February 18th

On this day - February 18th 1978 - The first Ironman Triathlon was held

The first Ironman Triathlon was held in Hawaii after a debate about who were the most fit athletes, swimmers, runners or bikers. The Ironman Triathlon World Championship has been held in the same Place ever since. It was also at this first event that the slogan "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life" were first used. This was a handwritten slogan on the participants course and rule description papers. 12 out of the 15 participants completed this first Iron Man Triathlon. Gordn Haller, a US navy, became the first Ironman by completing the race in 11 hours and 46 minuts. The runner up, John Dunbar, came in second after his support team resorted to giving him beer after they ran out of water on the last parts of the race. When the event was arranged again the Next year had the participant number increased to 50, and "Ironman's popularity have increased ever since.