I spent days on this several years ago and about 1/4 of the field do not Qualify (or get a rolldown) at a race.
For example at the time Powerbar used to get 50 slots.
There are plenty of people that get given spots linked to the race.
I got my spot from a mate that worked at WTC at the time. He gave away 5 spots to friends that year. No lottery. No price. Just here is a link, sign up and put this code in.
2400 did it this year.
So tipping 600 raced without qualifying. As per others, leg, lott, ebay, sponsors, mates, returning stars, celebrity, locals, I think about 10 medical people get spots (google that), family members of race directors (I know a girl who has done it 3 times as he uncle was the RD of a major Ironman and she raced again this year. Shes a 13hr athlete. I know a guy who donated 20K to an Ironman charity and he got a start last year (2016).
Qualifying is just one way to get a start.
Rhymenocerus wrote:
I think everyone should consult ST before they do anything.