The Ironman Group has reported more than 250,000 race registrations in 2025, marking record growth driven by younger athletes and expanding geographic reach. Participation among those under 30 jumped 35 percent, while female athlete numbers reached their second-highest level on record.
Younger athletes are reshaping the triathlon market as participation among those under 30 surged 35 percent across Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races in 2025, according to data released by the Ironman Group.
The organization recorded more than 250,000 registrations over the past year, with first-time participants increasing 10 percent compared to the previous year. Full-distance Ironman races saw a 46 percent rise in participation among athletes under 30 compared to 2024, while the number of first-time participants in this age group has more than doubled since 2019.
The 30-34 age group remained the largest category for the second consecutive year. However, the average age of participants is declining in North America, dropping from 42.5 to 40 for Ironman events and from 41 to 39 for Ironman 70.3 races. The 18–29 age group posted a 23 percent increase for Ironman and 29 percent for Ironman 70.3 events in the region.
Female participation approaches record levels
Nearly 49,500 women signed up for Ironman or Ironman 70.3 triathlons in 2025, representing a 7 percent year-over-year increase and the second-highest year on record after 2019. Women now account for 17 percent of Ironman athletes and 25 percent of Ironman 70.3 participants.
The number of women in the 25-29 age group grew nearly 44 percent year-over-year, contributing to a 9 percent overall increase in female athletes. Early 2026 trends suggest that more than a quarter of Ironman 70.3 participants will be women, the organization said.
France overtakes Germany as Europe’s second-largest market
The Europe, Middle East and Africa region posted record participation in 2025. France overtook Germany to become Europe’s second-largest triathlon market after the United Kingdom, driven by a 25 percent rise in athlete registrations.
Events including Ironman 70.3 Les Sables d’Olonne-Vendée and Ironman 70.3 Nice are selling out in record time, prompting the launch of new races in France, Spain and Italy. The UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark also experienced substantial growth.
The region will debut its first full-distance triathlon in the Middle East with Experience Oman Ironman, scheduled for December 2026.
Latin America and Asia-Pacific expand event portfolios
Mexico remains the most prominently represented country in Latin America, accounting for nearly 25 percent of the region’s athletes. New events have driven a 24 percent year-over-year increase in Colombian athletes and a 50 percent rise in Costa Rican participants.
Asia is expanding its event portfolio with races scheduled in Malaysia, India, China, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea and Vietnam. In Oceania, the Qatar Airways Ironman 70.3 Melbourne and Ironman Western Australia Asia-Pacific Championship triathlon both sold out.
About Ironman
The Ironman Group operates a portfolio of brands, events, media partnerships, merchandise and digital platforms across more than 50 countries worldwide. The organization’s events include Ironman full-distance triathlons and Ironman 70.3 half-distance races.
Source: Ironman Group press release
