All 109 competition rules from International Kettlebell Marathon Federation (IKMF), organized by category.
For marathon and half-marathon events, body weight categories will be merged if there are not at least 3 athletes per category, age group, and movement. This ensures competitive fields at events with smaller participation.
KB Coefficients (2023): 4kg=0.36, 6kg=0.64, 8kg=1.00, 10kg=1.42, 12kg=1.63-1.88, 14kg=2.10, 16kg=2.37, 18kg=2.90, 20kg=3.22-3.50, 22kg=3.82, 24kg=4.20, 26kg=5.05, 28kg=5.32-5.75, 30kg=6.15, 32kg=6.62, 36kg=8.10, 40kg=9.78. Example: 420 reps with 24kg...
IKMF competition disciplines for marathon and half marathon: Jerk (1 or 2 KB), Long Cycle (1 or 2 KB), Snatch (1 KB), Half Snatch (1 or 2 KB). Additional double-kettlebell disciplines: Double Jerk, Double Long Cycle, Double Half Snatch. IKMF Games ad...
In international competitions, a maximum of 2 persons from the same country are allowed to compete in the same discipline, weight category, and age group.
In IKMF Games (10-minute events), the athlete IS allowed to put the kettlebell down before the 10 minutes are up. The result will still be valid, counting all reps completed up to that point. This is a key distinction from the marathon/half marathon ...
In Pentathlon, no setting the weight down is allowed until the 6 minutes are up. If the weight is set down while there is still time left on the clock, the set for that discipline ends, but all reps completed up to that point will count.
The IKMF Ultimate Girevik Cup league accumulates results across three competition stages into a final total. Athletes must perform the same discipline across all three stages, though kettlebell weight may vary between stages. The athlete's heaviest w...
For amateur/non-ranked competitions and the IKMF Ultimate Girevik Cup league, IKMF uses a coefficient system: Score = Repetitions x KB Coefficient. This allows athletes using different kettlebell weights to compete against each other on a normalized ...
In ranked competition, scoring is 1 point per repetition. The winner is the athlete with the highest number of valid repetitions in their division, weight class, and age group.
IKMF Games (World Games) events are 10-minute sets with a single heavy kettlebell (40kg men, 28kg women) or double kettlebells (2x24kg men, 2x16kg women). Unlike marathon/half marathon, athletes ARE allowed to set the kettlebell down before the 10 mi...
The IKMF Half Marathon is a 30-minute continuous set. The same rules apply as for the full marathon: if the kettlebell is set down before time expires, the athlete is disqualified and the score becomes 0.
The IKMF Marathon is a 60-minute continuous set. The athlete must lift for the entire 60 minutes without putting the kettlebell(s) down. If the kettlebell is set down before time expires, the athlete is disqualified and the score becomes 0.
IKMF Pentathlon consists of 5 disciplines each performed for 6 minutes with a 5-minute break between each discipline. Total lifting time is 30 minutes with 20 minutes of rest. Performed with a single kettlebell with multiple hand changes allowed. Ath...
Time is announced as each minute passes. In the final minute, control time is announced at decreasing intervals. Five seconds before the start of any set, the countdown is announced: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, then the 'Start' command is given.
The IKMF World Championship is divided into 2 parts: first part in April with IKMF Games (10-minute events with 1 kettlebell only) and Pentathlon with 2 kettlebells (5 disciplines, 6 minutes each with 5-minute rest between); second part features the ...
IKMF age divisions: Kids 1 (ages 7-10), Kids 2 (ages 11-13), Junior 1 (ages 14-16), Junior 2 (ages 16-18), Open (ages 19-39), Veteran 1 / V1 (ages 40-49), Veteran 2 / V2 (ages 50-59), Veteran 3 / V3 (ages 60-69), Veteran 4 / V4 (ages 70+). Age is cal...
For the IKMF Ultimate Girevik Cup league, simplified age divisions are used: Junior (under 15), Open (15-49 years), Veteran (over 50). Veterans may compete in the Open division if they choose.
For Extreme Challenge events (2+ hours), the athlete must have a CMS (marathon) rank at minimum to qualify. Athletes over 59 years of age may not participate in extreme marathons. The athlete must specify their attempt and obtain official authorizati...
IKMF female weight classes: under 60kg, 60-70kg, over 70kg. Only 3 weight classes, matching the simplified approach used for men.
IKMF kettlebell sizes are limited to 4kg increments: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40kg. Minimum size for men is 16kg and for women is 8kg.
