Usually it is up on race day. I have not seen anything yet.

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Team Zoot So Cal

Lottery going the way of L.A. and one senior Kevin Moats. Earn it!!

The lottery will remain, the WTC have little option....when the race was first sold, a condition of the sale was that there would always be a lottery for "ordinary athletes", cancel the lottery the race reverts back to the orginal owner, and that would seriously suck if you are the WTC...........its the soul of the sport

I understand how athletes that are hardass about "you should have to qualify" feel, its their opinion, but my opinion is that if we care about the future of the sport, we should care about the past.

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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>X
If you run long enough....something is bound to happen

Never understood the people that have sh*tfits about the lottery. Usually they are elitists and not elites. While most of them are very talented athletes I think the "snobs" could certainly use some emotional development.

Keep the lottery! Otherwise slow guys like me could never do Kona!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_wk8E9Qe6s

Exactly guys...and you can go ahead and book your accomodations to compete at Wimbledon, Superbowl, World series, well you get the point...the worlds full of IM races, go get em and "Q" in. Just my opinion but I'm a traditionalist and proud 11X Q er. Now Lets get out there and train!!

I have searched everywhere, even used the search engine here on ST, but I can not find the lottery entry forms for the Wimbledon, Superbowl, or the World Series!! What gives? And isn't the lottery for Kona a tradition?

How many amateur competitors at those events?

Triathlon has a great 'inclusive' tradition and atmosphere, I'd like to see it continue in that vein; the lottery being fundamental to the maintenance of that ethos in my opinion.

It's a value-added incentive to get more people into the sport: the thought that amateurs can line-up with the World's best through talent, dedication or luck. Luck being a unique opportunity that distinguishes triathlon from the ego-driven excesses of other sports, excesses that make the personalities of those sports out-of-reach for even the most ardent fan. In triathlon, they're there, in amongst the fans.

"I think the "snobs" could certainly use some emotional development."

When my wife went to Kona on the lottery she found that the first question everybody asks is "where did you qualify". She was expecting the worse when she started telling people she had won the lottery but found people were very nice and helpful, much like the newbie at the first home town sprint tri.

There was however one guy (he was the only one) that was rude to her and walked away when she mentioned the "lottery" word. But that s.o.b. DNF'd. Hahahahaha!!!!

Honestly, I feel bad for those people. Endurance sports to me is not so much a competitive experience, but a spiritual one - at least the long races (or "events.")


But my experience in Kona is that we could pick out the other lottery winners from across the room - happened 4-5 times! Only had a few a-holes, I tended to just avoid those people. Kinda felt bad for the miserable people.


As for the superbowl/wimbeldon comment....I'm really sorry that you feel the need to get on your pedestal and somehow defend something from people who are slow like myself, but still want to experience Kona. I'm sure you could find some pro triathlete to tell you that you don't belong, but for the most part the elites (not the elitists) are pretty cool!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_wk8E9Qe6s

You're not much of a traditionalist if you don't believe in the tradition of the lottery.

Your comparison is very apples to oranges since none of those events are in anyway amateur related.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

And now that we have one KQ caught doping, how many didn't really qualify legitimately? (I doubt many, but the number is greater than one, IMHO)

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"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank

Wonder what his ST user ID is?

Given over 400 people get a free ticket to the big dance each year, the lottery is small fry.

We have this discussion every year.

Sponsors get about 120 spots all up. So work for one of those companies.
The USA Defense forces get free spots that they don't qualify for. Unsure of the actual number. 25 or 50?
All countries get free spots of you run a race. ie Caine Eckstein from Australia, never done a race over a sprint got a free tricket. As did the RD niece is years gone past.
The sponsors from local Ironman's alway get spots. The SNAP people in Australia that sponsored IMWA used to get 2 spots eachyear to Kona. I imagine the deal with all other races would be the same.
Jane Patterson from IMNZ gets a free spot that she usually gives away but last year I think she raced. Once again just local here down under.
They gave away spots to the biggest losers and a few indy car racers last year. NFI this year.

And then the 200 spots from the lottery.

So that's a LOT of free spots.

I just don't get why it bugs people. It's still a private race. They can do what they want.

People that think the only way there is to qualify need to get smarter.

I have a mate (Scott) that has done Kona 7 times. Never qualified.
I have another (Fabs) that has done it 3 times. Never qualified. (2x Lottery, 1 free ride.)
I have another (Ken) that has done it 2 times. Never qualified.

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I think he lottery sign up is January. Keep checking their website. It's not like they "sell out" lottery chances so you don't have to sign up right when they start.

BTW, I went to Kona in 2010 from the lottery (my first IM). I finished in 12:07 (as if it matters). I had a good time, was very open about how I got there. I have great respect for those that Q and I showed that respect by traing seriously and doing the very best that I could do.

Nobody there seemed at all upset by my presence (at least to my face). One poster said he could easily spot the lottery people there. Not the case with me. I look fast.

My marathon split was faster than Chris Lieto's (he was a bit quicker on the bike, though). He, he.

To all of those who are bitter about the Kona lottery... ha, ha, suck on it.

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Civilize the mind, but make savage the body.

- Chinese proverb

Considering you named events that only involved PRO athletes, if Hawaii worked the same than your 11x Q would be down to zero, bc you would not even be offered a chance to compete as an age grouper.....So in a sense the WTC is already giving the elite athlete a chance to compete in Hawaii....so why not do the same for the normal athlete? only fair in my opinion.

My thought on the lottery is that its a good chance for those who work hard to get in.....me personally I will try and qualify..but I have no issue for those who get there by lottery, in the end if you qualify or get there by lottery its not like your gonna win the whole thing so your really there for the same thing.....which is do the best you can!! thats just me though

January or so is when I've noticed them in the past, though last years info was on the website after the 2011 race. The IM website redesign does an even better job of hiding stuff than before.

