I’m surprised nobody has said this yet-it’s simple economics.
It’s $425 because it will sell out. (If GFT charged that much, they’d get maybe 25 racers.) Next year it will be more, as will the following year. Until they fall short of entrants, the price will be steep.
When I do my first full it will probably be at an IM event since the overall quality is better for racers and family, as mentioned above.
The one thing you know for sure at IMNA events is that the Gatorade on course will be “ready to drink” (No mixes) and cold. I do not know what sports drink the other non-IMNA races have on course but I do know that we work hard making sure that the athletes can enjoy cold Gatorade. (The Great Floridian also has Gatorade)
It think It’s worth the extra money just knowing that Gatorade will be provided - ready to drink - and cold!
Plus - at the Ironman NA races, Gatorade provides everyone with FREE bike bottles, edge bottles and a gear bag check-in for training before the race! Z
Thats one hell of a Gatorade. My first IM was IMF and I dont think I ever said “Damn, this is a nice, cold drink.” I also do not believe they “work hard making sure that the athletes can enjoy cold Gatorade.” Ive failed to see a refridgerating at an aid station. I have seen loads of bottles waiting to be handed off “ready to drink” like the non-m dots Ive done. Im not going to go into the free bottles at swim practice.
Simple econ…yes. Raise prices and they’ll still come. Like others have said, I too felt I would be best off doing my first at an “official” race. As long as first timers continue to do this IMNA is good. I’d bet at least 1/2 to 3/4 of every IMNA ironman are first timers. Until then we are screwed, blued and tatooed.
After the IM hype left me I couldnt believe how much the were charging for me to ride on a public road. Ive done Vineman and just did Caliman (Calimans cost was pushing the envelope) and have to say I was very satisfied and would recommed either to anyone. I have a feeling that after the dust settles IMNA will have left a sour image with their core audience…the folks who do IM year after year. I may be wrong but who gives a damn?
I still think that IMNA are good value. The entry fee is the least of my worries when it comes to choosing an event. My experience with IMNA is a safe and well organized event. if I am going to spend this much time training for a race, I have pretty high expectations. IMNA meets them, for me. Now what doesn’t make any sense to me is why people spend so freakin’ much on cars. And drive huge SUVs in the city. But I can leave that for another day.
Mike- I agree with you 100%. There is another post about this too regarding “baby strollers” with the M-Dot on it. These guys have done soooo much for our sport and have made it almost ‘mainstream’ and professional. Who wants to train 8 months for their first ironman distance race and cross a finish line that is not perfect for photos. You can not buy DVD’s of your race 24 hours after you’re done at other races either, or watch it live from wherever you are in the world.
IM (both WTC and IMNA) are what’s best for our sport IMO. The “other” ironman distance races may be well run, but shouldn’t all races be put on at a decent level by now? It’s the intangibles that we are purchasing.
There are actually some of us out there who actually don’t care about finish line pictures or DVDs. And don’t see the need to blow $200 on specially-branded finisher’s gear after the race.
If you think that’s what it’s all about, that’s your thing. But me, I’m much more interested in the overall journey than whatever trinkets surround Destination:Finish Line.
I bit the bullet and signed up and I have to sell something pretty quick to make up for it. On the bright side, Tempe is easily within driving distance from Las Cruces, NM, my oldest brother lives there, and all my training buddies are doing it so the winter training will be bearable. Anybody need more race wheels so I can recoup?
Jill- I’m not saying it’s my thing, however it is an experience that a lot of people want to remember forever. Maybe they only do one. It’s like your wedding day or your honeymoon, etc etc.
I’m not saying I agree with high prices, however you get what you pay for. You can get an organized race anywhere in the country and pay less, but that’s not what it’s about for most.
Ironman also spends more money year round supporting the sport on national television and in sports illustrated, etc than your average Ultramax. Most people enjoy opening a huge publication or turning on the tele and seeing their race broadcasted across america.
If not…vote with your feet. All I’m saying.