IKMF Games kettlebell weights: Men use 40kg (single KB) or 2x24kg (double KB). Women use 28kg (single KB) or 2x16kg (double KB). These are significantly heavier than marathon weights because the set duration is only 10 minutes.
Men's standard KB weights for ranked marathon/half marathon events: 24kg for 60-minute marathon (Open), 20kg for 60-minute marathon (Veteran 2), 32kg for 30-minute half marathon (Open MSWC/MS/CMS), 28kg for 30-minute half marathon (Veteran 1), 24kg f...
Women's standard KB weights: 16kg for 30-minute half marathon, 12kg for 60-minute marathon. Higher ranks may use 20kg. Women's tables follow the same structure as men's but with lighter kettlebells and the female weight classes (<60kg, 60-70kg, >70kg...
IKMF male weight classes: under 75kg, 75-85kg, over 85kg. Only 3 weight classes, significantly fewer than most other kettlebell sport organizations.
If two athletes in the same category have an identical result, the advantage is given to the one with the lower body weight. In league format, the athlete's heaviest weight category during the competition year is used for the final score.
Two competition officials must supervise the weigh-in procedure, fill in details of athletes' registration (bodyweight and weight group, birth year and age group, kettlebell size) and collect the cards. The team captain must be present. The competito...
Representatives, coaches, and team members are strictly prohibited from remaining near the competition area (platform) during the athlete's attempt.
In marathon and half marathon, if an athlete puts the kettlebell down before the time is over, the athlete is disqualified and the score becomes 0. Throwing or dropping a kettlebell intentionally also results in instant disqualification, including at...
If a no-count is given, the lifter must return to the starting position and determine on their own what the cause of the foul was and correct it. The judge may give brief keywords to help the lifter understand the issue.
In case of a resting position violation, a no-count will be issued for the first offence only. If the athlete violates the resting position rules a second time, the judge will issue a 'STOP' command, terminating the set.
The team must always have a designated team captain who is the representative of the entire team and has full responsibility for the organization of the team and the discipline of the participants.
Headphones and iPods/music players are prohibited during competition. It is strictly forbidden to use any kind of adaptations that can help the lifts.
Competitors must compete with bare hands. Sports tape covering the hands or gloves of any type are not allowed for standard marathon/half marathon/games events. Exception: For Extreme Challenge events (2+ hours), tape and gymnastic grips for hand pro...
Athletes may wear a weightlifting belt with a maximum width of 12 cm.
Athletes must wear a weightlifting bodysuit, t-shirt or vest, and shorts that end above the knee. Shirt sleeves must not cover the elbows. Long-sleeved tops and full-length pants are prohibited, even if form-fitting. Athletes will not be allowed to c...
Competitors must wear appropriate footwear: athletic shoes or weightlifting shoes. Competing in bare feet or open-toed shoes is strictly prohibited.
Neoprene knee sleeves are permitted with a maximum width of 25 cm. Knee braces are also allowed.
Athletes may use wrist wraps/guards no wider than 12 cm.
Chalk (magnesium carbonate) is allowed during competition. Rock climbing chalk bags may be used. Competitors manage their own magnesium chalk. In marathon events with technical assistance breaks, chalk/magnesium may be provided by an assistant during...
Whenever possible, kettlebells must be associated with the platform (placed at the competition platform, not transported to the warm-up area).
Competition kettlebells must be verified at weigh-in. The competitor should weigh the kettlebell(s) so that the judge can see and verify the weight.
The competition area must be separated from the warm-up area. Representatives, coaches, and team members are strictly prohibited from remaining near the competition area during the athlete's attempt.
The warm-up area must be separated from the competition area and should be as near as possible to the competition area. For international competitions, there must be a minimum of 3 kettlebells of each size from 8-40kg in the warm-up area.
IKMF certified judges must supervise and attest to the validity of competition results and record attempts. Two competition officials must supervise the weigh-in procedure.
The judge counts valid repetitions audibly. If a no-count is issued, the judge may give brief keywords to help the lifter understand the cause. The judge issues a 'STOP' command for technical fouls or repeated violations.
IKMF has a dedicated Judiciary Board that oversees rules interpretation and dispute resolution. The board ensures consistency in judging across international competitions.
Alignment is reached when the lifter is standing up straight with legs, hips, and arm(s) in full extension, squared up with the kettlebell(s) directly over or behind the shoulder. There must be no excessive side lean or rotation.