Look for it around Nov 1 again.

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The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -- A fake Albert Einstein "quote"

Really interesting comments here.

I also went last year 2011 on a Lottery and I was the same. I was skinny and looked like I could have qualified. I screwed the race and didnt do so well however I was happy to tell others I got a lottery and those that qualified always were extremely happy for me.

I was having an iced coffee one day and this other family came also and they guy said he got a lottery too. Said exactly the same as what you have said and what I experienced.

Those in Kona that qualified were always happy for the lottery winners.

It was only the people on forums that seem upset by it all.

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Note that although the military was provided 5 male and 1 female slot per the four services, since 2000 that was changed to 3/1 and in 2004 1/1. The policy now is that the service selects 1/1 per gender to be the team representative. reality now is that there are many US Armed Forces members that qualify on their own and are not even allowed to be on the team member because of the 1/1 rule. Back in the day, it was a big deal to be on one of the service teams as it reflected more than half of the original competitors. Once the WTC took full control of the race and the military support that came from former RD's Ms. Silk and Ackles, the tradition ended.

It is now fend for yourself like everyone else for a slot.
BTW-9X IM Hawaii finisher and proudly qualified many more times than that.

WTC has not has not paid much attention to its roots or its history imo starting two sales ago. It's gotten much worse under the present ownership.

Be that as it may I genuinely hope the lottery system continues. It doesn't matter how you get there. What matters is what you do with it when you're there!

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The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -- A fake Albert Einstein "quote"

Hey, thanks for the information everybody. I will keep an eyeball on the website.

And for the lottery haters -- I agree: suck it. An average Joe competing with the best in the world is what makes our sport so great.

I find it amusing that people who benefit from the Age Group qualifying process (essentially using a handicap system to gain entrance to Kona) only want people to "qualify" to get to Kona.

Using your own logic, maybe you should "get out there and train" and earn your pro card and line up against Jacobs, Crowie and Macca.

It's the WC's right? Shouldn't only the "best" be there? I'm pretty sure there are guys who are faster than you who didn't make it to Kona because there weren't enough slots in their age group.

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Chicago Cubs - 2016 WORLD SERIES Champions!!!!

"If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams

I've participated in the lottery 8 or 9 times. No luck. My wife? First time, she got in. So years back she did Hawaii on a lottery slot. In spite of finishing multiple half IMs and IMCA she's never felt like an "athlete" or that she belonged. i won't bother explaining what I think the real issue is (haha), but she's never had a bad experience racing or with another athelete. She's never come close to a DNF. Still, perception is reality and the word "lottery" hung over here like a dark cloud. So when she struggled at Kona and was among the final finishers, she had trouble enjoying the fact that she finished at all, and that the 1000s of people cheering didn't see her as "losing" So the transition area on the pier was fairly dark at the end, and as we packed up her gear, that years winner, Chrissie (showed and dressed "normal") walked in with her parents.. She saw my wife and walked the length of the pier and gave her hug, told her it was a hard day, and a remarkable accomplishment, etc. For a brief and shining moment, my wife "got it." The insecurities drifted away and she saw how she and someone like Chrissie are actually alike, instead of different. Chrissie introduced us to her parents and we walked out together. It was truly what Kona is, or should be, about.

I've had people say " No way he finished the Ironman " after they were told that I have 27 of them, they had to look 2x at me to still not figure it out. It's not how you look, it's how big the heart is....never underestimate someone elase...Or, don't judge a book by it's cover...
I'm very proud to have finished Ironman World Championship, via legacy lottery...Looking at the DNF"S, I'm sure there were a few who had qualified, but, some how, did not complete...
I'm very happy that WTC, is giving back to athletes who have given so much to the sport...Thank you and good luck to all future Legacy Lottery winners, it's an experience you'll never forget, because I won't...Cheers.

How many of those 11 were Pro Qualifications? If the answer is none you're the same as a lottery winner: Not fast enough for the real race.
Get out there and train, get your pro card, chase points then come back & report in.

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Chicks are like Voltron, the more you can get, the better it is." -Tucker

NINETOE, "like". Legacy = Good Karma

AQ, Really ? I did not have to train my ass of and RACE for it?? I could have sat on my rear and waited for a draw of the cards and a phone call from the couch? Coulda slept in and missed workouts?? and half tried to qualify Kona? Ya I feel like an idiot now. Not even Bro. Your comparison leaves us wonderin.. OK enough, sorry i even jumped in with my "unpopular" opinion. These personal attacks at people we do not even know yet have likely competed along side with is the ugly truth of hidden forums. and why I rarely look or post. I have much better things to do than read agro replies. I respect your opinions and thank God we can express them. World Championships is just a marketing phrase and I have just got to accept it. No one take offense to others opinions. Now I am off and out.

Way to avoid the question.

But since it forces you to confront your own hypocrisy, it is easier to cut out, I guess.

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Chicago Cubs - 2016 WORLD SERIES Champions!!!!

"If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams

Just shared your story with my girlfriend and she nearly peed her pants from excitement. Pretty sure the only way she'd ever leave me is by becoming lesbian with Chrissie Wellington

how does this 12 IM deal work? It might effect me registering for IMFL next year. Though I hear the guys who get it are all like 40X finishers

http://ironman.com/...ottery#axzz29zWjw6q5

A little off topic, however does WTC ever publish the "odds" of getting a lottery spot.

I've put in for the lottery the past couple of years, and have always wondered what the total number of lotttery entries is for 200 spots. 5000? 10,000? 20,000?

Am I better off spending my money on Mega Millions ticket and then I can buy a charity spot........

