IRONMAN – Inspiring… Until You Get Injured Bravo, IRONMAN. Your inspirational slogans and heroic branding really do tug at the heartstrings—until reality kicks in and you find out it’s all just marketing fluff. I am deeply disappointed with IRONMAN and feel compelled to share my experience. In February 2025, I suffered a serious injury—an L5-S1 herniated disc—medically documented and debilitating to the point that I still struggle to walk today. I won’t be able to participate in the 2025 race in Italy (Cervia), something that’s both physically and emotionally devastating. What’s even more frustrating is that despite providing clear medical evidence, IRONMAN’s policy for the Half IRONMAN is inflexible and, frankly, unethical. I requested to defer my entry to 2026—a fair and reasonable request under the circumstances—but was met with a cold, categorical denial. Even more baffling is the blatant inconsistency in IRONMAN’s own policies: if I had signed up for a Full IRONMAN, I would have been allowed to defer my entry to the following year. Why is this option not extended to Half IRONMAN participants? Are our injuries less serious? Are our investments less valuable? This discrepancy is both illogical and unfair. IRONMAN constantly markets itself as a celebration of human strength, perseverance, and community. But in reality, the organization is driven by rigid rules and profit, showing little empathy for the very athletes who give meaning to the brand. I expected better. I deserved better. And so do all athletes who are forced to choose between their health and a policy that punishes them for getting injured.

Since it seems impossible to leave a review, or speak to a human, at IronmanStores.com, this is my only place to review the store for the Ironman organization. The absolute lack of customer service is shocking. I have had an order status marked complete for weeks although one item has never been delivered. I have created a service ticket on the store website and have not received a single communication beyond the automated receipt of concern. I have followed up with emails and have not received a response. My next step will be to file complaints with the BBB and the state attorney general office I guess. Considering the amount of money my spouse has spent with this organization, including a couple of race entry fees that she had to cancel due to health issues that Ironman was unwilling to refund, the continued disrespect assures we will not continue to give this organization money.

The worst customer service ever. I have emailed them multiple time, left several voice messages and even resorted to sending certified letters trying to get a response. So far, it’s been a two-week process and not one returned contact. My next step is litigation because we have now gone into a breach of contract scenario.