If you pull out your phone during an Ironman race in 2026… you could be disqualified.
No selfies.
No GoPros.
No smart glasses recording.
Starting March 2, 2026, Ironman has officially banned athletes from recording photos or video while racing. Violation? Immediate DQ.
You can carry your phone.
You can use it for GPS.
You can call for help.
But you cannot actively record your race experience.
Ironman says this is about:
• Athlete safety
• Competitive fairness
• Reducing distractions
Critics say it’s about:
• Brand control
• Broadcast rights
• Protecting official photo revenue
So what is it really?
In this episode of the I Don’t Know Running Podcast, we break down:
Does a selfie actually create a competitive advantage?
Are age-group athletes being treated like competitors… or customers?
Is this a safety move — or a control move?
Will this hurt Ironman’s brand long-term?
Would YOU risk a DQ for a finish line memory?
At $800+ per race, do you own your experience?
Let us know what you think in the comments.
#Ironman #Triathlon #RunningPodcast #EnduranceSports #RaceDay
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