Comment

Comment by Brian McCarrie on October 28, 2010 at 3:15pm

Glad they shut it down but speaking of the Leadville 100. They have program like this through Carmichael Training Systems. Friend of mine put his name in for the Leadville 100, he was notified that he didn't make the lottery but soon after, he was contacted by CTS telling him that if he signed up for their Leadville 100 training program (I think the cost may have been $1,500) that he was guaranteed entry. Not exactly the same thing but enough to put a bad taste in his mouth for the event.

Comment by Pikes Peak Sports on October 28, 2010 at 2:49pm

WOW! Good for the president for shutting down a bad idea. These days it's hard to begrudge anyone trying to make a buck, but this idea sucked - and could have set a bad precedent.

Comment by Nicole Odell on October 28, 2010 at 1:59pm

Exactly. And the President of WTC/Ironman listended to the people and has actually just rescinded the Ironman Access program and will refund $ to those who already signed up. I'm glad they listened to the masses.

Comment by Pikes Peak Sports on October 28, 2010 at 1:44pm

So you pay the $1,000 and improve your chances of getting into the high-profile events?
I'm no Ironman. I'll never do an Ironman event. But could you imagine: Pay $1,000, get exlusive advance registration to Boston Marathon? Or, for an extra $500, we'll guarantee your entry in the Leadville 100?
Not good. And the $1,000 fee means Ironman events are now farther out of reach for folks with less income, college students ... etc. Seems as if there will be some highly qualified and competitive athletes who will not get into these races because the entries have already been purchased.

Comment by Nicole Odell on October 28, 2010 at 10:15am

well, this was announced yesterday (I posted it last night on my neoendurance.blogspot.com blog). Ironman posted their response on their facebook page this morning. Lots of discussion going on out there!