The first Ironman Triathlon was held in Hawaii on February 18, 1978, and since that time has grown into a worldwide competition organizing the best endurance athletes. Covering 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling and a full marathon of 26.2 miles of running, the Ironman is the ultimate test of endurance, stamina and strength. As a result, every Ironman competition has specific rules and regulations that can result in a "did not finish" or "DNF."
Course Closure
The most common factor to a DNF is not meeting the time limit. Each stage -- swimming, cycling and running -- has a course closure time limit along with an overall course closure. The swimming stage must be completed within 2 hours and 20 minutes after the start of the race to continue in the event. The bike course closes 10 hours and 30 minutes after the start of the race, with the entire course closing 17 hours after the start of the race.
Equipment
With the physical demands of the Ironman, there are specific rules in place for gear and equipment. Failure to comply with these rules can result in disqualification and a DNF. For the swim, you are required to wear an official swim cap provided by the race. On the bike you are required to wear helmets during the entire stage, and your race number must be visible during the bike and running stages.
Support
Ironman competitors commonly have friends, family and coaches attend for support. However, you are not allowed to have any support vehicles during any stage of the Ironman. If race officials determine you received support, you may be disqualified and marked with a DNF. For the swim you aren't allowed to have individual paddlers or escorts and no individual support vehicles or non-athlete escort runners during the cycling or running stages.
Additional Rules
Additional rules that could result in a DNF are determined to maximize the safety of the fans, volunteers and contestants along with creating an even playing field for the competitors. For example, cyclists must follow and obey all traffic laws and must be individually responsible for any repairs or maintenance of their own bike. Throughout the entire Ironman competition, all athletes are expected to follow the instructions from race officials, race volunteers or public authorities.
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