Updated eligibility criteria for the "Elite" category at IRONSTAR sports festivals in 2025.
Dear participants of the IRONSTAR triathlon competitions! Since 2019, we have introduced a special Elite category for the strongest athletes at our events. Our goal is to provide every participant with the chance to compete fairly and ensure the safety of all athletes.
As the world of sports evolves and triathletes continue to grow stronger and more resilient, we annually update the criteria for getting into the Elite category.
We are pleased to present the updated conditions for qualifying for the Elite category at the 2024 IRONSTAR Sports festivals.
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THE «ELITE» CATEGORY
METHOD 1: AUTOMATIC SELECTION
The selection process for the Elite category is automatic. The system reviews each participant’s performance history at IRONSTAR competitions over the past three seasons and assigns the Elite status if the standards are met.
Standards for the Elite category in 2024
These standards are based on the norms of the Unified All-Russian Sports Classification for triathlon, corresponding to the first sports category and above. The specific terrain and distance length at each competition location are also taken into account.
Distance 226:
Men: faster than 9:50:00
Women: faster than 11:40:00
Distance 113:
Men: faster than 4:25:00
Women: faster than 5:05:00
Olympic Distance:
Men: faster than 2:10:00
Women: faster than 2:25:00
Distance 1/4:
Men: faster than 2:10:00
Women: faster than 2:25:00
Sprint Distance:
Men: faster than 1:06:00
Women: faster than 1:14:00
Distance 1/8:
Men: faster than 1:00:00
Women: faster than 1:08:00
To obtain the Elite status, it is sufficient to achieve a result on any official distance that exceeds the established qualifying standard (i.e., to finish faster than the required time). This status is personal and applies to all distances without exception. For example, an athlete who meets the standard at the Olympic distance retains their elite status when participating in 226 km races or any other distances.
Please note that results from races where the distance was shortened due to adverse weather conditions will not be counted toward the list of events used for category qualification.
2022
❌ IRONSTAR OLYMPIC ANAPA 2022
❌ IRONSTAR SPRINT SOCHI СИРИУС 2022
❌ IRONSTAR SPRINT KALININGRAD 2022
2021
❌ IRONSTAR 113 KALININGRAD 2021
❌ IRONSTAR SPRINT KALININGRAD 2021
2020
❌ IRONSTAR 113 KALININGRAD 2020
❌ IRONSTAR SPRINT KALININGRAD 2020
❌ IRONSTAR OLYMPIC SOCHI 2020
Furthermore, results from races will not be eligible for the "elite" category if the distance was shortened, one of the triathlon segments was entirely cancelled, or any other alterations occurred that render the result incomparable to those achieved in other events.
METHOD 2: PRO ATHLETE LICENSE
A PRO athlete is a participant who holds a professional license, issued to participate in official triathlon sports competitions.
METHOD 3: MANUAL APPLICATION
In addition to IRONSTAR competitions, results from other international and national competitions are also considered. To apply, you must submit a request via the feedback form on the IRONSTAR website. Specify the question type as «Elite category».
In your message, include:
Your full name
The IRONSTAR race you plan to participate in and your starting number
A link to your result in other competitions (the result must meet the standards, otherwise, the application will be rejected
Applications must be submitted two weeks before the competition. Late applications will be rejected.
HOW TO CHECK IF YOU HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE ELITE CATEGORY
You can check if you have been assigned the Elite status on the competition page on the IRONSTAR website. In the start lists, participants with the Elite status will have the ELITE label next to their names.
HOW LONG DOES THE «ELITE» STATUS VALID
The Elite status is valid indefinitely, provided you continue to meet the standards. If the standards become stricter, you may lose your Elite status.
