The Ironman brand has become synonymous with endurance sport and triathlon, with no other organisation coming close to matching its reach or prestige. This monopoly has allowed Ironman to become the benchmark for the sport, with triathletes aspiring to qualify and compete in its events, making it the most     sought-after long-distance triathlon in the world. Ironman has faced criticism for being greedy due to its high entry fees and for allegedly prioritizing profit over the welfare of athletes. Some people argue that Ironman’s entry fees are excessive and that they take advantage of the passion and dedication of athletes who are willing to pay a premium to compete in their events. Additionally, there have been complaints about the quality of Ironman events, with some athletes citing issues such as overcrowding, poor course management, and inadequate support. Critics have also accused Ironman of commercialising the sport of triathlon to the detriment of its core values. Ironman’s focus on profit, some say, has led to a decline in the sport’s sense of community caused by a lack of diversity.
Despite these criticisms, Ironman remains the most well-known and prestigious long-distance triathlon brand in the world, and many athletes continue to aspire to compete in their events.