IRONMAN Reviews 

My review for Ironman Ottawa:

I am Canadian, and I must say I am embarrassed how Canada’s capital represented IRONMAN in Canada to the rest of the world. 😳

My husband and I have travelled extensively and participated in many Ironman events. This race had, by far, the worst organization of any Ironman we have ever attended. 🤷🏼‍♀️

This year, I was there as a supporter for my husband. Where do I begin?

1. Supporters were trapped on the beach with no access to a portable toilet. When we asked if we could leave through the back, volunteers refused, saying it was reserved as an ambulance route. Only after more and more people complained did they open the gate and allow groups of about 15 people to leave at a time. Because of this my friends, his daughter and I missed Adrian’s bike start.
2. Not enough shuttle buses, resulting in extremely long waits.
3. Bike gear bags were completely disorganized. They were dumped on the wet ground without being sorted, and exhausted athletes were expected to stand in line after finishing an Ironman just to retrieve their bags.
4. The bike course roads were in poor condition, with potholes and large cracks.
5. Special needs bags were left piled on the side of the road, soaked by the rain.
6. There were no tents or sheltered areas for gear bags despite the heavy, continuous rain.
7. The awards ceremony was cancelled in the morning because of the rain, only for another announcement later saying it would take place at the Fairmont Hotel. What about the athletes who had already made travel arrangements and couldn’t stay?

Ironman Canada, please look at Ironman Wisconsin and learn from them. The difference in organization is remarkable.

Unfortunately, after this experience, I would not return.

Congratulations to every athlete who crossed the finish line despite the challenging conditions, and the ones who didn’t make it but gave it their all. You should be incredibly proud of your accomplishment.

A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who gave their time and energy under extremely difficult circumstances. You were doing your best despite what appeared to be very poor organization and leadership. Your dedication did not go unnoticed.

#ironman

Ironman.com has a massive list of games to play it’s a must see

Absolutely disgraceful experience with Duttons Ford Murray Bridge and Ironman 4x4.
This has been one of the worst experiences I've ever had with a dealership, and I genuinely regret ever buying an Ironman Deluxe Bullbar from them.
After Duttons supplied and fitted the bullbar to my Ford Ranger, I later discovered it was interfering with my vehicle's safety systems. I took it to another Ford dealership, where I was told the bullbar was not compatible with my Ranger in its current configuration. This isn't a cosmetic issue it's affecting the vehicle's safety features.
I was initially told it just needed a recalibration. Ford attempted the recalibration twice and both attempts failed. I was then referred to ADAS Solutions, who advised the issue could not be fixed. The only options were to return my Ranger to factory standard or replace the Ironman bullbar with an ARB bullbar that actually works with the vehicle's safety systems.
To make matters even worse, Duttons initially claimed this was the first time they had EVER heard of this issue. Later, their own Service Manager admitted over the phone that they were aware these bullbars can sometimes require recalibration. So which is it? You've never heard of the problem, or you already know it happens?
Instead of accepting any responsibility, all I got was excuse after excuse and everyone trying to pass the blame. No accountability. No genuine attempt to make things right. Just a dealership washing its hands of a problem after taking my money.
I paid good money expecting a professional installation, not a vehicle with compromised safety features and thousands of dollars' worth of headaches. I'm now faced with either removing the bullbar altogether or spending even more money replacing it because the product they supplied and fitted cannot be made to work properly.
I would never recommend Duttons Ford Murray Bridge or an Ironman bullbar to anyone. Save yourself the stress, wasted time, and potential safety issues. If I could go back, I would never have bought one in the first place.

Extremely Disappointing Customer Service

I am registered for both IRONMAN Helsingør and IRONMAN Copenhagen. Unfortunately, I suffered a serious shoulder injury and have dislocated my shoulder, which now requires surgery.

I informed IRONMAN about my situation a long time ago and have contacted their customer service no less than 10 times through their official channels. Despite my repeated attempts, I have not received a single response, acknowledgment, or update from anyone.

I fully understand that policies may be restrictive, but completely ignoring a paying customer who is facing a documented medical issue is unacceptable. All I have been asking for is a response and guidance regarding my options.

The lack of communication and customer support has been extremely frustrating and disappointing, especially considering the premium nature of IRONMAN events and the significant registration fees involved.