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KP

"Make friends with pain and you will never be alone" Ken Chlouber

If you have 12 finishes and one is in the last year, they put you in a lottery pool of 100 spots. What you heard about 40+ isn't true. Everyone that was eligible last year that didn't get in got an email saying they would be in for this year. If I remember right, they had about 140 enter last year.

I would have never picked up the sport without watching the NBC broadcast and the struggles of people working hard to cross a line just before midnight. Given the price of the sport, I would have just stuck with running. I am guessing there are a number of people that have the same thought. That race is the lifeblood of the sport, and the midnight runners are a big part of it.

I am not sure of the odds, but I know you can enter as many times as you like to better them. I think they are 40.00 a pop!?!?

Never understood the people that have sh*tfits about the lottery. Usually they are elitists and not elites. While most of them are very talented athletes I think the "snobs" could certainly use some emotional development.

I'll go out on a limb here: There should be some, respect for these comments. Why? Real high performance world-class sport is ruthless. Miss making it onto an Olympic Team. Sorry. Try again in 4 years! They don't hold a lane/spot for write-in athletes in a sport's World Championship or Olympic Games Final. The WTC is trying to be two things - a world championship event(self declared) and a mass participation event that anyone can enter. When you do that, you are bound to get people on either side, upset if you start to stake out your side.

There is nothing wrong with what the WTC is doing - as a private business entity, they can do anything they want. They could make it all lottery or they could make it all qualifying. What they have done to try and keep everyone happy, and as another poster pointed out, stay true to race founder, John Collins wish to always have a spot(s) on the starting line for the ordinary athlete, is shoot down the middle with this. When you do this, there will always be certain people on the fringes, who are not happy about what you are doing.

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Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog

I understand the thought but lets be realistic how many people out of the 2000+ actually have a shot at winning? the top 50 pros?

I don't think this is right. I think since they revamped the system last year you get an entry for each year since 2004 that you have completed a WTC ironman. for instance if you enter the lotttery and have finished 4 WTC ironmen since 2004, you would have 4 tickets in the draw (but only have to pay for one). You can get an additional entry buy purchasing a Passport Membership.

There are now 100 spots for this lottery and 100 spots for the Legacy Program which you qualify for by completing 12 WTC ironmans, including one in the year you enter.

Last year details of the lottery were posted around Nov 1st, and you had to enter by the end of Feb.

Not even those. Top 10 men, top 10 women. Other than that they're racing for self respect and cause they can... just like the rest of us.

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The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -- A fake Albert Einstein "quote"

This explains why it's so hard to get in via the lottery. The same jerks are taking the spots over and over.

To get in via the lottery, are you required also to have done an Ironman in the past year or something? Or what? I can't imagine anyone can get in. Surely you must have to show you can do the distance or something.

I'm guessing WTC will require you have done one of their races in that year.

 
How many of those 11 were Pro Qualifications? If the answer is none you're the same as a lottery winner: Not fast enough for the real race.
Get out there and train, get your pro card, chase points then come back & report in.[/quote]
One of the dumbest things I've read on Slowtwitch.

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"It's nice to be great, but far greater to be nice"

One of the dumbest things I've read on Slowtwitch.[/quote]
Dumber than the guy who compared his qualification to a race with 1800 odd amateur people in it to Wimbledon / Super Bowl / World Series qualification? As I said, if he wants to compare to those events he needs to to qualify for the pro race.

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Chicks are like Voltron, the more you can get, the better it is." -Tucker

Here is the page with most of the rules

http://beta.ironman.com/...n.aspx#axzz2A3PitMRb

Great Story. Thanks for sharing.

Oh hey thanks. I can never find anything on their sites. Well I was right that you have to do another of their races, but at least it seems you don't have to do one until after you are selected. I'd like to do Kona, but at the same time want to give WTC as little money as possible. There is no chance for me to qualify so this is the only way I can do it.

..."most of the rules..." Any idea what rules are not on here?

I'm torn - I think a small number of lottery/legacy slots does add something to the event and I'd be sorry to see it go.

At the same time it is somewhat anachronistic as the AG race has some real quality to it.

It really struck me this year how Mike Reilly's approach at the opening dinner was completely at odds with the reality of the race- he addressed the competitors about all the spirit of the race, how you _will_ do this etc as if it was a standard group of cut off dodging first timers. Everyone I was there with (I was supporting not racing) were all people who were there to race and win, were well prepared, more than used to the distance and were there to take part in an amateur world champs. I mention it because sometimes it seemed like even the guys in charge didn't know what they want the race to be.

Like I say a small number of lottery spots I have no issue with, but the prestige of Kona ought to focus on the quality of the field as well as the history.

It sounds like there will be some changes this year to the lottery program. For some reason i thought you had to have finished an Ironman to even enter the lottery but that is not stated anywhere.

  

As a former Lottery winner(I also race qualified in 1986 but did not race in Kona that year as I was finishing up school and starting to work) I can say that they are very specific about meeting the dates and obligations required. I cannot speak to what they ask of "guest spots" but hope that there are race completion requirements also.

I entered 5 times before being selected in 2009. 3 of the 5 entries included the Passport Club. In my mind I'd never get picked and was told there were ~8000 entries in the 2009 "pool".

I have NOT re-entered the lottery since.

My family had a great time for 10 days and I will continue to try and RACE QUALIFY as long as I still enjoy it. I did not have a great race time(12:47:00) but was in as good of race shape as I've ever been. A-fib issues have dogged me for 3.5 years now and hopefully I am now back on track.

I am 51 years old and have a 4:35 half PR( 2:11 Oly) and usually am around 4:45-5 hours for my halfs now. Hopefully still within KQ times for a 51 year old man if I train well.

