. Top performance at select championships or prior-year winners.

2026 & Beyond:

Ironman will introduce an age-graded system, comparing finish times to global standards for each age and gender.

How to Assess If You’re Kona-Ready