Racing Legends, Dream Entries, and Signed Memorabilia: Inside the 2026 Foundation Laulima Auction
56 items. 3 World Championship slots. One auction closing October 18th. Here's everything you need to know before you bid — and why every dollar you spend does double duty.
Imagine standing on the start line in Kona — or training alongside a long-distance triathlon icon who literally crawled her way into legend. For many athletes, these experiences remain just dreams. From now through October 18, 2026, however, an online auction is turning those dreams into very real possibilities — one bid at a time.
The Foundation's 2026 Laulima Auction is live, featuring 56 items that range from world championship race entries to signed memorabilia, elite athlete mentorship, premium bikes, and yes — a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 20-year bourbon. Whether you're a determined competitor chasing your Kona dream, a collector of triathlon history, or a generous soul wanting to give back, this auction has something for everyone.
What Is the Laulima Auction (And Why Does It Matter)?
The Foundation Behind the Fundraiser
"Laulima" is a Hawaiian term meaning many hands working together — a fitting theme for an auction uniting countless athletes, fans, and supporters around a common goal. Since 2003, the Foundation has distributed $60 million USD across more than 10,000 organizations in race-hosting communities worldwide. Notably, $3.18 million (5.3%) has supported programs in Hawaii, including the Kona YMCA and the Hawaii Island Community Health Center — made possible by the Laulima Auction and the Underpants Run fundraising event.
When you bid, you're not just acquiring something special; you're also contributing to the well-being of the communities that make these incredible races possible.
How the Bidding System Works
The auction mechanics are straightforward, but a few key details are worth understanding before you dive in.
- Straight Bid: You place a bid at your maximum. If someone outbids you, you return and bid again.
- Maximum Bid: You set a ceiling and the system bids on your behalf until your limit is reached — the easiest way to avoid constant monitoring.
- Buy Now: Some items have a fixed price for immediate purchase.
A critical point: each item carries a Fair Market Value (FMV), and any amount you bid above that FMV counts as a tax-deductible charitable donation. An item with an FMV of $7,500 and a current bid of $50,000 means roughly $42,500 flows to the Foundation as a charitable contribution. If you're planning a thoughtful year-end gift to charity, this structure rewards your generosity twice over.
Always consult your tax advisor regarding deductibility based on your specific circumstances.
The Crown Jewels: Four Paths to a World Championship Start Line
This is where the heart of the 2026 Laulima Auction lives. Four world championship opportunities are up for grabs — three will place you on the start line in Kona, Hawaii.
🏆 Option 1: 2027 Long-Distance World Championship Slot (Kona)
The most direct route to Kona: a race entry for the 2027 long-distance triathlon World Championship, racing under the Foundation banner. Proper race attire will be an essential part of your preparation once you secure the slot.
- Current bid: $37,000+
- Buy Now: $65,000
- Best for: Athletes wanting direct entry to Kona without a wait
🏆 Option 2: The Ultimate Championship Package (Dual Worlds)
This package combines a 2027 70.3-distance World Championship entry (Chattanooga, TN) with a 2027 Kona slot — giving you both championships within the same year. Understanding 70.3 performance benchmarks can help you build a smart preparation plan for both events.
- Buy Now: $99,000
- Best for: Athletes ready to tackle both world championships back-to-back in 2027
🏆 Option 3: 2028 Long-Distance World Championship + Julie Moss Experience (The 50th Anniversary)
A truly special opportunity. The 2028 race celebrates the 50th Anniversary of long-distance triathlon — and this item goes far beyond a race entry. You'll have the chance to train and race alongside Hall of Famer Julie Moss, commemorating her legendary 1982 crawl to the finish line. For anyone who appreciates the sport's roots, that experience alone justifies the premium.
- Current bid: $49,000
- Buy Now: $79,000
- Premium over standard 2027 Kona slot: ~$14,000
- Best for: Athletes who want to connect with a legend in a historic year
🏆 Option 4: 2027 70.3-Distance World Championship Solo Entry (Chattanooga)
A standalone entry for the 2027 70.3 World Championship in Chattanooga, racing under the Foundation's banner. This is an ideal entry point for half-distance athletes or those preparing for their first world championship experience.
- Buy Now: $20,000
- Best for: Half-distance athletes or first-time world championship competitors
Race Entries for Every Budget
Not everyone is chasing the Kona dream — and the auction reflects that beautifully. Plenty of opportunities exist at more accessible price points across a wide range of disciplines and geographies.
