Essence of Ironman

Held every fall in the US city of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, the Ford Ironman World Championship encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (ocean) swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride (across the Hawaiian lava desert), finishing with a 26.2 mile marathon along the coast. Before an athlete makes it to the championship, however, a spot must be won through one of the qualifying events which take place annually around the world. Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events are held in various locations