Can I ask a question about the Kona Lotto or is it considered bad luck?
When is the lottery?
No, I know that. I was just curious to know if anyone from the Slow Twitch forum had ever received a lottery slot. I’m asking because a) I’ve only been reading this forum since the middle of Dan’s Virtual Epic camp and haven’t been here in past years, and b) this is the first year I have entered the lottery myself. I have to assume that any ST forum members getting a slot would be quickly (instantly?) visible on this forum. And, oh yeah, the lottery drawing is just a couple of weeks away.
not sure about ST, but on TNO somebody won a slot for last year (or the year before, I can’t remember).
So, ahhh, when is the darn drawing?
As I recall from the web page - Tax day - April 15, I don’t remember if they announce right away or not.
It think I saw something about it being annocounced on the Ironmanlive.com website, but forgot the date.
http://vnews.ironmanlive.com/vnews/information/faq
12. How does the lottery work?
The Ironman lottery is in two parts, U.S. and International.
The U.S. Lottery is open only to citizens of the United States and the deadline for submitting your application is February 29. The lottery results will be available on April 15, 2004 on Ironmanlive.com and if you are selected, you will be notified by mail. There are 150 race positions available in the U.S. Lottery. If you are a member of the Passport Club, there is a club draw from which 100 names are selected. An additional 50 slots are drawn in the General Lottery. This lottery includes all non-selected Passport Club members.
The International Lottery has 50 race positions available. CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES MAY NOT APPLY. International applicants must be resident citizens of their respective country, and are required to submit a 12-month resume of triathlon experience. This should include long distance competitions. Applications must be received in the Kona office on or before February 29. International Lottery results will be available on April 15, 2004 on Ironmanlive.com.
I was hoping to see a few more people pop up with positive lottery results.To paraphrase Shep, IRONMAN: most people (who want to get it) just don’t get it.
I have a friend that got in through the international lottery. He has dual citizenship and it is apparently expensive for foreign athletes.
I received a lottery spot in 2001. It had been ten years since I did Kona the first time and I just applied on an “anniversary” sort of thought. Didn’t think much about it till April and then…well, it came through…a month after we closed on a house we were about to spend the summer remodeling and during the same summer that we renegotiated our teacher’s contract…with me as chief negotiator. The summer of 2001 was, ah, eventful.
I struggled during the race…the winds were beyond belief that year, my nutrition went south and truth be told, I simply didn’t have the time to do the LLLOOONNNGGGG mileage Kona demands. I respect that race so much, and it troubles me that my luck was good that year in getting a spot, but bad in that my life was so busy that I couldn’t do it justice. I give myself credit for getting the house rehabbed, having a good contract ratified, and for finishing Kona. Still…I know I can go faster!
If you get a spot…good on ya and have a great experience…but don’t underestimate the work needed to deal with the Kona coast.
Best,
Mark
I am one for one in the lotto, a long time ago. One of the Guys I ride with went two for two back to back then qualified on his own. That man is lucky or the lotto is rigged.
I don’t think a “good story” hurts, I got married the night before Ironman 86 and “retired” the day after the race. I still do races but no more Ironmans and probably won’t be back except to watch. Good luck G