I am all for the Lottery process for fast, and not so fast, athletes.

the only personal and hurtful comments I received after being selected for the Lottery were...
1) 'who did you bl*w to get that spot?" from an acquaintance who has entered the lottery 15 times and not been selected yet( I assume he'll get in on the Legacy choice soon). That stung a bit because I've always done things by the book and the insinuation that I'd play politics, or worse, to get a spot are wrong.

2)a well known ST poster commented to me once "oh yeah, you got in by the lottery" with a hint of criticism.

The other lottery winners I met in Kona were delighted to be there and some went low 10's and some barely finished.

good luck if you choose to try the lottery.

Thanks for the nice and helpful post.

I've only done one full distance race so far. Redman, in 13:32. Like you I'm 51. I'd need to cut like 3 hours off my time to have a chance to qualify. As one might figure, that's asking a lot. I could see me going low 12's if I really improved. On the other hand, I see no reason I wouldn't finish Kona well under 17 hours. I'd be very psyched for it and would train like crazy, I'm sure.

I think I may try the lottery. What the heck.

Good luck. You're fast!

If you don't care for or believe in the lottery... pretty simple - don't apply!

The lottery exists, as I recall, based upon the original sales agreement of the race - when Valarie Silk sold the event. The current owners have maintained the tradition.

If you aren't pleased with the product your local grocer provides, you are free to shop elsewhere... if you don't like your auto mechanic's policies/procedures, find another place for service... If you think the Ironman Lottery is wrong... out-of-bounds... inappropriate... take your racing dollars elsewhere and participate in Rev 3 events, Great Floridian, Chessyman, B 2 B, Esprit - or one of the several other smaller 140.6 events.

As I recall, last year, the policy for the Legacy program was as follows:

1) You had to have 12 or more WTC Ironman finishes
2) You had to have completed a WTC Ironman in 2010
3) You had to have completed a WTC Ironman in 2011
4) You could never have raced in Kona

As I understand it, the WTC checked records and those with the largest # of WTC finishes -AND- meeting the criteria, were offered a legacy slot first (There was a woman who did 57 IM's and met the criteria - she raced this year). There were a handful of athletes with the minimum 12 finishes who raced this year. There are still more, with the hope/understanding they will have the opportunity to race in 2013.

I don't think you can apply as often as you would like...

In years past, one could apply for the Lottery ($40) - You could also join "The Passport Club" (another $40) - which gives you an extra "ball" in the lottery.

Last year, the WTC started to give repeat Lottery applicants one "ball" for every year an athlete applied for the Lottery dating back to 2001 (I think that was the earliest date the WTC had records for). You did not, however, receive additional "balls" if you were a Passport Club member in years past.

Example - if you applied every year since 2001, in 2012, you would have had 12 "balls" in the lottery - a 13th "ball'" if you joined the the 2012 Passport Club.

Fleck:

Your logic seems to be that the pro-lottery people should be respectful of the disrespectful comments made by some anti-lottery types. I think qualifying for kona deserves more respect than getting in via lottery, but there's a difference between holding your head high and looking down your nose. The former deserve respect. The latter, not so much.

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“Read the transcript.”

haha

Only one via the lottery. One on a sponsor spot. The other on an Airforce spot.

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so its easy now if you have 12. I bet by the time I get 12 (In about 5 years or so) it'll be really hard and you'll need 20 finishes to have a realistic chance.

Every time I read Kona Lottery, I think of some native Kona person holding a big check from publishers clearing house... They would be all excited, "OMG I WON THE LOTTERY" .... "wait, what, you mean I have to race in 100 degree temps for 10+ hours?!" .... worst lottery win ever.

Here is your answer

October 23rd, 2012
Tampa, Fla. (Oct. 23, 2012) � Today, IRONMAN announces the opening date of the 2013 IRONMAN� Lottery and IRONMAN� Legacy programs. Opening TOMORROW (Oct. 24) at noon ET, the programs will offer 100 general age group and five physically challenged lottery slots plus 100 IRONMAN Legacy slots to the 2013 IRONMAN� World Championship, taking place on Oct. 12 in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i.
IRONMAN LOTTERY PROGRAM
This year, athletes will continue to have an increased opportunity to be selected for the IRONMAN Lottery based on the number of years they have entered the program. New for 2013 and moving forward, however, athletes must have consecutive entries, year-over-year, to maintain credit for entries from previous years. For example, if an athlete registered for the IRONMAN Lottery six times between 2004 and now, the athlete must enter the IRONMAN Lottery in 2013 to continue to maintain credit for the previous six entries. Should the athlete choose to not enter the IRONMAN Lottery in 2013 but reapply in 2014, the athlete would then only have credit for the one entry in 2014. To see a list of frequently asked questions about the IRONMAN Lottery program, visit www.ironmanworldchampionship.com.
A mainstay in the history of IRONMAN, the IRONMAN Lottery began in 1983 thanks to the vision of IRONMAN co-founder, John Collins, as a way to provide athletes ranging in athletic ability the opportunity to be a part of the world�s most challenging one-day endurance event. More than 7,000 athletes apply for the IRONMAN Lottery each year. In 1990, IRONMAN created the Passport Club that, in addition to other member benefits, gives athletes an increased chance of being selected through the lottery by offering them one additional entry.
�The IRONMAN Lottery program allows athletes, who might not be able to qualify for the IRONMAN World Championship, the chance to realize their dream of racing alongside our sport�s most talented athletes at the world�s toughest endurance race,� said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of World Triathlon Corporation (d/b/a IRONMAN). �By continuing this great tradition, we acknowledge athletes who have embraced the IRONMAN lifestyle and continue to spend countless hours training and working toward crossing the finish line on Ali`i Drive.�
IRONMAN LEGACY PROGRAM
In its second year, the IRONMAN Legacy Program will grant 100 loyal IRONMAN athletes an opportunity to compete in Kona at least once in their lifetime. One hundred Legacy winners will be chosen by IRONMAN and selection will be based on several criteria. To be eligible for selection through the Legacy Program, athletes must have completed a minimum of 12 full-distance IRONMAN-branded races, have never started the IRONMAN World Championship, have completed at least one full-distance IRONMAN event in each of the 2011 and 2012 seasons and be registered for a full-distance IRONMAN event in 2013.
�It is important for us to recognize and reward our most loyal and long-term athletes,� said Messick. �Our Legacy athletes are the heart of our sport and are powerful ambassadors. Their loyalty to and love of IRONMAN is inspiring.�
LOTTERY AND LEGACY REGISTRATION
Registration for the 2013 IRONMAN Lottery and IRONMAN Legacy programs will open at noon ET TOMORROW (Oct. 24) at www.ironmanworldchampionship.com. Registration for both programs will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, March 1, 2013. Lottery and Legacy winners will be announced at noon ET on Sunday, April 14, 2013, on www.ironman.com.
For more information on the IRONMAN Lottery and IRONMAN Legacy programs, go to www.ironmanworldchampionship.com. Inquiries about the programs may be directed to Lottery@ironman.com and Legacy@ironman.com. For media-related inquiries, contact Media@ironman.com.

