1989 — The Iron War
All yearsThe Iron War
Allen vs. Scott’s legendary duel at Kona defines an era.
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Triathlon’s most famous head-to-head: for over eight hours, Mark Allen and Dave Scott raced shoulder to shoulder across the lava fields of Kona. Allen’s late surge sealed a breakthrough victory and a course record. The duel amplified Ironman’s global profile and reshaped the standards for elite performance.
Highlights
- Pro calendar globalizes around Europe–U.S.–Hawaii axis
Athletes juggle Nice, Worlds, and Kona in packed schedules.
- ‘Iron War’: Allen vs. Scott in the greatest Kona duel
Allen outkicks Scott in the final 10K for a historic victory.
- PNF clocks 9:00:56 in Kona
A near-sub-9 performance underlines long-course progression.
- Inaugural ITU World Championships held in Avignon
Mark Allen and Erin Baker win the first Olympic-distance worlds.
- Standard distance (1.5/40/10) showcased on the world stage
Avignon formalizes the format that will reach the Olympics.
Notable events
August
- moment
Inaugural ITU World Championships held in Avignon
Mark Allen and Erin Baker win the first Olympic-distance worlds.
- moment
Standard distance (1.5/40/10) showcased on the world stage
Avignon formalizes the format that will reach the Olympics.
October
- moment
‘Iron War’: Allen vs. Scott in the greatest Kona duel
Allen outkicks Scott in the final 10K for a historic victory.
- moment
PNF clocks 9:00:56 in Kona
A near-sub-9 performance underlines long-course progression.
December
- moment
Pro calendar globalizes around Europe–U.S.–Hawaii axis
Athletes juggle Nice, Worlds, and Kona in packed schedules.
From our library
- Allen vs. Scott
Six straight defeats—and then the greatest comeback.