Ironman will adopt the "age up" rule starting in 2009 to establish consistency among Ironman events around the globe, according to Ironman officials. The new rule will be incorporated into all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events.
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Starting in 2009, the Ford Ironman World Championship and all qualifying events will implement both the International Triathlon Federation and USA Triathlon’s Age Group Competition rule, which states that “All age group athletes must participate and compete in the age group division corresponding to the athlete’s age on December 31 of the year of the event.”
“We are adopting the rule to provide consistency internationally,” says Ben Fertic, the president of Ironman. “Our adoption of the ITU’s 'Age Up' rule will establish a common thread and consistency among Ironman events around the globe.”
The adoption of the rule will also ensure that athletes will compete in the same age category throughout any given race year.