Ironman XC Executive Challenge

The ultimate Ironman experience for the world’s top business leaders

Member Benefits Include:

Kona

The opportunity to win one of multiple Ford Ironman World Championship slots at each Ironman XC event LEARN MORE...
Guaranteed entry to select Ironman events
First-class accommodations
VIP passes for race day to include escorts for attending family members and VIP seating at banquet functions
“Strategy session” breakfast with Pro Athletes and Ironman Icons
Venue walk-through with Pro Athletes and Ironman Icons
Personalized registration, packet pick-up and bike check-in
Transportation options for bike to and from race site
Ironman XC Executive Challenge apparel
And much more!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Kona BIke Line

Why participate in the Ironman Executive Challenge Program?

The Ironman Executive Challenge, also referred to as XC, is a members-only program that offers business leaders with exclusive privileges to the world’s most challenging endurance event, the Ironman Triathlon. The turnkey program simplifies the race planning process, allowing you time to enjoy the Ironman journey and focus on other priorities such as work, family and training.

Who qualifies for the Ironman Executive Challenge?

Top-level executives are eligible to apply for Ironman XC. Ironman exercises sole and absolute discretion in determining which applicants are chosen to become members of the program.

What events are included in the 2010 Ironman XC Series?

Ironman 70.3 California (March 27, 2010)
Ochsner Ironman 70.3 New Orleans (April 18, 2010)
Ironman Brazil Triathlon Florianopolis (May 30, 2010)
Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene (June 27, 2010)
Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman Germany (July 4, 2010)
Ford Ironman Lake Placid (July 25, 2010)
Ford Ironman Louisville (August 29, 2010)
*Ford Ironman World Championship (October 9, 2010)
*By qualification only
Ford Ironman Florida (November 6, 2010)
Ford Ironman Arizona (November 21, 2010)

What are the costs associated with the Ironman Executive Challenge program?

Depending on the event in which you will compete, the cost for individual packages will range from $4,000 to approximately $6,500.00.

How do I begin registering to become a member of the Ironman Executive Challenge?

Please complete the questionnaire available via the link below. Once submitted, your information will then be reviewed and evaluated. If you are selected, you will be emailed a link and special user ID and password to proceed with the registration process.

How many members will be chosen to participate at each event in the Ironman XC Series?

Each event will include approximately 12 participating members. Space is limited so we recommend submitting your application early.

What is the deadline to register for the 2010 Ironman Executive Challenge Program?

The individual event programs will close approximately 45 days prior to race day. However, we do expect the program to sell out quickly.

What happens if I have already registered for an Ironman event, but am accepted into the Ironman Executive Challenge Program?

We will confirm your race entry and reduce the program cost to encompass your original registration fees.

If I am chosen to be a program member, can my family accompany me on the trip?

Yes, most XC Series athletes will bring family members. Accommodations have been chosen based on the services they offer for athletes and their families. Additionally, the Ironman XC Team will assist your family members leading into and on race day, providing them with VIP access. This will ensure they are able to get around with ease, are located in optimal viewing areas and can be there to award you with a finisher medal once you have completed the race.

Kona Swim

If races are sold out, am I guaranteed entry through the Ironman Executive Challenge?

Yes. A certain number of slots have been reserved for events in the Ironman XC Series.

How will I know whom I will be competing against at events in the XC Series?

Participants and age groupings will be announced after registration for a particular Ironman XC event has closed.

Can I participate in more than one event in the XC Series?

Yes. Many members will compete in several, utilizing their fitness throughout event season.

What if my first full-distance Ironman race is an Ironman Executive Challenge event, am I qualified to participate in the Kona PR challenge?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. You must have completed an official full-distance Ironman event (within the 17-hour timeframe) prior to the Ironman Executive Challenge event in which you are registered. This makes you eligible for the Kona PR Challenge program.

Regarding the Kona PR Challenge, what does it mean that race locations are “handicapped?”

Each XC Series athlete (who has previously finished an official full-distance Ironman race), generally speaking, has a PR that they would like to try and improve upon. Since all courses differ in degree of difficultly, we have time adjustment calibrations for all locations to allow for a fair comparison of each athlete’s PR.

If I am participating at a 70.3 Ironman XC Series event, is a Kona PR Challenge Slot available?

Kona PR challenge slots are only available at full-distance Ironman events.

What does it mean to be awarded a Kona slot though the Ironman XC program?

Those athletes who are awarded a Kona slot must purchase a Ford Ironman World Championship package and compete for title of Ironman XC Series’ Athlete of the Year. The package details and pricing will be released in Summer 2010. The Kona package will be comparable in price and benefits to the other 2010 Ironman XC packages.

When should I plan on arriving and departing for the races within the Ironman XC Series?

For full-distance Ironman events, plan on arriving on Thursday (mid-day) for Sunday races and Wednesday (mid-day) for Saturday races. An exception to this will be the Ford Ironman World Championship, which calls for arrival on the Tuesday prior to the event. For Ironman 70.3 events, plan on arriving on two days before the race (Thursday arrival for Saturday races and Friday arrival for Sunday races). Plan on your departure day being the day after the race. For those who qualify and attend the Ford Ironman World Championship, we would recommend departure on Monday, following the event.

Upon arrival, is transportation to and from the airport provided?

Many of the Ironman Executive Challenge members prefer to rent their own vehicle. However, some packages included transportation so be sure to check each race package for details.

What are the transportation options for my bike?

There are two bike transportation options available to program members. TriBike Transport (TBT) can handle shipping of your bike via one of its various locations around the country. If TBT is not an option, then your package includes the cost to unpack, tune and repack your bike at the race site. If you do not choose to utilize TBT, the transportation of your bike to and from the venue is your responsibility.

Does the Ironman Executive Challenge program contribute to any particular charity or cause?

The Ironman Executive Challenge benefits The Ironman Foundation, which was designed to benefit a variety of charitable organizations worldwide. Since its inception in 2003, The Ironman Foundation has raised more than $2,500,000 for deserving organizations. Grants and donations have been made to groups including: St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, C Different, Pediatric Cancer Foundation, YMCA, Hospice of Kona, Hawaii, Boy Scouts of America and Habitat for Humanity, among others.

What is the payment structure for the event packages?

All Ironman XC packages require a $2,000 down payment in order to secure a race slot and accommodations, among other amenities. The remainder of the balance is due 45 days prior to event date. Registration is processed through Active.com. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted.

What if I need to cancel? Are refunds available?

These packages are booked in advance and are difficult to cancel due to pre-payment of various travel-related items, such as accommodations. Therefore, the $2,000 down payment is non-refundable and cannot be applied toward another Ironman XC Series event. In the unlikely circumstance that an Ironman XC member needs to cancel after submitting the final payment, that remaining balance may be deferred to another Ironman XC Series qualifying event. Deferral of the balance may be applied to an event later in the season or during the next calendar year. Kona slots may not be deferred. Unfortunately, no refunds are available.