Cancelled the swim after everyone had signed their registration so no one could receive a refund even though weather reports continued to improve. The wether and sea were perfect the morning of. They blamed it on swim safety and I spoke to that team and they were just as angry it had been cancelled.

They packed up the feed stations early and volunteers left their posts so people were running around unsure of where to go. People deserve so much better than this especially when paying over the odds! You really should be ashamed.

Bought a pair of swimming shorts. Unfortunately they’d fit. Wanted return them. Used their online shop return form 3months and several tries no information. Still at the “review” stage.

Surreal - everyone signed in, ready for the start - paid the money - bought the merch (£35 for a cap)….cancel the swim and no news on how to start…as you go to bed - utter garbage

I was appalled at the amount of discarded nutrition and gel sachets on the Swansea 70.3 cycle route which I followed some of after the event. I have contacted IronMan three times about this and they havent graced me yet with a reply. I might be able to understand the handful of pro competitors shaving hundredths of seconds off their time by not stowing their litter away, but the vast majority of attendees could and should of. The Swansea route was inside the sensitive AONB, but that's beside the point. Litter should not be dropped anywhere, the cleanup was inadequate as I continue to find it nearly two weeks later. This is probably happening on every course on every event, in one kilometre of the ride I collected thirty plus pieces of nutrition and hydration litter. I would appreciate that you reply to my e-mail IRONMAN. Thanks

I attended the 70.3 race in Elsinore Denmark taking my wife and 3 kids for a long weekend, fantastic location/people and a great country to visit.

Really well organised as Ironman events are and enjoyed it thoroughly as did my family and would have been 5 stars however

My issue came up when my wife tried to find my results after using the tracker, i had become invisible and had not competed.

For some reason only known to them the open division selection means that you are not included in any results list(seriously why have it).

I have run a lot of triathlons over the years and never had this nonsense and its spoiled the experience, this is a be warned.

Their response after querying

I can see you have chosen the Open division when you register. It is a non-competitive, participatory division which is open to any athlete who cannot or does not wish to participate in a specific gender or age-group division. This means that these athletes will not be able to receive any ranking or any awards for top finishers or be eligible for a slot for the IRONMAN World Championship.

This is something we email athletes about in advance and you can change the status until the day before the race. So sadly I can't change your results anymore or get you into the ranking.

My wife jokingly called Ironman "Ironscam". Jokes not very funny anymore tho.
After training my ass off for 6 months to attempt my debut Ironman, I was extremely disspointed on race morning when the swim was cancelled and I was robbed of my ability to attempt a full Ironman. Deferal or refunds were obviously not offered.

The following day at the rolldown event, I was asked to sign up to the world championships and paid $2400AUD.
In the weeks that followed however, I realised my body wouldn't be able to handle another IM build and event so soon and so decided to withdraw.
Upon contacting IM and pleading my case, they referred to the T&Cs and offered me a pathetic $600 refund with no option to defer to an alternative ever. Pocketing $1800 of my money whilst giving me absolutely nothing in return...other than resentment.

Now, one could easily argue "that was the T&Cs" and you'd be correct. But it no less left me feeling completely robbed by this company.
I would have loved to have competed in more IM events, but this experience has made really turned me off. The customer service was repugnant and the company clearly couldn’t care less about the amateur athletes.

I do know people who have had great experiences with IM. However I will definitely be supporting alternative long distance triathlon organisations from now on.

Great organization and event.

Changed the date of my event last minute and I could no longer make their new date. Did not refund me. Waste of hundreds.

I had planned to complete a few of these and now I refuse to take part.

Beware of FRAUD when purchasing items at premium prices when signing up and paying for Ironman online at IRONMAN official website.

Short version:

I signed up for Ironman 70.3 at Elsinore in 2024. At the checkout I was offered a duffle bag at a premium price (€21). I took the offer and paid for the ticket and bag.

Never received the bag.

At the Ironman raceday in Elsinore staff kept telling me to go to other staff and ask them for the bag. The Ironman store did have the bags at the pop-up store in Elsinore, but they refused to hand them over to customers that have made use of the premium offer like I did.