It’s fine that you think IM is a good value. When Campy carbon cranks were $1,000 a set, did you buy them? How about when FSA came out with a similar product for about $300? This is no different. Ultramax, St. Anthony’s, Ironstar, and Blue Devil are all fine events and yet they cost a lot less. To put this into perspective, 1500 age groupers at $425+ each is well over $1 Million in entrance fees alone, all for a single day. Where do you find volunteers for a noncharitable event when someone else is having such a large payday? I’m an airline pilot and I can assure you that while I’m flying the guys throwing the bags and handing out the tickets aren’t doing it for free. And yet, when we do charitable functions, I’m the first in line to help out. My point is that there are other options other than IMNA, and I plan to exercise them, i.e., I will do Ultramax or Blue Devil next year instead of Iron Man Tempe. Super high costs are not good for the sport and the only reason the IM logo has made us more mainstream is that Triathlon is becoming so popular and that was the original name. Many outside the sport recognize it by that. How many people that have IM Timex watches have ever even run to the refrigerator at halftime. The IM logo is just a Trademark, we are what makes this sport so great. If you are willing to pay $425 for a single event, thats up to you.
There are actually some of us out there who actually don’t care about finish line pictures or DVDs. <<
Amen Jill! Or, the big crowds at the finish line, or a fully catered buffet on the bike or run, or someone to help you get dressed, etc. etc. I’m in it to test myself. If a picture turns out good, then that’s nice (but danged expensive, but that’s another thread).
I think whomever mentioned that IMNA is catering to the “do it once” folks is probably right. And, you’ll always have the group who think they can qualify, so they are stuck either doing an IMNA race or going international.
I did a bike race today that cost me all of $20 and only took day-of registration. It was a blast and no one needed t-shirts, medals or any of that stuff. It was quickly timed, results were posted and after a time, someone said, “Time for protesting the results is over. Pick up your checks.” Then we went and ate Mexican food. Another world, but way fun.
clm in sf
I agree with Zonie. You get what you pay for. You obviously have your opinion, so don’t do an IMNA event. You can bitch about the price all you want but as long as there are people willing to pay the entry fee, they will charge as much as they can. Welcome to the business world. I’d argue that this is good for the sport. I don’t judge anyone for the personal decision they make regarding whether or not they do an ‘official’ IM or not. Do the distance, respect your achievement. If you want the bells and whistles, get your checkbook out.
Hello Cathy
Hey I am thinking of doing Ultramax,Have you done that one? Also after CDA I was going to do the full distance at Grand Coulee in sept,do you have any experiance with who is running that race? Have you ever tried 2 IM 2 1/2 months apart? Thanks Kenney
Hey I am thinking of doing Ultramax,Have you done that one?
I have been there both years and will be back again in September! Love that race (and it’s close to family so they can come watch).
Also after CDA I was going to do the full distance at Grand Coulee in sept,do you have any experiance with who is running that race?
Yes, I know Jonathan quite well. He is doing whatever he can to make this a great race. I’d go do it if I weren’t doing UM (and making a full trip of it with the parents 50th wedding anniversary party). I know a large group of people who will be doing the GC.
Have you ever tried 2 IM 2 1/2 months apart?
No, but I’m going to try doing 2 of them 4 months apart. 
clm
Thanks. Looks like I will sign up for the GC. Just wanted to wait to see how my injury is doing. As long as I can run without pain the following day at CDA I will do the full at GC. Its about the only other race thats with in one day drive for me(besides CDA and Canada).I was planning on doing somthing different next year and Ultramax is only 15 hrs away…I wish they would make the Williamsburg Va a whole instead of a half. I would love to take my wife to the east coast. Before I do Ultramax I will have to talk to you so you can tell me some places to take my wife in KC…Thanks Again Kenney
The post about economics really sums it up - supply and demand. Those of us who have raced an IM event and paid less than $425 may feel like we’re getting gouged…and we are. However, as long as the races keep filling up (usually in a matter of days) then don’t expect any price relief in the near future.
WTC is a business just like any other and it happens to be a very successful one. Their success results in delivering a well organized, memorable event for every athlete that toes the line.
