Thanks. I finally feel like I belong here 
Agree with about full IM not being the healthiest option. A half is a pretty decent challenge for the average person.
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i have just been ‘reported’ for saying that very thing…
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IMJ?
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I did the very first branded IM 70.3 race at Longleat in 2005. I was dubious about the rebranding but I think it’s turned out to be a master stroke.
The distances are long enough to impress friends and family who aren’t into endurance sports and anything described as a “half” always prompts the question “when are you going to do a full one” 
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head office…
Yep half always been my favourite. I too have put off people aiming for a full in first year, it was “the 3 year plan” when i started out. Id go further and say 4 or even 5 (i did Forestman in my 4th year of racing). Do the hard yards getting faster first and enjoying and getting experience racing once a month.
Cant say that though as a coach
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Hence the 70.3 branding!
I agree though, probably my favourite distance
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Not sure how that plays for the future of Ironman company. Agree 70.3 is “easier” to complete. Yes it’s therefore more doable, recoverable (±enjoyable). Yes it’s a better ‘race’ distance for most given they can do it harder.
But the whole brand of Ironman is built on this image of becoming a hero, of conquering something that seems impossible. The 70.3 rebranding was a clever intermediate, but I suspect they still need to try keep selling their corporate image that the full distance is the main thing in triathlon for their success. And for now I still see Ironman corp being the overwhelming player worldwide. I’ve said before how little other triathlon there is in Aus. Speaking to people in South America I said I did a triathlon in NZ and they straight away asked if it was Taupo ironman.
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There no indication of ending Ironman, they’re just talking about focus on middle distance…but I don’t think that’s anything new. It’s always been the more popular product. Like you say it’s the carrot that draws people in whether they go half or full,
The article uses IM branded stats only I think, Don Fink estimated 500,000 participants in half distance events in 2014.
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Agree, that’s what my point was that I suspect middle distance has always been more popular for those reasons. If the future is with independent races I’d be much happier, but for now I still see Ironman as the dominant company and they will maintain the full-distance Ironman image I imagine.
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Even challenge put on very few full distance races now, obviously Roth is up there and Almere being one of the oldest but I’m not sure it gets massive numbers? Can’t think of many others they have now, Wanaka is only a 70.3.
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I’m still shocked we only have Bolton 70.3. Wales is great but still.
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Well they need to put out a better product. Bolton wasn’t great last year and the numbers showed it.
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This probably works for average people these days; I just went from a bit of running to a 10:09 finish in a year. People just need to commit themselves to not melting at the first sign of graft son; sparing the rod does them no good.
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Got an email earlier with some tweaks to the rules, I’m guessing this one is to help weak swimmers or if anyone is having a moment, eg hit and disorientated?
We’ve made a small addition to the language regarding what types of items an athlete can legally hold on to for aid during the swim without risk of disqualification. Athletes may hold onto on-course kayaks, boats or stationary floating rafts/docks as aid, as long as no forward progress is made while holding those items.
This is the aero rule, a bit annoying as I had a basic bladder down my top in 2016, long before anyone considered aero gains, for me it was to avoid the disgusting on course nutrition 
particularly in Spain. You also had a better idea of how many calories you were taking on.
While there was no change in the rule or the penalty from 2023 to the 2024 IRONMAN Competition Rules, we did add additional language to provide specific examples of what type of equipment, due to the effect of reducing wind resistance, is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to, any bottles/hydration or any other insert located in the front of an athlete’s race suit, as well as an insert in an athlete’s calf sleeves.
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What are people putting in their calf sleeves?
Ask Skipper 
I think the put padding down them?
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Mo Farah’s efficient calf muscles…
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And Weymouth.
But no full is shocking. Bolton was dreadful last year and not sure that it will last as a 70.3.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bolton culled next year and a full/70.3 combined emerge at Staffs.
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My ears would prickle up at that but I have to say I didn’t enjoy the Staffs run course at all.
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