Ironman released its 2025 Global Participation data, showing strong gains among those under 30 and among women overall. Registrations for Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races grew 10 percent year-over-year (YoY) to over 250,000.

While the 30 to 34 age group remains the largest category for Ironman for the second consecutive year, race participation among those under 30 grew by 35 percent.

The company’s data also found that the number of first-time race participants under age 30 more than doubled since 2019, with full-distance Ironman races seeing a 46 percent increase from the demographic since last year.

The youth movement was prominent among women ages 25 to 29, with nearly 44 percent YoY growth, as part of a 9 percent YOY increase in female athletes overall.

Female participation in Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races continues to grow, with 2025 marking the strongest year to date: nearly 49,500 women signed up to compete in the Ironman or Ironman 70.3 triathlon — 22.5 percent of the global athlete community. The number also reflects a 7 percent YoY increase, the second highest on record (the first being 2019).

Women comprise 17 percent of athletes participating in Ironman events (a 10 percent YoY increase) and 25 percent of Ironman 70.3 athletes (up 5.4 percent YoY), with early 2026 trends also indicating that over a quarter of Ironman 70.3 participants will be women.

Aligning with global trends, Ironman reported that younger women are joining the sport in record numbers, with registrations for women under 30 surging by 36 percent in 2025, and for the first time, the average age of female athletes dropped below 40.

In North America, Ironman said the sport is gaining momentum, with new events in 2025 including Rockford, IL; Boise, ID; and Ottawa, Canada, and new events for 2026 in Ruidoso, NM; Omaha, NE; Dallas, TX; and Jacksonville, FL.

As more younger athletes begin competing in triathlons and long-course racing, the average age of participants has been decreasing, with the Ironman average age dropping from 42.5 to 40 and the Ironman 70.3 average from 41 to 39. The 18 to 29 age group is especially strong, showing a 23 percent increase in Ironman events and a 29 percent increase in Ironman 70.3.

Image courtesy Ironman