According to a survey by The Active Network, Inc., over 90% of triathletes plan to participate in a triathlon event in 2011 with 32% indicating they plan on participating in five or more triathlons in 2011.

The survey of 1,560 triathletes was recruited exclusively from Active Network's Active Lifestyle Panel. Active Network a provider of sports registration software for endurance events and organizations in North America.

Additional key findings from the Active Lifestyle Panel include:

  • Triathletes spend to support their passion: Regardless of income level, the average triathlete surveyed spent $2,135 in 2010 on gear alone to support their event participation and training (excluding travel or event entry fees).
  • Triathletes are affluent and educated: The average age of triathletes surveyed was 40 years old, with close to half earning an annual income of over $100K. Education levels are high as well with 40% having a college degree and over 40% having a post graduate degree.
  • Triathletes make time for training: Despite professional demands, 50% of triathletes surveyed train for 10-15 hours a week with 33% indicating they train for three to four months leading up to an event.

“We continue to see an increase in demand for Ironman and 70.3 events globally,” said Jessica Weidensall, spokesperson from World Triathlon Corporation. “Each year, more than 160,000 athletes attempt to earn coveted slots to the Ford Ironman World Championship and Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3. We expect to see even more growth across all brands as we offer new, exciting opportunities in the sport.”

In addition, the Active Lifestyle Panel (which recruits exclusively from Active.com's family of media properties) revealed that regardless of distance, the number one motivator for competing in a triathlon was to accomplish a personal challenge, followed by staying in shape and enjoying the training journey.

“Having witnessed over 200,000 individuals cross the finish line at Ironman events around the world, the sport of triathlon is not just about the physical transformation, but an emotional journey. For many participants, finishing any triathlon represents a huge lifetime milestone,” explained Mike Reilly, the voice of Ironman and vice president at Active Network.

Active Network also noted that data provided by the World Triathlon Corporation shows that the number of Ironman events being offered around the world continues to rise. In 2006, when Ironman 70.3 was launched, there were 17 events worldwide. Today that number has grown to 42 Ironman 70.3 events spanning 22 countries.