IRONMAN has launched a five-week-long IRONMAN VR Kona Series that will take athletes on a training journey that culminates in a virtual full-distance IRONMAN race. This will be held as part of a week-long 2020 IRONMAN VR World Championship celebration.

Athletes will have the ability to virtually complete 140.6-miles in either seven-day, three-day or traditional 17-hour formats and the series kicks off September 4 running through to October 11.
 
Despite the cancellation of the 2020 edition of the IRONMAN World Championship, the triathlon community around the world will be honoured as they come together virtually to celebrate their achievements, triathlon’s crown jewel event, and all those who have contributed to the prestige over 42 years.

With a binding theme of E Ola Mau, meaning ‘Keep on Living’, the five-week VR Kona Series followed by a week-long series of activities, will celebrate Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i and the IRONMAN World Championship through athletic participation, storytelling and community moments.
 
It will be focussed on five key training elements athletes focus on in preparation for a full distance triathlon: Speed, Strength, Knowledge, Endurance, and Preparation.

At the end of the training block, and anchoring the 2020 IRONMAN VR World Championship Celebration week, will be the IRONMAN Virtual Club first full-distance IRONMAN triathlon virtual race, available to be completed over a seven-day, three-day or 17-hour timeframe.

Athletes that participate will have access to an exclusive finisher bundle that includes a finisher tee, hat and medals, including a five-piece medal set that brings together the elements of the training block, representing E Ola Mau and the IRONMAN spirit of perseverance. 

The 2020 IRONMAN VR World Championship Celebration will feature a week of programing broadcasted on the IRONMAN Now Facebook Watch page.

Race week hallmarks, including the E Komo Mai Welcome Ceremony, Ho‘ala Swim celebration, Underpants Run and Heroes of Hawai`i cultural performance, as well as live racing competitions, professional athlete features and retrospectives will virtually come to life for a global audience through the live daily show.

The programme will be hosted by Michael Lovato, Dede Griesbauer and Greg Welch and will also feature special guests including IRONMAN legends, professional athletes and Master Coaches.

Full details and specifics regarding the IRONMAN Virtual Racing Championship Series as well as IRONMAN Virtual Club are available on www.ironmanvirtualclub.com.

For questions about the IRONMAN Virtual Racing Series, athletes can email ironmanvr@ironman.com.

For more information on the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit www.ironman.com. Media related inquiries may be directed to press@ironman.com.