8 Sold-Out 2027 Races (The Hidden Gems)
If you've been shut out of a race that's already full, this is your section. Eight races sold out for 2027 are exclusively available through this auction — once they're gone, they're gone.
- IRONMAN Hamburg (Individual Entry)
- IRONMAN Kalmar-Sweden (Individual Entry)
- IRONMAN Copenhagen (Individual Entry)
- IRONMAN 70.3 Venice-Jesolo (Individual Entry)
- IRONMAN 70.3 Westfriesland (Individual Entry)
- IRONMAN 70.3 Elsinore (Individual Entry)
- IRONMAN 70.3 Mont-Tremblant (TEAM IMF Entry + Medaling Race Package)
- Salomon IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon (TEAM IMF Entry + Medaling Race Package)
The European races attract enormous demand and lengthy waitlists — this auction is realistically your best shot at a 2027 start line in Hamburg, Copenhagen, or Venice-Jesolo.
High-Demand 2027 Races (Still Available)
Four more popular races are on offer and not yet sold out — but that can change quickly as the calendar fills up.
- IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm (TEAM IMF Entry + Race Package)
- IRONMAN 70.3 Dignity Health Northern California (TEAM IMF Entry + Medaling Race Package)
- IRONMAN California (TEAM IMF Entry + Medaling Race Package)
- IRONMAN Jacksonville (TEAM IMF Entry + Medaling Race Package)
Beyond Triathlon: Running, Trail, and Motorsports
The Foundation's auction casts a wide net. If you or someone close to you prefers running or motorsports, there are compelling options here too.
- 2027 Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Package: 12 individual race entries across the USA series
- TAO Las Vegas Experience: Dinner and nightlife bundled with 4 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon entries
- 2027 UTMB Race Entry of Choice: Ideal for trail runners and ultramarathon enthusiasts
- 2027 Daytona 500 VIP Race Experience: A standout option for motorsport fans and family members looking for something different
Pro Athlete Experiences and Mentorship
Eight pro athlete experiences are available in this auction — and they're among the most underrated items on offer. A coaching consultation with a world-class athlete can cost hundreds of dollars per hour; these packages bundle genuine access, signed gear, and real time together into a single bid.
| Experience | Athletes | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Day of Training (and Life) | Matthew Marquardt | In-person full day |
| Zoom Call + Signed LEGO Bike | Matthew Marquardt | 30-minute virtual |
| Zoom Call | Mirinda Carfrae & Timothy O'Donnell | 45-minute virtual |
| Zoom Call + 2025 Cheetah Swim Start Robe | Patrick Lange | 30-minute virtual + signed robe |
| Day of Training | Danielle Lewis & Carolyn Olsen | In-person full day |
| Zoom Call | Paula Newby-Fraser | 30-minute virtual |
| Zoom Call | Craig "Crowie" Alexander | 30-minute virtual |
| Lunch | Julie Moss (Hall of Fame) | In-person meal |
Patrick Lange's item stands out: a 30-minute Zoom call paired with his 2025 World Championship Cheetah Swim Start Robe — a tangible piece of race history that serious collectors and devoted fans will immediately recognize as irreplaceable.
Collectibles, Gear, and Memorabilia
With 28 items spanning signed artifacts, premium bikes, branded gear, and lifestyle collectibles, the Laulima Auction is a genuine collector's marketplace. Many of these pieces simply cannot be found anywhere else.
Signed Race Memorabilia
Authentic finishing tapes — the actual tapes broken as pro athletes cross the line — are available from multiple 2026 championship events.
- 2026 Men's and Women's long-distance World Championship Finisher Tapes
- 2026 Men's and Women's 70.3 World Championship Finisher Tapes
- 2026 IRONMAN Lake Placid Pro Podium Signed Finisher Tape
- 2026 IRONMAN Texas Men's and Women's Pro Podium Signed Finisher Tapes
- 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside Champion Signed Finisher Tape
Signed World Championship posters from both the long-distance and 70.3 events round out the memorabilia category.
Premium Bikes
Two top-tier racing machines are up for bidding — both represent the cutting edge of triathlon bike design.
