10IronWomen is a community dedicated to increasing womens participation in triathlons and especially long distance triathlons.
With women making up only around 12% of competitors in these grueling endurance events, their mission is to break down barriers, build confidence, and support more women in their journey crossing the finish line. What started as a small group of determined athletes has now grown into a global movement of inspiring, supportive, and ambitious women.
The start of a powerful community of women in triathlon
10IronWomen (10IW) started as 10 friends training for an Ironman. They wanted to be a team, to take on the journey together, and that’s why they gave themsleves a name.
"After completing Ironman Barcelona in 2019, we began receiving messages from women telling us how inspired they felt watching our journey, and that they, too, wanted to take on an Ironman." Said Elena, one of the original team members.
This was the turning point - 10IronWomen evolved from a team of 10 into a growing community.
They opened 10IW up as a community for two key reasons:
Encouraging Participation of Women in Triathlon over the Long-Distance Events – They saw firsthand how few women were participating in triathlon but especifically in long distance triathlon (only about 12%) and wanted to change that. "We believed that if we, ordinary women, could do it, then others could too." Their goal was to inspire and empower more women to take on the challenge and increase female representation at the start line.
The Power of Collective Support – Training for an Ironman is tough, but the team knew that having a group around you makes all the difference. They wanted to extend this support system beyond just our group, creating a space where women could train, learn, and grow together. "Community makes the journey more enjoyable, helps overcome obstacles, and reinforces the belief that we are stronger together." the team explained.
Women In Triathlon - The Mission
At 10IronWomen, the aim is to:
Inspire women to take on triathlon and specifically long distance triathlon and one day get to a 50:50 gender split
Support women in their triathlon journey
Foster a supportive, empowering community where women lift each other up
From Zero Experience to World Championships
Many of the team in 10IronWomen started triathlon as complete beginners, never imagining they'd one day race on the world’s biggest stage.
Yet, in 2023, over 50 of the community members took on Ironman Barcelona, with many qualifying for the 2024 Ironman World Championships in Nice.
The journey to the World Championships isn’t easy, it’s filled with self-doubt, injuries, and the challenge of balancing training with everyday life. But through perseverance and the power of community, they've proven that transformation is possible.
Top tips for perseverance:
Trust the process: have a training plan and remember consistency pays off
Lean on your community: having a support system makes the hard days easier
Enjoy the journey: it is not just the finish line that matter, enjoy the training and the journey to get there
The Ironman World Championships Experience
"Qualifying for the Ironman World Championships is a dream for many triathletes.
For those of us who made it, it was an unforgettable experience - standing at the start line, racing alongside the world’s best, and feeling the sheer joy of crossing the finish line. Ironman knows how to make athletes feel like stars, and racing in an all-women’s event made it even more special.
Last year, 10IronWomen was the third-largest club at the Ironman World Championships - and the only one made up entirely of athletes rather than a brand. That sense of community, empowerment, and shared achievement is what makes our journey so extraordinary."
Elena, OG founder.
"We may be racing our own individual races, but we race together. Seeing other 10IronWomen out on the course, cheering each other on, and feeling the energy of our incredible supporters made the experience truly special. Being part of this community reminds you that you're never alone—it's not just about your own journey, but about all of us, lifting each other up and rooting for one another every step of the way."
10IronWomen Athlete.
How 10IronWomen is Helping More Women Qualify for Kona
Their mission isn’t about getting women to qualify for the Ironman World Championships, but they do want to see more women taking on the challenge.
"When someone earns a spot - whether through qualification or a roll-down - we say: if you have the chance, do it (if you can)!"
"One of the biggest barriers to competing in the Ironman World Championships is cost. Race entry alone is expensive, and when you add travel, accommodation, and time off work, it becomes out of reach for many, especially for women, given the ongoing gender pay gap." Elena said.
For decades, the World Championships were held in Kona, Hawaii, with men and women racing together. Now, Ironman has introduced a separate women’s and men’s race, alternating locations each year between Kona and Nice, France. This change has sparked debate, with both supporters and critics.
"As someone who raced in Nice last year, I can say that having a European location made the event far more accessible. If I had qualified for Kona, I probably wouldn’t have been able to afford it but Nice made my World Championship dream a reality."
By racing on the world stage, 10IronWomen are proving that women belong here.
"Visibility matters. When more women see others competing, it breaks down the belief that Ironman is only for the elite few. “You can’t be what you can’t see,” and by showing up, we hope to inspire more women to dream big, train hard, and take their place at the start line."
