I would rather race Challenge Roth than Kona again. Roth was my redemption after a bad Kona. It was a better overall experience and half the price, even though I had to travel further for it!
Thank you for your views, your advocacy and your wisdom. I'm hugely disappointed with the news and I think you're right that the squeaky wheels will be the loudest with this news.
I raced Kona in 2023 and it was EPIC. It was a week long celebration of women. The pros admitted that beforehand they were sceptical but afterwards they were converted. They loved it. And didn't want to go back.
Those same pros are now gushing about the decision. All the piece to camera insta posts feel soooo contrived and almost scripted.
I also think Ironman, as an American company, just doesn't understand the impact of only hosting the WCs in the US, and Hawaii specifically. It's prohibitively expensive to get there (if you're not in the states). It's ridiculously expensive to stay there. It's stupidly expensive to buy things. The exchange rate fluctuations don't affect Americans, but the rest of the world is impacted. I paid for my Kona race entry in 2021 when it was NZD 1400. With the increased price and exchange rate, in 2024 that same race would cost me NZD 2500. How is that fair and equitable? Regardless of gender?
Kelly, I'd really love to see a discussion of a women only triathlon race brand. Why are we even arguing with white men about this disparity again. I'm an executive in higher ed but would love to be a part of something for and by women in triathlon. I grew up in San Jose, CA in the 80's as a lifeguard for the Danskin races. We need our own org and I would love to help build it. I know women from all over this country who would join the cause. Maybe fiesty should hold a zoom call and see who shows up? Ironman needs our dollars and spending power. Let's hit them in the bank account and boycott 2026. Amateurs can do that, I know the pros cannot as it is their livelihood.
I am so angered by this. I have the original 50 to Kona pin from that movement. Here I thought women were finally being taken seriously then the white male patriarchy says no, women, we don't want you in our sport. I live in LA. Do you know the male to female cyclist ratio? 90/10. Where are the women riding? At home on trainers because these men play chicken on roads throughout LA. Do you know how many times I have had to swerve not to be hit? EVERY RIDE FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. Kelly, this piece is the most important you have written. The white male echo chamber of ironman is real. White male fragility is also real.
“That’s not the job of a CEO, to implement poll results. If that’s all you want to do, then you certainly don’t need to pay an executive. Just hire a junior account manager to send out some SurveyMonkeys and be done with it.”
I will never give them my money again. I am headed to Kona for vacation on Saturday as I do every year. I will ride the queen k and swim with the fish for free. Also, i can run as i chose and it will cost zero dollars. Women need to start our own competing triathlong organization. I will give money to the start up. I am still mad about what Ironman did to Beth McKenzie (Gerdes). Thankfully she is living her best life and killing it with WYN. Man I am fired up in LA today!
I’m legitimately wondering about the impact upon the Pro Women on a One Day, All Genders, Race Ranger ruled championship race. 🤔
I would rather race Challenge Roth than Kona again. Roth was my redemption after a bad Kona. It was a better overall experience and half the price, even though I had to travel further for it!
Thank you for your views, your advocacy and your wisdom. I'm hugely disappointed with the news and I think you're right that the squeaky wheels will be the loudest with this news.
I raced Kona in 2023 and it was EPIC. It was a week long celebration of women. The pros admitted that beforehand they were sceptical but afterwards they were converted. They loved it. And didn't want to go back.
Those same pros are now gushing about the decision. All the piece to camera insta posts feel soooo contrived and almost scripted.
I also think Ironman, as an American company, just doesn't understand the impact of only hosting the WCs in the US, and Hawaii specifically. It's prohibitively expensive to get there (if you're not in the states). It's ridiculously expensive to stay there. It's stupidly expensive to buy things. The exchange rate fluctuations don't affect Americans, but the rest of the world is impacted. I paid for my Kona race entry in 2021 when it was NZD 1400. With the increased price and exchange rate, in 2024 that same race would cost me NZD 2500. How is that fair and equitable? Regardless of gender?
Kelly, I'd really love to see a discussion of a women only triathlon race brand. Why are we even arguing with white men about this disparity again. I'm an executive in higher ed but would love to be a part of something for and by women in triathlon. I grew up in San Jose, CA in the 80's as a lifeguard for the Danskin races. We need our own org and I would love to help build it. I know women from all over this country who would join the cause. Maybe fiesty should hold a zoom call and see who shows up? Ironman needs our dollars and spending power. Let's hit them in the bank account and boycott 2026. Amateurs can do that, I know the pros cannot as it is their livelihood.
I am so angered by this. I have the original 50 to Kona pin from that movement. Here I thought women were finally being taken seriously then the white male patriarchy says no, women, we don't want you in our sport. I live in LA. Do you know the male to female cyclist ratio? 90/10. Where are the women riding? At home on trainers because these men play chicken on roads throughout LA. Do you know how many times I have had to swerve not to be hit? EVERY RIDE FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. Kelly, this piece is the most important you have written. The white male echo chamber of ironman is real. White male fragility is also real.
“That’s not the job of a CEO, to implement poll results. If that’s all you want to do, then you certainly don’t need to pay an executive. Just hire a junior account manager to send out some SurveyMonkeys and be done with it.”
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
And just like that my training plans just changed…
Hugely disappointing. Thankfully this type of thinking and logic has me feeling more and more likely to
Not return to ironman ever.
I will never give them my money again. I am headed to Kona for vacation on Saturday as I do every year. I will ride the queen k and swim with the fish for free. Also, i can run as i chose and it will cost zero dollars. Women need to start our own competing triathlong organization. I will give money to the start up. I am still mad about what Ironman did to Beth McKenzie (Gerdes). Thankfully she is living her best life and killing it with WYN. Man I am fired up in LA today!
How do we start our own women run ironman on the island :) I think we could probably make a casual self supported race happen