Details
Ironman XC Executive Challenge
The ultimate Ironman experience for the world’s top business leaders
Benefits Include:
- The opportunity to compete for a slot to the Ironman World Championship or the Ironman World Championship 70.3 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
- Venue walk-through with Pro Athletes
- Personalized registration, packet pick-up and bike check-in
- Transportation options for bike to and from race site
- Ironman XC apparel
- And much more!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why participate in the Ironman Executive Challenge Program?
The Ironman Executive Challenge, also referred to as XC, 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. Participation within Ironman XC provides a one-of a kind, unique race weekend experience for both athlete and family.
What events are included in the 2012 Ironman XC Series?
- Ironman 70.3 California (March 31, 2012) Oceanside, California
- Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas (May 19, 2012) The Woodlands, Texas
- Ironman Coeur d’Alene (June 24, 2012) Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship (July 8, 2012) Frankfurt, Germany
- Ironman Lake Placid (July 22, 2012) Lake Placid, New York
- Ironman Mont-Tremblant (August 19, 2012) Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
- *Ironman 70.3 World Championship (September 9, 2012) Henderson, Nevada
- ESi Ironman 70.3 Augusta (September 30, 2012) Augusta, Georgia
- *Ironman World Championship (October 13, 2012) Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i
- Ironman Florida (November 3, 2012) Panama City Beach, Florida
- Ironman Arizona (November 18, 2012) Tempe, Arizona
*By qualification through the Ironman Executive Challenge Series only.
Who qualifies for the Ironman Executive Challenge?
Top-level executives are eligible to apply to Ironman XC. Ironman exercises sole and absolute discretion in determining which applicants are chosen to participate within the program.
How can I apply to the Ironman Executive Challenge?
Athletes can apply by completing the application available via the link below. Once submitted, your information will then be reviewed and evaluated.
What is the deadline to apply for the 2012 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 after I apply?
All applications are thoroughly reviewed by an internal panel committee. You may receive a phone call from the Ironman XC team to further discuss your qualifications. If accepted into the XC program, you’ll be e-mailed a private registration link with instructions on how to register.
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 $4,200 USD to approximately $9,000 USD.
How many XC athletes will participate at each event?
The number of XC athletes at each event will vary, but you can expect approximately 10-18 participants. Space is limited so we recommend submitting your application early.
How will I know whom I will be competing against at events in the XC Series?
Participants and age groupings will be announced after XC registration for a particular event has closed. Announcements typically occur 45 days prior to the event date.
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 selected to participate within Ironman XC, can my family accompany me on the trip?
Yes, most XC 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.
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.
Regarding PR Challenge slots at full distance Ironman XC events, what does it mean that race locations are “handicapped?”
Since all courses differ in degree of difficultly, we have time-adjusted calibrations for all race venues to allow for a fair comparison of each athlete’s PR. Please note that handicapping of venues is only used for full distance Ironman events. Ironman 70.3 race venues will NOT be handicapped for XC purposes.
How many races must I have completed to be eligible for a PR Challenge slot?
- At full distance Ironman events - XC athletes must submit documentation displaying official finish times for two (2) full-distance Ironman events; of which one time must be a PR from an event within the past six (6) years prior to the event date.
- At Ironman 70.3 events – XC athletes must submit documentation displaying official finish times for three (3) Ironman 70.3 events; one of which is their PR.
How will improvements in PR times be calculated?
Effective January 1, 2011, all PR times will be calculated on a percentile basis.
Is there a limit to how many times an XC athlete can win PR Challenge Slots?
Effective January 1, 2011, an XC athlete can only win a PR Challenge slot one time.
What does it mean to be awarded a World Championship slot though the Ironman XC program?
Athletes who are awarded a World Championship slot through the Ironman XC program are required to participate at the World Championship in the Ironman XC format. This includes purchasing the Ironman XC World Championship package and competing for title of Ironman Executive Challenge Athlete of the Year.
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. 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.
Upon arrival, is transportation to and from the airport provided?
This will depend on which event you will be participating in. Typically, for US based events, airport transfers are not included in XC packages. However, for non-US based events airport transfers are typically included. Please be sure to check the specific benefits of your package when making travel arrangements.
What are the transportation options for my bike?
TriBike Transport (TBT) is included in each Ironman XC package. TBT can likely handle all of your bike shipping needs through its network partner shops around the country. However, in the event that TBT is not an option where you live, or if you prefer to transport your bike yourself, then the XC package includes the cost to unpack, tune and repack your bike on-site.
Does the Ironman Executive Challenge program contribute to any particular charity or cause?
The Ironman Executive Challenge benefits The Ironman Foundation a U.S registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit. Each year, Ironman reaches out to a variety of worldwide charitable organizations with efforts from The Ironman Foundation. Throughout the last several years, The Ironman Foundation has given more than $11,000,000 in grants and donations to many deserving national and local groups including Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, The Ronald McDonald House, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club and The United Way.
What is the payment structure for the event packages?
Upon acceptance, all Ironman XC packages require a $2,000 down payment in order to secure a race slot. The remainder of the package 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?
Ironman XC packages are booked well in advance and difficult to cancel due to pre-payment of various travel-related items (such as hotel/resort 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 athlete needs to cancel after paying the entire package balance, that remaining balance (package price, less deposit) 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 only. World Championship slots may not be deferred. Unfortunately, no refunds are available.