- Quintana Roo X-PR in the "Race For More" Team IMF colorway — an exclusive Foundation color you won't see in any shop
- 2025 Trek Speed Concept SLR Project One (Size XL) — a leading-edge aero triathlon bike, custom-configured
Branded Gear and Sponsor Packages
ROKA has provided multiple wetsuit packages (Maverick X.3 and Promax.3) in various sizes, along with the Team IMF/ROKA SG1 Swim/Gym Backpack. Additional gear from ZootSports, RESTUBE, and Stream2Sea adds even more variety. Quality triathlon suits and professional swim gear are race-day essentials worth pairing with any auction win.
Legacy Items You Won't Find Anywhere Else
- Original Banner from the Inaugural IRONMAN Lake Placid (1999) — a genuine piece of triathlon history
- Signed "Crawl of Fame" Book by Julie Moss — her autobiography, personally signed
- IRON Warbook, Signed by Both Mark Allen and Dave Scott — two signatures from two all-time greats on one page
- Signed Football from Jim Kelly — a unique crossover piece from the NFL Hall of Famer
- Custom Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football Signed by Kenneth Gainwell
- Signed Jersey and Photo from Don Davey
For the Post-Race Celebration
Saving the best for last: a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20-Year Bourbon — one of the world's most coveted spirits. No finish line required to bid on this one.
How to Bid Strategically Before October 18th
With 56 items and a firm deadline, a little strategy goes a long way. Here's how to make the most of your time before the auction closes.
- Identify what you really want first. Are you after a Kona slot, a sold-out race entry, or a mentorship experience? Narrowing your focus prevents decision fatigue when bids heat up.
- Check the Fair Market Value before you bid. The gap between FMV and the winning bid reveals exactly how much charitable impact your dollar creates. Low-FMV items in high demand generate the greatest contribution to the Foundation.
- Use the Maximum Bid feature. Set your ceiling once and let the system work — especially useful during the final hours when activity spikes.
- Factor in the potential tax deduction. The charitable portion above FMV may be deductible. Always verify with your tax advisor before committing to higher-value items.
- Prioritize the European sold-out races. Hamburg, Copenhagen, and Venice-Jesolo are closed to general registration. Once the auction closes, this opportunity disappears entirely.
- Mark your calendar: October 18, 2026, 6:00 PM Eastern. The auction closes sharply at this time. Set a reminder — and then set a backup reminder.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Laulima Auction is more than a fundraiser. It's a rare chance for dedicated athletes — regardless of qualifying times — to secure access to iconic races, train alongside legends, and own irreplaceable pieces of triathlon history. Every dollar over fair market value strengthens the Foundation's legacy of more than $60 million in community support.
Whether you're a competitive age grouper eyeing Kona, an athlete aiming for a sold-out race in Europe, a collector hunting that 1999 Lake Placid banner, or simply someone who wants to learn directly from the sport's greatest names — there is something here for you.
Explore all 56 items and place your bids at ironman.auctions.networkforgood.com/auctions/laulima2026. Bidding ends October 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM Eastern.
Many hands working together. This is Laulima.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 Foundation Laulima Auction?
The Laulima Auction is an annual online fundraiser organized by the Foundation that benefits race communities through volunteerism and grants. The auction features various items and entry slots for races like the long-distance triathlon World Championship.
How many items are available in this year's auction?
This year, there are 56 different items available for bidding in the auction.
What types of race entries are available through the auction?
The auction includes slots for the long-distance triathlon World Championship, the 70.3 World Championship, and various sold-out races across the 2027 season, as well as other events like half marathons and trail races.
How does the bidding process work in the auction?
Bidders can place either a straight bid or a maximum bid. A straight bid is your maximum offer, while a maximum bid allows you to set your limit, and you remain the winner until someone outbids you beyond your maximum. Some items also have "Buy Now" prices.
What charities and programs benefit from the auction proceeds?
Proceeds from the auction support the Foundation, which has given back around $60 million to over 10,000 organizations since its founding in 2003, funding various community projects and initiatives especially in Hawaii.
When does the 2026 Foundation Laulima Auction close?
The auction is live until October 18th at 6 PM Eastern.
Are there any special experiences available in the auction?
Yes, there are experiences available with pro athletes, including training days and Zoom calls with notable triathletes such as Matthew Marquardt, Mirinda Carfrae, and Julie Moss.
What types of merchandise can I bid on in the auction?
The auction features a variety of merchandise, including signed finisher tapes, triathlon gear, bikes, and unique collectibles like the original banner from the inaugural Lake Placid long-distance triathlon.
