I've been trying to make sense of my own sentiments about Kona, its 'world championship' credentials, the lottery, charity slots, etc, etc. I think I've come to terms with a way to think about it that puts into its proper perspective (for me at least).
The reality is that there are three races in Kona. Today, they are all run as one race, but these are the 'races within a race', if you will.
1. The Ironman Professional World Championship. By and large, this is the most competitive pro/elite field at an Ironman distance race in the world. Combined with the mystique of Hawaii, the tough conditions (most years at least)...this is truly is the world championship in my book.
2. The Ironman Age-Group World Championship. Top age-group field in the world at an Iron-distance race. Each athlete has earned their slot through competition and again, this race has to be considered a 'world championship' level event.
3. Ironman Hawaii - everyone else, ie lottery winners, charity, sponsor slots, celebrities, etc. These are the athletes there primarily to finish and to be a part of the experience. This event garners the most interest (from the non-triathlete public) and as such, creates the most brand awareness and money-making opportunity for the race organizers.
The TV coverage has typically focused on #1 and #3. Most of us on this forum are trying to be in #2 (at least I gather that from the posts on some other threads)
Just another way to think about it.
__________________
JP
my twitter feed
The reality is that there are three races in Kona. Today, they are all run as one race, but these are the 'races within a race', if you will.
1. The Ironman Professional World Championship. By and large, this is the most competitive pro/elite field at an Ironman distance race in the world. Combined with the mystique of Hawaii, the tough conditions (most years at least)...this is truly is the world championship in my book.
2. The Ironman Age-Group World Championship. Top age-group field in the world at an Iron-distance race. Each athlete has earned their slot through competition and again, this race has to be considered a 'world championship' level event.
3. Ironman Hawaii - everyone else, ie lottery winners, charity, sponsor slots, celebrities, etc. These are the athletes there primarily to finish and to be a part of the experience. This event garners the most interest (from the non-triathlete public) and as such, creates the most brand awareness and money-making opportunity for the race organizers.
The TV coverage has typically focused on #1 and #3. Most of us on this forum are trying to be in #2 (at least I gather that from the posts on some other threads)
Just another way to think about it.
__________________
JP
my twitter feed