SAN DIEGO, CA – September 21, 2010– With the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, less than a month away, The Active Network, Inc.,(Active Network) a technology and media company, today announced the results of a new survey focused on the motivators and behaviors of triathletes.
The survey of 1,560 triathletes, recruited exclusively from Active Network’s Active Lifestyle Panel, reveals that once someone participates in a triathlon they are hooked on the sport. In fact, over 90 percent of those surveyed plan to participate in a triathlon event in 2011 with 32 percent indicating they plan on participating in five or more triathlons in 2011.
Data provided by the World Triathlon Corporation shows that the number of Ironman events being offered around the world continues to rise. In 2006, when Ironman 70.3 was launched, there were 17 events worldwide. Today that number has grown to 42 Ironman 70.3 events spanning 22 countries.
"We continue to see an increase in demand for Ironman and 70.3 events globally," said Jessica Weidensall, spokesperson from World Triathlon Corporation. "Each year, more than 160,000 athletes attempt to earn coveted slots to the Ford Ironman World Championship and Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3. We expect to see even more growth across all brands as we offer new, exciting opportunities in the sport."
Additional key findings from the Active Lifestyle Panel include:
- Triathletes spend to support their passion: Regardless of income level, the average triathlete surveyed spent $2,135 in 2010 on gear alone to support their event participation and training (excluding travel or event entry fees).
- Triathletes are affluent and educated: The average age of triathletes surveyed was 40 years old, with close to half earning an annual income of over $100K. Education levels are high as well with 40 percent having a college degree and over 40 percent having a post graduate degree.
- Triathletes make time for training: Despite professional demands, 50 percent of triathletes surveyed train for 10-15 hours a week with 33 percent indicating they train for three to four months leading up to an event.
In addition, the Active Lifestyle Panel (which recruits exclusively from Active.com’s family of media properties) also revealed that regardless of distance, the number one motivator for competing in a triathlon was to accomplish a personal challenge, followed by staying in shape and enjoying the training journey.
“Having witnessed over 200,000 individuals cross the finish line at Ironman events around the world, the sport of triathlon is not just about the physical transformation, but an emotional journey. For many participants, finishing any triathlon represents a huge lifetime milestone,” explained Mike Reilly, the voice of Ironman and vice president at Active Network.
ACTIVE Network ® is one of the largest providers of sports registration software for endurance events and organizations in North America.
About The Active Lifestyle Panel
The Active Lifestyle Panel is composed exclusively of consumers recruited from the Active Network family of media properties. It is a new panel that provides access to a highly engaged and motivated community of active consumers. For more information, contact Stephany Cavatoni, General Manager, Consumer Insight and Access, at Stephany.Cavatoni@Active.com.
About The Active Network, Inc.
The Active Network, Inc. is a technology and media company that helps millions of people find and register for things to do and helps organizations increase participation in their activities and events. For more information about The Active Network, Inc., please visit www.ActiveNetwork.com.
Media Contact
Dana McKeithen, The Active Network, Inc.
Dana.mckeithen@active.com or 858-964-3820