# # #

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Actually the Legacy people did slightly better at finishing than the qualifiers. 92 of 95 that started finished (Including me :)) (5 apparently never started) for a total finish rate of 96.8%. I read somewhere that the rate for the field as a whole was about 95%.

I've applied to the IM lottery very single year since 1982! Now it's just a game.

I suggest starting now.

You'll be racing in 2013.

Re the comment about finishing, I would suggest first timers would always finish unless they have a bike failure.

Those returning pushing harder, would DNF. As the stats seem to suggest.

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That totally cracked me up. That absolutely sucks my friend.

to enter Legacy Lottery for 2012, one needed 10 IMs plus one in 2011 and be entered in one for 2012
as I hadn't done an IM in 2011, I didn't qualify to enter, so I have my 18 IMs and I did my 2012 IM entered another for 2013 and am waiting for the Legacy Lottery to open....

what's that you say Mr WTC,
now to enter Legacy lottery we need 12 IMs ( I'm ok there ) and an have done an IM in 2011 AND 2012, as well as have an entry int an IM in 2013.

so it looks like missing an IM in 2011 will mean I'll never qualify for the Legacy Lottery and there little to no chance of me qualifying at any of the Australian races....
so it looks kike Kona is just not meant to be....

Avago I think you should read Konahopeful's post above where he thought for 2012 you needed to have raced in 2010 & 2011 as well as signed up for a 2012 race. If that is the case, you hopefully will be going in 2014, so start saving up.

BTW what has been your favourite of your 18 IM?

You're an idiot.

Well. with the new change that for non-Legacy slots, that if you want extra tries in the draw, your lottery entries need to be consecutive, they are really pushing me to enter again. :O By last years rules, I should have had 4 entries for my one fee. Now, since they have to be consectutive, a couple of my previous lottery entries won't count.

As for the Legacy slots....with the requirements, I suppose people who have done fewer than 12 need to plan accordingly. For instance, I've done 8, and no plans to do a full in 2013 (unless I get in regular lottery). BUT, if I decide to go for the 12 finishes and try to enter the legacy program, I should make sure and plan my last 2 or 3 IMs in consecutive years.

It is open now, and they got another couple of bucks off me.

i'm constantly torn with what to think about KQ's.

on one hand i think it's great to see everyday people who have overcome obstacles be given the opportunity to compete with the worlds elite (if you can even call when they are doing competing, in the sense that they stand zero chance to beat the pros that is).

on the other hand KONA can only hand X amount of athletes. there is a reason the race is capped. to provide the best experience for the most amount of people. i can imagine if they opened up another 1k slots the race quality will drop drastically. it's just the nature of the beast. BUT it's really sad that AG's that train their hearts out, sacrifice so much and miss qualifying by minutes or even seconds. really! think about it. you can be 10 seconds slower over a 140.3 course and miss out on a trip to kona. that to me is just so sad and heart breaking.

part of me says this is the WORLD championships. this is not just any ironman race. this is where the best of the best compete. i don't think it's fair that someone comes back from something such as cancer or whatever and gets a slot over the athlete who missed the spot by 10 seconds. think about it. who has given more to the sport, who has sacrificed more for the sport? it's not a guarantee, but it's likely to be the AG that missed by 10 seconds.

i do however love seeing lottery athletes and what not in the race, their stories inspire many and shows the strength of human will.

i don't think there is a right or wrong. i personally think that there should be some changes made to better the process.

i feel that there should be less spots for people who came back from cancer, lost a ton of weight, military spots (oh god, i'm going to catch so much heat for that last one) etc for KONA (and KONA ONLY!) and increase AG qualifying spots as a result. i don't think you should so 25-35 year old men come in at 15+ hours for KONA. it's the world championships for petes sake. show some respect for the course and train! you see it over and over on the IM vids. people give up etc, peoples body give out. i question how many of them put in proper training (and yes, i understand that even pros have bad days).

i also feel that in order to do KONA you first have to have at least ONE finished IM under your belt. i think they should expand lotteries and have cancer etc slots for the other ironmans. make them free spot if you really want to show you care about survivors, open some free slots to military!

don't get me wrong, i love diversity in KONA but it's the world championships.

i started doing tris in 2006, worked my way up slowly and did my first IM in 2011. next year i'm doing 2 IM's and i am going to try and qualify for KONA for 2015 or 2016. i will be in the most difficult age group by that time (early 30's) and i have to give it everything i have. it's def a long shot since i have no background in any of the 3 disciplines but looking at my splits it's definitely possible. i just know i would be crushed if i had missed it by a minute yet because someone lost 200lbs over the past year they get a slot in the world championship even if they have never done a tri before.

flame away.