A repetition ends with the kettlebell(s) fixated in the overhead lockout position. Fixation is a complete and visible stop of the kettlebell at the end of every repetition (momentary pause of approximately 1 second). Fixation is the final factor for ...
In IKMF marathon/half marathon, multiple hand switches are allowed for all single-kettlebell disciplines (unlike standard 10-minute GS which typically allows only 1 switch for snatch). This is a defining feature of the marathon format. The specific s...
A no-count is issued for: (1) No fixation - lifter and kettlebell do not become motionless at the top, (2) No alignment - excessive lean, rotation, or incomplete extension, (3) Hand violation - using the free hand to support or stabilize the kettlebe...
In Pentathlon Clean: the exercise is totally ballistic. The kettlebell is cleaned to the rack position with fixation. This is the first discipline in the pentathlon sequence.
In Pentathlon Half Snatch: the kettlebell is snatched overhead, then lowered from the overhead position to the rack position before lowering for a back swing into another rep. This is the fourth discipline in the pentathlon sequence.
In Pentathlon Jerk: power emanates from the legs, with much less triceps involvement than the push press. The kettlebell is driven from rack to overhead through a leg-driven bump. This is the third discipline in the pentathlon sequence.
In Pentathlon Long Cycle Press: the exercise is both ballistic and press. The kettlebell is cleaned to rack position and then pressed overhead. There must be a clear separation between the clean and the press. This is the second discipline in the pen...
In Pentathlon Push Press: a strict press with no knee bend prior to the press portion. Differs from jerk in that there is no second dip. The push press has more of an equal balance between leg drive and triceps involvement. This is the fifth and fina...
For Jerk, a repetition starts from the rack position. For Long Cycle, Snatch, and Half Snatch, a repetition starts from below the waist.
Double Jerk (2x20kg), Open division: MSWC 400/450/500, MS 300/350/400, CMS 200/250/300. Weight classes: <75/75-85/>85kg.
Double Jerk (2x16kg), Veteran division: MSWC 450/500/550, MS 350/400/450, CMS 250/300/350. Weight classes: <75/75-85/>85kg.
In Jerk, the kettlebell is driven from the rack position to overhead lockout with fixation. Legs, hips, and arms must reach full extension. The kettlebell must be directly over or behind the shoulder with a complete momentary pause (fixation). The re...
IKMF Games Jerk, 10 min, 1x40kg men, multi-switch. Open: MSWC 150/170/190, MS 115/135/155, CMS 80/100/120, National Rank 60/80/100. Veteran: MSWC 130/150/170, MS 95/115/135, CMS 60/80/100, National Rank 40/60/80. Weight classes: <75/75-85/>85kg.
Men's Jerk 30-minute half marathon ranking (1 KB, Open division): MSWC requires 550/650/750 reps (32kg, <75/75-85/>85kg), MS requires 450/550/650 reps (32kg), CMS requires 300/400/500 reps (32kg), Rank 1 requires 200/300/400 reps (32kg), Rank 2 requi...
Men's Jerk 60-minute marathon ranking (1 KB, Open division): MSWC requires 1100/1200/1300 reps (24kg, <75/75-85/>85kg), MS requires 1050/1150/1250 reps (24kg), CMS requires 700/800/900 reps (24kg), Rank 1 requires 550/650/750 reps (24kg), Rank 2 requ...
Men's Jerk 30-minute half marathon Veteran ranking: MSWC 550/650/750 reps (28kg), MS V1(40-49) 450/550/650 (28kg), MS V2(50-59) 450/500/550 (24kg), CMS V1 300/400/500 (28kg), CMS V2 350/400/450 (24kg), Rank 1 500/550/600 (16kg), Rank 2 450/500/550 (1...
Men's Jerk 60-minute marathon Veteran ranking: MSWC 1000/1100/1200 reps (24kg), MS V1(40-49) 800/900/1000 (24kg), MS V2(50-59) 800/900/1100 (20kg), CMS V1 600/700/800 (24kg), CMS V2 550/650/800 (20kg), Rank 1 650/700/850 (16kg), Rank 2 550/650/800 (1...
In marathon Jerk with a single kettlebell: the arm can be changed only by lowering the kettlebell halfway through the legs and bringing it to the rack position on the other side. The athlete may also choose to clean the kettlebell with 2 hands to swi...
Double Long Cycle (2x20kg), Open division: MSWC 300/350/380, MS 200/250/280, CMS 150/180/230. Weight classes: <75/75-85/>85kg.
