Ironman brand owner World Triathlon Corp (WTC) has announced the opening date of the 2013 Ironman Lottery and Ironman Legacy programs. Opening today, 24 October, at noon ET, the programs will offer 100 general age group and five physically challenged athletes lottery slots, plus 100 Ironman Legacy slots to the 2013 Ironman World Championship, taking place on 12 October 2013 in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i.
Ironman Lottery program
This year, athletes will continue to have an increased opportunity to be selected for the Ironman Lottery based on the number of years they have entered the program. New for 2013 and moving forward, however, athletes must have consecutive entries, year-on-year, to maintain credit for entries from previous years.
For example, if an athlete registered for the IM Lottery six times between 2004 and now, the athlete must enter the Lottery in 2013 to continue to maintain credit for the previous six entries. Should the athlete choose to not enter the Lottery in 2013 but reapply in 2014, the athlete would then only have credit for the one entry in 2014.
A mainstay in the history of Ironman, the Ironman Lottery began in 1983 thanks to the vision of Ironman co-founder, John Collins, as a way to provide athletes ranging in athletic ability the opportunity to be a part of the world’s most challenging one-day endurance event.
More than 7,000 athletes apply for the Ironman Lottery each year. In 1990, WTC created the Passport Club that, in addition to other member benefits, gives athletes an increased chance of being selected through the lottery by offering them one additional entry.
“The Ironman Lottery program allows athletes, who might not be able to qualify for the Ironman World Championship, the chance to realize their dream of racing alongside our sport’s most talented athletes at the world’s toughest endurance race,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of WTC.
“By continuing this great tradition, we acknowledge athletes who have embraced the Ironman lifestyle and continue to spend countless hours training and working toward crossing the finish line on Ali`i Drive.”
Ironman Legacy program
In its second year, for 2013, the Ironman Legacy Program will grant 100 loyal IM athletes an opportunity to compete in Kona at least once in their lifetime. One hundred Legacy winners will be chosen by Ironman; and selection will be based on several criteria.
To be eligible for selection through the Legacy Program, athletes must have completed a minimum of 12 full-distance Ironman-branded races, have never started the Ironman World Championship, have completed at least one full-distance IM event in each of the 2011 and 2012 seasons and be registered for a full-distance IM event in 2013.
“It is important for us to recognize and reward our most loyal and long-term athletes,” said Messick. “Our Legacy athletes are the heart of our sport and are powerful ambassadors. Their loyalty to and love of Ironman is inspiring.”
Lottery and Legacy registration
Registration for the 2013 Ironman Lottery and Ironman Legacy programs will open today at noon ET at ironmanworldchampionship.com. Registration for both programs will close at 23:59 ET on Friday 1 March 2013. Lottery and Legacy winners will be announced at noon ET on Sunday 14 April 2013.
www.ironmanworldchampionship.com
www.ironman.com