^^^

You realize that the slots then give to cancer survivors/inspirational stories are different then the lottery slots, correct??

This is one of my all time favorite stories of triathlon. Thanks for sharing it.

My own experience with lottery winners who are racing Kona is that they are very respectful of the sport, of the race and particularly of their fellow competitors who qualified. It has been nice to read this thread and to hear that many of them felt they were welcomed and well treated by the other athletes.

As well, the two guys that I know who got to race Kona this year as a result of the legacy program are exactly the kind of guys that anyone would be happy to see get that chance. The legacy program is a great idea.

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Grant

yes, i am aware of that. what is the total count for those slots? i look at this past years for example. i forget his name. but the guy who had (i believe) a heart transplant. i think it's great he got a shot. but he missed the swim cutoff the first year and the 2nd time around he had to drop out something like 20ish miles into the bike.

what was his training like? i'de like to know. did he never try a long bike ride on a difficult day or tough terrain after swimming? this is the exact reason why i feel people should have to have one IM under their belt prior to kona.

this one slot could have been given to someone who missed qualifying by mere seconds because a pro or someone else had a great day where they had a very good day.

just my 2 cents, probably not the most popular opinion. but i think it's fair, to do kona, you have to have 1 IM under your belt to prove that you can go the distance.

I have yet to apply for the lottery though I just may this year. With the legacy program, lottery, and qualifying the WTC has eliminited many barriers for the dedicated triathletes trying to get to Kona which is a good thing.

My only real beef with the current system is that you should have to had completed at least one IM. I'd hate to think that a slot is wasted by someone who got in via lottery, and no showed or dnf'ed due to lack of training or care about the World Championships. Granted, I'm sure no one expects lottery entrants to do well, its just the fact that slot is coveted by thousands.

Of course this wont happen because an IM prerequisite drops about 50% or more of the lottery revenue and NBC and WTC want 16:55 - 17:05 finishers.

I agree with your comment where you need to have completed one IM BEFORE you can even apply to the lottery. That would weed out a bunch of people and those who have been less loyal to WTC. I also think you should get one entry per IM you've completed as a way to reward the more loyal athletes.

It's only the second chance system if you win the lottery. Not a consolation award for someone who didn't qualify. If you want that, advocate for more qualification slots. I see your point biut I think it's not what the lottery is purposed to accomplish.

Loyal to the WTC....I thought we were talking about Kona....a race that has been in existance for many more years than the WTC, and will still be there when the WTC is sold off by Providence,. The WTC are nothing but the current Kona race owners........whats next, you can only race Kona if you wear the sponsoring shoe companies shoes ?.....and next year it could be "crocs", good luck with that.

The lottery has worked for years the same way, its something that will never go away, unless WTC decides to do that, oh and then lose ownership of the Kona race, it would revert back to original ownership. A little bit of the history of Triathlon, and the soul of the sport.

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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>X
If you run long enough....something is bound to happen

For me, a one IM requirement filters the people that really really want to be there versus the guys that would like to go because they may get on TV. The price point for entering the lottery is so low many with a small passive interest enter.

Its the equivalent of giving an average American front row tickets to a Rugby World Cup game; sure they'd enjoy as a fun night but would rather do something else, whereas its other peoples dream to be in that seat.

i suggested the one IM or at least 2 half ironmans in the same year not to "weed" people out. but it's so that only the dedicated get it.

qualifying for kona is VERY VERY DIFFICULT. many people try very hard and cannot do it, worse are the people that miss by minutes. only to have their spots taken up by someone who has less than a 20% chance of finishing the race.

granted these are assumptions as i have yet to check the DNF or finished later than the cutoff.

my example was the guy who had a heart procedure and got TWO chances at kona. the first time he didn't make the swim cutoff. i mean seriously? the swim cutoff. didn't you train and estimate your time pre race? ok, you had a bad day. then the 2nd time he bails after 20ish mins on the bike course? look, bravo for trying. you had a heart procedure, it's def not easy, i've been there done that. i have never signed up for a race knowing that i would not finish it, it doesn't make sense for me. if you want try, practice. if you can't succeed in practice what makes you think you can succeed in the race.

i think there is a time and place for those folks, even and especially in kona, but i think there needs to be a better job regulating how they are selected. not only did the man not belong in kona he was a danger to himself. his blood pressure dropped dangerously low during the bike. had he kept going he could have died. he literally fell off his bike at 20ish miles. after watching the first year i KNEW he would never finish the race, when watching 2011 when he came back i KNEW he would not make it to the marathon. they talk about his condition etc, the one thing they never spoke about was his training. probably because he didn't do enough of it.

i think that type of ironman slots should be doubled for regular IM's. i would love to see more athletes who have overcome challenges at IM's all over the world. it's so inspirational. i just think taking up a world championship slot (which are far too few anyways imo) is tough.

People that "win" a regular Kona Lottery spot still have to validate that spot with a finish in a "branded" Half or Full Ironman race, within the year leading up to Aug 31st prior to the Kona race, or that spot is gone baby gone.....I see no problem in having that requirement for ALL starters, even the ones that are racing on sponsor specials.....The athlete you are referring too should not, imho, have been starting that race, his overall health did not appear sufficent for the task....I believe he was one of the several hundred sponsors entries that WTC give out each year, and not one of the 5 physically challenged lottery places........there are no qualifying spots for Physically challenged atheltes at any IM race.

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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>X
If you run long enough....something is bound to happen

I am 100% with you here.

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Whilst that is in the rules they don't hold people to it.

I can give you 2 people that have got spots in the lottery that did not do a half or a full yet still raced.

If you must know, message me and you can look them up.

One never even entered a race and used a half Marathon as their qualifier and the other entered IMNZ this year, and when it was cut to a 70.3 didn't even bother starting.