Double Long Cycle (2x16kg), Veteran division: MSWC 350/380/410, MS 250/280/310, CMS 200/230/280. Weight classes: <75/75-85/>85kg.
Long Cycle (Clean and Jerk): The kettlebell is cleaned from below the waist to the rack position, then jerked overhead with fixation. The full clean-to-overhead sequence counts as 1 repetition. A repetition starts from below the waist.
IKMF Games Long Cycle, 10 min, 1x40kg men, multi-switch. Open: MSWC 100/120/140, MS 80/100/120, CMS 60/80/100, National Rank 40/60/80. Veteran: MSWC 90/110/130, MS 70/90/110, CMS 50/70/90, National Rank 30/50/70. Weight classes: <75/75-85/>85kg.
Men's Long Cycle 30-minute half marathon ranking (1 KB, Open division): MSWC 350/380/410 reps (32kg), MS 300/350/380 (32kg), CMS 250/300/350 (32kg), Rank 1 200/250/300 (32kg), Rank 2 300/350/400 (24kg), Rank 3 200/250/300 (24kg). Weight classes: <75/...
Men's Long Cycle 60-minute marathon ranking (1 KB, Open division): MSWC 800/850/900 reps (24kg), MS 750/800/850 (24kg), CMS 600/650/700 (24kg), Rank 1 450/500/600 (24kg), Rank 2 600/675/750 (16kg), Rank 3 500/575/650 (16kg). Weight classes: <75/75-85...
Men's Long Cycle 30-minute half marathon Veteran ranking: MSWC 350/380/410 (28kg), MS V1(40-49) 300/350/380 (28kg), MS V2(50-59) 350/360/370 (24kg), CMS V1 200/250/300 (28kg), CMS V2 280/310/350 (24kg), Rank 1 370/400/410 (16kg), Rank 2 340/380/400 (...
Men's Long Cycle 60-minute marathon Veteran ranking: MSWC 700/750/800 (24kg), MS V1(40-49) 650/700/750 (24kg), MS V2(50-59) 550/650/750 (20kg), CMS V1 500/550/600 (24kg), CMS V2 450/550/650 (20kg), Rank 1 500/550/600 (16kg), Rank 2 450/500/550 (16kg)...
In marathon Long Cycle with a single kettlebell: (1) Arm change can be carried out with a swing, (2) Arm change can be carried out with a two-arm swing and is brought to rack position from dead center only with one arm, (3) Arm change can be made dow...
IKMF Games Double Half Snatch, 10 min, 2x24kg men. Open: MSWC 70/85/100, MS 60/75/90, CMS 50/65/80, National Rank 40/55/70. Veteran: MSWC 60/75/90, MS 50/65/80, CMS 40/55/70, National Rank 30/45/60. Weight classes: <75/75-85/>85kg.
Double Half Snatch (2x20kg), Open division: MSWC 300/350/400, MS 200/250/300, CMS 150/200/250. Weight classes: <75/75-85/>85kg.
Double Half Snatch (2x16kg), Veteran division: MSWC 350/400/450, MS 250/300/350, CMS 200/250/300. Weight classes: <75/75-85/>85kg.
Unlike the full snatch, the half snatch is lowered from the overhead fixation position to the rack position before lowering for a back swing into another repetition. Available in both single and double kettlebell variants.
Men's Half Snatch 30-minute half marathon ranking (1 KB, Open division): MSWC 350/400/450 reps (32kg), MS 250/300/350 (32kg), CMS 200/250/300 (32kg), Rank 1 150/200/250 (32kg), Rank 2 300/350/400 (24kg), Rank 3 250/300/350 (24kg). Weight classes: <75...
Men's Half Snatch 60-minute marathon ranking (1 KB, Open division): MSWC 850/950/1050 reps (24kg), MS 750/850/950 (24kg), CMS 650/750/850 (24kg), Rank 1 400/500/600 (24kg), Rank 2 500/600/700 (16kg), Rank 3 400/500/600 (16kg). Weight classes: <75/75-...
Men's Half Snatch 30-minute half marathon Veteran ranking: MSWC 400/450/500 (28kg), MS V1(40-49) 300/350/400 (28kg), MS V2(50-59) 350/400/450 (24kg), CMS V1 200/250/300 (28kg), CMS V2 250/300/350 (24kg), Rank 1 450/500/550 (16kg), Rank 2 400/450/400 ...
