The World Triathlon Corporation today announced a new program called Ironman Access that allows menbers early registration for Ironman races.
According to Ironman: "In addition to other member benefits, the program will offer advance registration for Ironman events worldwide before entries open to the general public. Membership into Ironman Access is on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once it reaches capacity."
The catch?
It cost $1000 for a one year membership but the benefits include:
*$1000.00 USD one-year membership
*Exclusive advance registration to Ironman events
*Second chance in the Ironman Lottery Program
*Two VIP passes per registered event
*Official membership ID card
*One-year subscription to LAVA Magazine
*Discounts on Ironman partner products at shopironman.com and at Ironman’s on-site event retail stores
*2010 Ford Ironman World Championship NBC broadcast DVD
However early active.com reviews of the new program are overwhelmingly negative and include coments like:
"this is such a shame...I'm sure John Collins and others that proudly started this distance and level of event never thought it would one day become the Ultra Greed event. it is just so sad"
and
"This is disgusting. The greed WTC is showing is unbelievable. I hope this falls flat on its face. The only reason I rated it one star was there was no way to give it with no stars.
"Whoever is giving WTC advice should be fired"
and
"this could be the biggest ripoff in the history of mankind. i give ironman $1000 and in return i get two chances at a lottery slot i prolly wont get and a magazine subscription...? if only i could give below a one star"
Is it worth it? That really depends on how much you want to race any given IM North American race that normally sells out in hours. On the other hand $1000 will buy you a lot of personal coaching and of course about 10 big city marathon entries.
So would you pay $1000 to early register for your next Ironman or do you feel this is the a ripoff? Please let us know your thoughts in the comment area below.
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