IRONMAN has released its updated 2026 Global Competition Rules, with the key updates relating to the bike draft zone for professional athletes, equipment specifications, and terminology around the PC/ID Open Division.

The move from 12 to 20 metres for the pros was announced earlier this year after a testing and consultation period and was widely welcomed, bringing the M-Dot brand into line with both the T100 Triathlon World Tour and Challenge Family races.

The draft zone for age-group athletes will remain at 12 metres and there is clarification around that in the latest guidelines, especially where age-groupers could impact the pro race – on multiple lap courses for example. The full details can be found here (with changes and updates in green).

All the new rules are effective March 2nd 2026 and here are some of the other standout ones…

In-race footage banned

As we said, the reaction to the draft zone changes was overwhelmingly positive. But it’s the smallprint in some of the equipment and tech changes which have really split opinion.

Most notably around the fact that athletes are now explicitly banned from taking photos or video footage in-race.

This isn’t actually the huge update many are portraying it as – more a reaction to rapidly evolving technology. A 2017 rule made it clear that while mobile phones could be carried, they could not be used for filming of any kind but it’s the arrival of Meta / smart glasses that have no doubt prompted the update.

Anyone who doesn’t abide by the ruling will face disqualification, with the specific wording as follows: “Using any device (e.g., including without limitation, cameras, phone cameras, video cameras, glasses, etc.) to capture photographs, video, or other visual images during the Race is prohibited. Athletes using any device in this manner will be disqualified.”

In reality it’s surely going to impact influencers way more than pros, though footage from the perspective of Jelle Geens and Kristian Blummenfelt in their epic 70.3 Worlds sprint finish last year would definitely have enhanced that coverage!

Zipper DQs consigned to history

There have also been changes around apparel and equipment – and it’s no surprise to see clarification around the zipper rulings.

The release states: “Regarding tri-suits, an amendment has been made to reduce the penalty for the front zipper of an athlete’s uniform not being connected at the bottom, or their top not covering their shoulders. Violations will no longer result in a potential disqualification and will instead result in a warning and amend, to be followed with a 30 or 60 second time penalty (as applicable) if not remedied promptly.”

There have been controversial examples in recent years – the latest at 70.3 La Quinta. Crossing the finish line with a violation previously seemed to give no opportunity to remedy the situation but now the DQ aspect has been removed from the equation.

Inclusive classification structures

And the The PC/ID Open race division has been renamed as the Para Open division, with the term Para referring to Parallel. The Para Open division will remain inclusive and non-competitive in 2026, with IRONMAN aiming to develop additional sub-Para classifications in coming years.

IRONMAN say: “This approach reflects an effort to better align with global standards and the broader international movement towards consistent and inclusive classification structures.

“This amendment was made with input from and in collaboration with a working group of Para athletes, guides and coaches from around the world including representation across numerous classifications, including the intellectual impairment community.”