Running in Ironman Triathlon

The Ironman triathlon is a multi-sport event consisting of 3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling, and 42.195 km running performed in this sequence. The order of the disciplines has an impact on the performance in the running split (i.e., the marathon). The cycling split seems to be the Ironman triathlon discipline that most improved overall race times during the last years and is also the discipline with the greatest influence on the overall race time of elite men and women in the Ironman World Championship, the “Ironman Hawaii.” Regarding race tactics in an Ironman triathlon, athletes should focus on saving energy during swimming and cycling for the running split (i.e., the marathon). In order to achieve the optimum performance in an Ironman triathlon, the athlete should specifically prepare for the race regarding training, mental preparation, and nutrition. Also, previous experience is of importance. Anthropometric characteristics (e.g., low body fat) are important for overall race time and the marathon split, especially in male Ironman triathletes. Individual marathon time is important for a fast Ironman race time and a faster running split