I can’t speak to the non-IM events since I’ve yet to complete one. I have done three IM’s including Florida, Wisconsin and Lake Placid and this year will travel to Austria for number four. My though process is that any iron distance race will leave me with a feeling of accomplishment but if I’m going to commit my time, efforts and sacrifices to do this distance I’m also willing to pay a little extra and get the biggest return for my investment.
I already skipped a race this year because they raised the fee over 40 percent from last year.
My point always seems to remain in my head. 
I can’t figure out why those that feel IMNA is too expensive spend so much time trying to sell the rest of us their values. Lets say for example, you drive a Nissan Xterra, I think that vehicle is horribly expensive, impractical and a complete waste of time, yet I respect your choice. You see the value and I will not spend any time trying to sell you my idea. I think IMNA is good value, there are folks that think $1000 Campy cranks are good value. We are right. So are you. It is no big deal. If you don’t like the price, vote with your wallet as you have done. I applaud your decision. Where this debate gets me is when people try to tell me IMNA is a rip off. I will make my own value decisions, thank you. I do not need any help with this. Have a great season and good luck with the races you choose. I am sure they will be as good as the ones I choose.
i applaud JLV’s post above.
one thing left out of many of these discussions is how much ALL of triathlon benefits from the public image IM (m-dot) holds/creates as the spectacle it is - both directly and indirectly. not just the (obvious) independent IM distance races, but every single triathlon everywhere enjoys a favorable public acceptance and support because of m-dot, whether the 'hardcores" out there wish to admit it or not. many, many sports would kill for such an image. all triathlons everywhere, to some degree, gravytrain off of it. it is something triathletes should be proud of, and celebrate instead of taking potshots at.
even so, could be IMNA events turn out to be past my affordability for a spell. so are mercedes benz CLK’s. sucks for me. either way, i will not attempt to bash those for whom they are not with some sorry ass line about how i don’t “NEED” them. nor would i do likewise if i COULD afford one, but preferred more obscure intimate races off the beaten path - wtf is with that, anyway?
IMNA asks a lot, they deliver a lot, they serve a lot, and they earn a lot. other events do not (duh). how many people show up at an event like u-max IM distance again? like 125 or so? personally i see a pretty fine line between "intimate’ and “lonely” - trully i would just feel silly in a lonely event like that, and would just as soon do an IM from the local park down the street for free, while i save up for another IMNA shindig where having them close down the streets of madison for the hordes of MOPers like me seems to almost make sense. but that is me. as JLV notes, value is just an individual thing.
The thing that bothers me the most is how other tri’s ride the coat tails of the M-Dot and the word Ironman, and then people turn around and bash Ironman here in this forum.
Example- Half Iron Distance, Ultrmax Half Triathlon (what the hell is a “half triathlon”?) etc…
Ironman Corp has spent the money to develop this, and we should all pay a debt of gratitude for their persistance. $425 may be expensive, but the last two posts said it correctly.
If you are so hard core about not needing photos, or a crowd at the finish, or the DVD of the race…then swim 2.4 miles in your local pool, then ride 112 down your local road, then run a marathon around your neighborhood. The whole point of this is the experience. You will not receive the same experience anywhere else. I would hate for someone to cross the finish line for the first time at any Ironman race and have only the race director waiting at the finish line so he can start tearing down. That’s not what it’s about.
I still think you miss my point. 1st off, these other races are not “riding the coat tails of IM”. They are triathlon, plain and simple.1/2 Max is a half Ironman, its a great race, I did it last year. They are also for charitable causes. If you wish to participate at Hawaii, you must go through them to qualify. Charging $425 for a single race is bad for our sport, period. I can afford it personnally, but how about the guy who brings home $500 a week and has a family? Sports should not be about money, they are about competition. Back in my Olympic days some 20+ years ago we really were amateurs. That is what attracts me to this sport and why I am so passionate about this subject. If it actually required that much money to run a race, that would be one thing, but these other races are put on with the same quality and a big chunk goes to charity. I used to race small sailboats and the sport has all but completly died because it is absolutely unaffordble to most. I would hate to see that kind of thing happen here. It has nothing to do with pictures, crowds or Gatorade, only dollars and cents. If you continue to patronize IMNA, the costs will only continue to rise. I will choose other races for a while.