RACE FOR CHANGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Overview

In 2020, with the mission to ensure equity for athletes and first-time hopefuls in the sport of triathlon and the communities where they live, train and race, The IRONMAN Foundation and The IRONMAN Group launched the Race For Change program with an initial pledge of $1 million of support. Now entering its fifth year, the program is expanding to greater serve diverse communities and provide opportunities to more athletes.

The IRONMAN Foundation champions inclusion efforts that proactively remove participation barriers. Our Race For Change scholarships welcome individuals to endurance sports no matter their race, gender, physical or mental abilities, socioeconomic status, and more. We provide grants and support to help challenged individuals who aspire to race, providing the opportunity for them to prove Anything Is Possible.

Over the course of the Scholarship program, recipient athletes will be provided with the following:

  • Coaching from an IRONMAN U Certified Triathlon Coach (March through the participation in their first 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 race)
  • One (1) 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 relay race entry within North America to complete a relay with their fellow Scholarship recipients (such race to be mutually agreed upon with The IRONMAN Foundation)
  • One (1) age group entry for a 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 race within North America (such race to be mutually agreed upon with The IRONMAN Foundation)
  • Travel, lodging, and meal per diem for both 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 race events stated above
  • Training and racing gear, which may include one or more of the following*:
    • HOKA Running Sneakers
    • Santini TEAM IMF racing kits
    • ROKA Wetsuit
    • ROKA Swim Googles
    • Bike
    • Bike Helmet
    • Bike Peddles
    • Bike Shoes
    • Triathlon technology items (e.g., Fitness watch, Bike computer, etc.)
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Additionally, Race For Change Scholarship recipients will also receive the following benefits:

  • Access to The IRONMAN Foundation’s TEAM IMF network of athletes
  • Invitation to participate in exclusive in-person and virtual events throughout the year
  • One (1) age group entry for a 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 or IRONMAN race within North America (such race to be mutually agreed upon with The IRONMAN Foundation; travel, lodging, and meal per diem not included)

*Note: Triathlon training and racing gear needs will be determined on an individual basis for each recipient, taking into consideration their personal and financial needs. The extent of gear provided may vary among recipients based on these factors.

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Applicants must:

  • Complete and submit an application
  • Not have participated in a prior IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3 (excluding participating as part of an IRONMAN 70.3 relay team member)
  • Be committed to participating in a training schedule and to completing an IRONMAN 70.3 race in 2025 or 2026
  • Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the continental United States
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Demonstrate financial need*

*Financial needs are determined by the applicant’s household income in association with federal poverty guidelines.

The IRONMAN Foundation will lead the process for receiving and reviewing applications. All information contained in the scholarship application will remain confidential. The Foundation will review application details to determine the candidates which best fit the Scholarship criteria. Few candidates will be named as recipients of the Scholarship throughout the year as applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. Such recipients will be notified in the month following their application submission date via email.  Scholarships are granted for the 2025 IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 North America race season.

The IRONMAN Foundation believes that a sense of ownership and pride will be developed when Race For Change Scholarship recipients embrace and fulfill milestones and deliverables throughout their Scholarship period. Therefore, all Scholarship recipients will be required to provide regular training and progress updates, accompanied by photo and video content. Additionally, active participation in regular virtual meet ups with fellow Scholarship recipients and attendance at select on-site events, as applicable, are expected as part of the Scholarship commitment.

If selected as a Scholarship recipient, you acknowledge that you may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped in connection with the Scholarship, and hereby grant The IRONMAN Foundation the absolute right and permission to use your likeness and voice for any promotional, publicity, marketing, and/or organizational purposes. Further, you understand that you are expected to represent The IRONMAN Foundation in a professional manner and according to The IRONMAN Foundation’s then-applicable policies. You understand and agree that any conduct during the Scholarship, including but not limited to actions on social media, inconsistent with The IRONMAN Foundation’s mission and values, may result in the rescinding of the Scholarship award.

  • Applications Submitted: Once Per Year
  • Applications Reviewed: Monthly Basis
  • Race For Change Scholarships Extended: Month Following Submission Date
  • 2025 Race For Change Scholarship Program Begins: February 1
  • 2025 Race For Change Scholarship Program Ends: When recipient completes their complimentary 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 race

*Dates anticipated and subject to change. 

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