what is an ironman

An Ironman is a long-distance triathlon race organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. The full event consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run, all to be completed in a time limit of 17 hours with cut off times for each leg. Participants who finish within the time parameters achieve the prestigious title of Ironman. The term Ironman has now become synonymous with races of this distance. The first-ever Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon was held on February 18, 1978, and was the brainchild of Judy and John Collins. The name Ironman is said to have been derived from a statement made regarding the winner of what was clearly going to be a grueling triathlon race: “Whoever finishes first, we shall call him the Iron Man” . Today, hundreds of thousands of triathletes from around the world have challenged themselves to prove to friends, loved ones, and even just themselves that "Anything is Possible".