He still went on to do Kona this year.

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Why am I not suprised by your post ?.......don't need names/numbers, I believe you......damm the WTC and not following their own rules, and why am I not suprised by that either ?

This rule should be enforced, it would mean that those even thinking of buying a lottery ticket, would know that they have to do at least a 1/2 IM before, and not just show up on the day.....and there should be a cut off time on that qualifying 1/2 as well.

I am for the tradition of an open lottery for Kona spots, but somewhere there must be a line drawn where you have to at least be a proven triathlete, even if you are slow.

I do know of someone that got into Kona via a sponsors spot, who couldn't swim 3.8k if their life depended on it, only had an old mountain bike (complete with a milk crate on the back), and had never run longer than a 10k fun race.......He went to the race, with the intent of using a swim assist (?), borrowing a bike, and walking the marathon......Thankfully, someone put a stop to this during race week, it just wasn't right, and his spot got given to a lucky guy off the street who came up to the sponsors table at the expo , now that is really winning a lottery.....and the replacement street guy, went sub 12.

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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>X
If you run long enough....something is bound to happen

Loyal to WTC? That's funny.

What if someone completed an Iron-Distance race that wasn't WTC? Would that be okay? Or would they HAVE to do a WTC race??

How do they validate the consecutive lottery entries? I did not see a space to indicate how many consecutive years I have tried for a lottery spot. Hoping I will get a hit one of these years.

"How do they validate the consecutive lottery entries? "
-----------------
I asked. They said they verify internally and have a record of all prior lottery entries. I am on year 27, or 28.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

Wow, I thought I had a lot of entries at 16 straight. Hope you get in this time, you deserve it!

16 - Wow! have you ever done the race? I am fortunate to have done it multiple times...still, I continue to throw my hat in the lottery.

Good luck to you.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

I have not done the race. Never qualified for it and never selected by the lottery. Hoping that if they are really verifying consecutive entries that the odds will be in my favor one of these years.
I love the sport, been in it since 1991, and will continue to train and race for as long as I can. Still dreaming of getting to Kona and completing the race.

I'm 45 this year. I would like to qualify for this race as an age grouper but I don't know if I can ever get my times down low enough. I guess if I start entering the lottery this year, then maybe I have chance in 10 years or so. Ahh.. that gives me time to get more racing under my belt.

im going to enter the lottery and i have yet to complete an Ironman.

If I get in it falls within my training goals next year.

This year was my 1st year of triathlon. i started training in June and completed in several sprint tris. I was finishing top 5 thus moving to olmypic distance - and that went well as well. I just finished my season with a 70.3 and that went great. i finished faster than other athletes who have completed ironmans and 70.3s.

Regardless im targeting the Ironman AZ among (2) other 70.3s and other races on my calendar.

So i will disagree with you here.

It's weird you bumped a 2 year old thread.

still relevant 2 years later lol

You don't work for Active.com, do you?

yes - please add $19 in convenience fees for replying to this thread.

hold on what's your email so i can email spam you with fun runs?

any knowledgeable guess as to how many particiapte in this lottery?

I'm certain that is proprietary information. Email WTC and ask though!

My guess is on the order of 10,000 to 20,000.

-Robert

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"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank

You nailed it, my friend. Best post on this thread.

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Not everything is as it seems -Mr. Miyagi

This is when I want to hit the "like"button on ST.

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member CupCake Cartel

Nice job on VTS by the way. I was up there for a while until the fast people got 5 races in!

$50 times 20,000 entries = alot of money

I see that the lottery annoucement is this Tuesday. In the past few (?) years, IIRC, it has been held in April. Has it always been in April, and this year they are doing it early? Or has it "danced" around between months?

The lottery is early this year. It allows selected athletes a larger window to complete the qualifying requirements and plan their travels. As I recollect this information was provided in a press release late last year.

Alright folks....who's feeling lucky? About two hours left.

Even though I know statistically my chances are small...i'm feeling particularly lucky this year.

I shouldn't need luck, my name should be on the Legacy list. Still nervously awaiting noon.

i was wondering about this the other day, i thought it may have been drawn already!

Rough estimate: the odds are about 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 for someone whose name is in the hat once. Odds go up with every subsequent year of course or if they also enter the.... passport? Or whatever they call that.

Did I miscalculate the time or should the results be up now?

Should be 12h Eastern....

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Rav Dighe
Coach & Director
w: http://www.alohatri.com
e: rav@alohatri.com

Where does one find the Lotto Results?

About another 50 minutes

But isn't it 12:10 Eastern right now? Maybe the stress has affected my brain...

Today is my 18th anniversary, and I'm hoping to get lucky twice :-)

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Giddy up, there's no reason to look behind you, you're not heading that way.

Following was copied from the ironman web page, if you look at this from a lawyers perspective it says "they will release results March 17th", no particular time is indicated!


Q. When will registration close? When will the winners be announced?

We will close the IRONMAN Lottery Bonus on October 10th, 2014 at 12:00pm EST. Anyone who enters the 2015 IRONMAN Lottery between October 6th and October 10th at 12:00pm EST will automatically be entered to win the bonus slot. Those who do not win the bonus slot will continue with their entry(s) into the 2015 IRONMAN Lottery for the 100 slots. Registration will close on Saturday, February 28th at 11:59pm EST and we will announce the winners on Tuesday, March 17th.

Originally from: http://www.ironman.com/...s.aspx#ixzz3Uf06Cc2J

You are not mistaken. It is now past noon on the east coast. My guess is that, unlike past years, they only sent emails to the 200 folks who got picked.....

Athletes selected will be announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 12 p.m. ET. Athletes will be notified via e-mail with directions on how to complete online registration.

