OPERATION GOLD STAR

Overview

Operation Gold Star gives active-duty military and veterans the chance to team up and honor a Gold Star Family at select IRONMAN 70.3 events by carrying the American Flag during the run portion of the race.  

Operation Gold Star Athletes

Currently, applications are only being accepted from active-duty military and United States Military veterans. The IRONMAN Foundation will select 6-10 athletes per race to participate as a Gold Star Athlete.  Athletes will complete the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and finish with the 13.1 run carrying the American flag.

2024 Operation Gold Star Schedule

  • IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder- 6/8/2024 (Applications are closed)
  • IRONMAN 70.3 Louisville- 8/18/2024 (Applications are closed)
  • Opportunity to run with the American flag  
  • Recognition at swim start & finish line 
  • Invitation to IRONMAN Foundation events on-site and service projects (if applicable)
  • IMF T- Shirt 
  • IMF Hat 
  • IMF Gold swim cap 
  • IMF will provide the American Flag  
  • Custom IMF Santini kit 
  • Low bib number and bike racking with other TEAM IMF athletes  
  • If selected, complete agreement and waivers. 
  • Agree to fundraise $1,350 if you have a race entry, or $1,850 if you need a race entry. 
  • Set up custom fundraising page (IMF to provide)
  • Carry the flag during the run portion of the event  
  • Media interviews (if comfortable) 
  • Engage in race weekend activities 
  • Apply with a Gold Star Family in mind 
  • Applications are currently closed for 2024.

Contact the IRONMAN Foundation at athletesupport@ironmanfoundation.org.

Contact the IRONMAN Foundation at athletesupport@ironmanfoundation.org.

  • This is the first year the IRONMAN Foundation is allowing more than one athlete to represent as an Operation Gold Star Athlete at the following events 
  • Gold Star Families are invited to attend
  • Flags will be placed at your bike in transition ready for you to grab on your way out to the run course 
  • Athletes have the opportunity to present the flag to the family should they attend outside of the finish line chute

Contact the IRONMAN Foundation at athletesupport@ironmanfoundation.org.

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Contact Us

The IRONMAN Foundation
3407 W Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Suite 100
Tampa FL, 33607

813-868-5940

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