When mailing to Ironman they initially didn’t answer. After weeks of wait and several mails they finally answered and said I needed to contact another Ironman official. The next official pointed me in direction of another official and so on. Finally I had enough and made sure I informed them about my complaint. Then I was refunded the premium price I’ve paid and was informed I could purchase the bag at the full price if I wanted it. However they told me they didn’t have the bag in stock. I’ve checked their EU website several times and it clearly says “IN STOCK” sale price is €80 regular is €160.

I reached out to get a voucher to be able to buy the bag again at the premium price, but they replied that they didn’t want to sell the bag at that price but I could purchase it at the price mentioned on the website.

What a scam.

I haven't attended the event yet, but the Ironman Store is an absolute mess and a show. After two months and weekly emails inquiring about my order, I finally asked to cancel and refund it. Huge disappointment and it should be a major embarrassment. I expected them to contact the warehouse and offer to ship it overnight (you would think they want to keep the business and order?) but instead they just said, "Okay, it will take 2 days to hit the card." Apparently this store is doing you a favor when you do business with them. Taking my business local now.

The Woodlands neighborhood is being destroyed by the Iron Man race, which is the only source of income for locals. It also causes traffic and business to suffer. disregarding the residents and employees of The Woodlands, who work alongside The Woodlands Parkway and Lake Woodlands, the area's busiest thoroughfares. The police officers' attention is solely focused on the race, with little regard for the traffic that clogs the neighborhood and damages nearby homes and businesses. They ought to be banned from The Woodlands area.

My partner has been diagnosed with cancer and has asked to defer her Ironman Jesolo 70.3 entry to next year. Ironman Europe say "not their policy" and basically tough luck. She can only transfer to another race in 2024. So...we will ask the cancer if its planning to be gone by then!!! Shameless and heartless CORPORATION. All about the money. Athlete welfare way, way down the list. Be warned, and stay healthy people.

Do not reserve a race with Flex90. Ironman doesn't monitor the inboxes for races so I've sent several emails over the course of 4 weeks with no response. I can't transfer out of the race I originally signed up for.

Over the years of participating in Ironman events I have come to realize they are all about making money and don’t care about the athletes. The entry fee used to be 500 bucks for a full distance race, now it is $1100.
Not only do they cheap out on athlete swag bags , there is literally nothing else in the bag. What does 1100 get you ? A cheap bag from china that cost them Pennie’s on the dollar and nothing else. There isn’t even athlete dinners anymore , blame Covid but that has come and gone.
Ironman tremblant used to have fighter jets and a canon go off at the beginning of the race , this last past year they didn’t even have a horn. The officials were inexperienced and lacked communication. I can’t knock the volunteers because they are just that but the organization could have held group meetings to go over certain situations that could arise.
I had a mechanical issue that could have been resolved had the mechanic in the village installed my tire correctly the day before the race. Ironman tried to blame me and tried to say that the issue of humidity would have affected many other athletes alike. My tire was rubbing aggressively against my frame when climbing. Even though I explained to them my tire installed was
A 25mm not a 23mm. Had the mechanic adjusted the two screws where the rear skewer sits the issue wouldn’t have happened. Again pointing the blame elsewhere. Well guess what ? You guys hired this company to look after the bikes.
Very frustrated with the Ironman brand and unfortunately am turned away from the races going forward.

A terrible business that is only interested in making money and providing zero customer satisfaction. Shockingly bad.

Just like many other participants I have already put out an enormous amount of money to compete in the Ironman Atlantic City in September. I paid in full almost $700 with all the extra packages they offer at checkout. This will be my first Ironman and I’ve been wanting to participate in one since I turned 18, I’m now 40. Just over 4 weeks away I get an email saying that I owe an additional $450 dollars for picture package. I signed up in December of 2022 and they wait till now. They also don’t tell you when you sign up that there will be additional charges. In any event I’ve ever entered I’ve never had to pay almost double for pictures then the actual entree for the event. It is disheartening and misleading that they do this. So now I either lose out on my $150 or pay the $450 additional when I was never informed that it was going to be that much in the first place. The full price needs to be available at the time of registration. Whatever price is listed that should be the amount you pay. It is horrible that just over 4 weeks away I get an additional bill for $450. Nirvana Europe is the company that does the pictures but ironman is responsible for Nirvana’s shady money scam technique. Lesson learned don’t buy anything extra when checking out from registration. Sign up for the event and that’s it.