The Ironman Group has released new participation data and research that reveal global athlete trends for the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 triathlon series over the past five years, including the areas of opportunity to grow the sport. Athletes entering an Ironman triathlon are getting younger, with a 39 percent increase in first-timers under 30 years of age from 2019. Ironman 70.3 events saw an even sharper increase of 66 percent in the same age group.
Last year, more than 200,000 athletes registered to race at Ironman and Ironman 70.3 triathlons around the world. The 2024 season saw more younger athletes taking part in events than ever before. The 30-to-34 age group emerged as the largest category for the first time, seeing an 8 percent increase from 2023. By volume, the US had the most athletes race in the last year, followed by the UK, France, Germany and Australia. France experienced the greatest growth in athletes, with a 16 percent increase from 2023.
Female participation is growing in some regions, but female representation in long-distance triathlon remains relatively low. Ironman surveyed more than 10,000 female endurance athletes in 97 countries. Women account for 18 percent of Ironman and 26 percent of Ironman 70.3 participants globally. Canada and the US are projected to see a 10 percent rise in female long-distance participation from 2024 to 2025, while many other markets are projected to stagnate. The main obstacle to increased female participation is time, with more than half (56%) of female triathletes identifying family life as a barrier. Cost is a secondary concern, mentioned by 28 percent of triathletes.
Ironman enlisted the support of six independent experts in women’s sport or advocacy to examine the data trends and identify opportunities to grow the sport of triathlon among women. Three key requirements are emerging from findings and discussions: (1) increased visibility for women in triathlon to grow the sport; (2) improved race offerings, to reduce entry barriers; and (3) community initiatives and support from inspiring brands and partners.