Originally from: http://www.ironman.com/...y.aspx#ixzz3Uf16UDKs

This is from IM Q&A page :

"
Q. When will the winners of the 2015 IRONMAN Lottery and Legacy Program be announced?
Athletes selected will be announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 12 p.m. ET. Athletes will be notified via e-mail with directions on how to complete online registration."


http://www.ironman.com/...y.aspx#axzz3Uew2GSe2

oops - nm. Others beat me to it ;)

oops.. others beat me to it too!

Damn it. I was promised a list. Get my lawyer on the phone.

this is killing me! Legacy list needed now!

DL

Thats great.....I was looking at the wrong clock.

Well, I didn't get an email so I guess I didn't get in.

Yes, I know, this is killing me

I have not, and like I said qbove, I should be on the list. Get

Goo goo Ironman! Get to da choppah! Vat arr you vaiting foa? Do eet nao!

Don't know if it's true but I'm hearing rumors that you can register for an early notification system for lottery results. $19.99 and you can find out whether you're in or not right now.

Maybe they forgot to draw and it's no one's lucky day.

Maybe they forget about time change a few weeks ago.

Nicely done. Pink wasn't even needed.

Early rumors. That won't happen until 2016.

Can someone tweet @ them please?

Don't tweet and distract them they have a 12 est. deadline to meet.

IT geek: they could be running an old computer system on a pre-Bush DST time switch. Or more likely someone there was verbally told to manually publish the results today at noon and they interpreted that as noon-ish. They'll do it when they get back from lunch.

Remember the early 90s when you sometimes had a tough time signing on to AOL.... Those Active.com fees aren't going to technology.

IRONMAN Triathlon ‏@IRONMANtri 1m1 minute ago
2015 Kona Lottery winners about to be announced. Sit tight!!

I did....they say it's coming; sit tight. How crazy of us to expect them to live up to the deadline they set months ago. Silly triathletes.

Oh have been sitting tight. I'm an getting hungry though.

Here are your winners


http://www.ironman.com/en/triathlon/news/articles/2015/03/2015-lottery-and-legacy-winners.aspx#axzz3Uev3ceqD

Well I'm not going.. guess I should get back to work now.

Well, i so did not win. it is my off year anyway :)

Luckily I didn't win this year. Things changed after I entered and it would have been a tough sell on the wife to go to Hawaii twice in one year.

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I am in :)

Congrats Thom....I have a buddy who got in via legacy as well. I know he is stoked.

Bravo!!! Make the most of it - it is such a wonderful race.

I'm in! WooHoo!!

+12 years and no luck so far!

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Rav Dighe
Coach & Director
w: http://www.alohatri.com
e: rav@alohatri.com

So you become legacy after 10 Ironmans in 10 years? Is that correct? And not everyone who has done that got a spot? That's pretty insane.

12 over any number but including the last two. I heard (maybe in this thread) that there were 120 eligible last year.

next year i will finally start applying.

No for me too.

Really curious how many applied for legacy this year. Seems like the number of people finishing 12+ is really growing.

I am curious also, it was my first year applying for legacy- I didn't get in, hopefully next year

Legacy is like a waiting line according the RD I talked to in Chattanooga. They pretty much just walk down the list.

My basic understanding is that the longer you are in, the less it becomes a lottery. I I think all of the spots go to second year applicants, and then what's leftover for first year is a lottery.

Only 5 or 6 Canadians made legacy, and two of them appear to "know" each other IE looks like a couple (guess) from Scarborough Ontario with the same last name.

I'm guessing they were second or third year applicants.

Maurice

Last year was my first year applying. I got an email a couple of weeks after that selection that said if I remained eligible, I would be selected this year.

Congratulations to all winners and best of luck while enjoying the experience.


Doubt I'll ever make Legacy since my first IM in 2013 was at age 63.

Colorado office just said list would be published by "end of day"

No Legacy slot for me this year, but I'm moving to Italy in July so that'll give me a year to figure out the best way to get to Hawaii next year.....right? Now to decide which IM to do to keep the streak alive.

http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/news/articles/2015/03/2015-lottery-and-legacy-winners.aspx#axzz3UZB1juJN

This is the first year Cathie & I entered the legacy program and we both got in... couple from Scarborough ON who "know" each other!

Congrats Thom, that is awesome. Enjoy it!

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"You can never win or lose if you don't run the race." - Richard Butler

Thanks Brian, it's been a long time since that first one in PCB

i read on another forum that the legacy slots is a wait list and there where 170 people entered this year . so leaves 70 for next year which means you should be in next year if you keep your eligbility going and enter again . but I would enter as soon as it opens to make sure .(especially if its your first year applying )

Thanks for that information, what was "another forum"?

A Aussie site transitions.org.au

10 years in the lottery for me with no luck. I am doing my 10th IM this year, so legacy isn't that far off...if I keep going to 12 IMs.

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My business-eBodyboarding.com

Keep going. Trust me, it's totally worth it.

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Gary Mc
Did I mention I did Kona

Damn, I'm only on my 2nd year in the lottery.

Has anyone gotten their Legacy email?
My name is on the posted list but I still have not seen the email.

nothing here yet either - my wife has a different email account and also has not received anything - chewing though some fingernails here...

Nothing here either. I wouldn't worry, they're going to want our money soon enough.

This is accurate. I was eligible last year-did not get selected in 2014. A week after the legacy announcement I got an email saying if I maintained eligibility(finished a race) Id be locked in for 2015. With more people becoming eligible it will probably start to be a 3-4 year wait-15,16 IMs.

Glad I'm not the only one - I was getting nervous too.

just email Lottery@ironman.com and ask them

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I sent the email to Ironman on Friday still no response. I was just looking for some info from folks in the same place.

Got my email at 10:50 Eastern Time

Got mine this am.

Got ours yesterday!