Ironman as we know it today was conceived in 1977. A US Navy Commander named John Collins made a suggestion that a long distance race be run to settle a debate over who is the most fit. Is it swimmers? cyclists? or runners?
The first race was in Waikiki, not Kona as it is today (It was moved to the lava fields of Kona in 1981). It was held on February 18, 1978. (James was 3 1/2 years old!) The 15 athletes were each given a 3 page list of rules and course description. At the bottom of the last page was written "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life!" This is now a registered trademark of the Ironman.
The Ironman name comes from a quote made by Collins. He stated "Whoever finishes first, we'll call him the Iron Man!"
The first winner of the Ironman, Gordon Haller, finished the course in 11 hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds. The 2010 male winner finished in 8 hours, 10 minutes and 37 seconds. The female winner finished in 8 hours 58 minutes and 38 seconds!
To see how much the Ironman has advanced in over 30 years, in 2010, the fastest male in the 65-69 age group beat the original Ironman's time by almost 10 minutes!
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