Men's Half Snatch 60-minute marathon Veteran ranking: MSWC 750/850/950 (24kg), MS V1(40-49) 650/750/850 (24kg), MS V2(50-59) 650/750/850 (20kg), CMS V1 550/650/750 (24kg), CMS V2 450/550/650 (20kg), Rank 1 650/700/750 (16kg), Rank 2 600/650/700 (16kg...
In marathon Snatch: (1) Arm change can be carried out with a swing, (2) Arm change can be carried out with a two-arm swing and is carried overhead from a dead center only with one arm, (3) Arm change can be made downhill from fixation at any point, (...
A single kettlebell is swung using one hand from below the waist to above the head in a single motion, achieving overhead lockout with fixation. The repetition starts from below the waist.
Men's Snatch 30-minute half marathon ranking (1 KB, Open division): MSWC 350/400/450 reps (32kg), MS 250/300/350 (32kg), CMS 200/250/300 (32kg), Rank 1 150/200/250 (32kg), Rank 2 300/350/400 (24kg), Rank 3 250/300/350 (24kg). Weight classes: <75/75-8...
Men's Snatch 60-minute marathon ranking (1 KB, Open division): MSWC 950/1100/1200 reps (24kg), MS 800/900/1000 (24kg), CMS 700/800/900 (24kg), Rank 1 550/650/750 (24kg), Rank 2 600/700/800 (16kg), Rank 3 550/650/750 (16kg). Weight classes: <75/75-85/...
Resting in any type of rack position during snatch, including on the shoulder or performing a half snatch, is prohibited. In case of a violation, a no-count warning is issued for the first offence. A second offence results in a 'STOP' command.
Men's Snatch 30-minute half marathon Veteran ranking: MSWC 400/450/500 (28kg), MS V1(40-49) 300/350/400 (28kg), MS V2(50-59) 350/400/450 (24kg), CMS V1 200/250/300 (28kg), CMS V2 250/300/350 (24kg), Rank 1 450/500/550 (16kg), Rank 2 400/450/550 (16kg...
Men's Snatch 60-minute marathon Veteran ranking: MSWC 800/900/1000 (24kg), MS V1(40-49) 700/800/900 (24kg), MS V2(50-59) 700/800/900 (20kg), CMS V1 600/700/800 (24kg), CMS V2 500/600/700 (20kg), Rank 1 700/750/800 (16kg), Rank 2 650/700/750 (16kg), R...
IKMF does not use a biathlon format. Unlike IKO and IKSFA which combine jerk and snatch scores into a biathlon, IKMF treats each discipline independently. Marathon events are single-discipline continuous sets.
Extreme marathon events (2+ hours) are exhibition lifts/record attempts done in the context of an 'Extreme Kettlebell Marathon Festival'. The athlete must have CMS (marathon) rank at minimum. Athletes over 59 may not participate. Must obtain authoriz...
For extreme marathon events of 2 hours and up, additional allowances ensure athlete safety: the athlete may rest in a static hang position, perform low-amplitude swings between reps, place the kettlebell on the shoulder, and use 2 hands on the kettle...
For extreme marathon events (2+ hours), tape and gymnastic grips for hand protection are allowed, but no gloves. This is an exception to the standard bare-hands rule for marathon/half marathon events.
For extreme marathon events under 2 hours: the athlete may rest in a static hang position, perform low-amplitude swings between reps without having to change sides, or place the kettlebell on the shoulder. The athlete may also place the kettlebell on...
Marathon/half marathon disciplines offered with single kettlebell (multi-switch): Jerk, Long Cycle, Snatch, Half Snatch. Double kettlebell disciplines: Double Jerk, Double Long Cycle, Double Half Snatch. All are available in both 30-minute and 60-min...
The IKMF Kettlebell Marathon is a continuous lifting event. The marathon (60 minutes) and half marathon (30 minutes) are performed with single or double kettlebells. Multiple hand switches are allowed for all single-KB disciplines. The defining rule:...
In both marathon formats, multiple hand switches are allowed. Switching side can only be done with a single hand-to-hand swing (technically a half swing on each side), except for Jerk where the athlete may choose to clean the kettlebell with 2 hands....
Terminating a set before the clock runs out voids the athlete's results: the athlete is disqualified and the score becomes 0. Additionally, throwing or dropping a kettlebell intentionally will result in instant disqualification. This includes at the ...
IKMF relay races: teams compete with a cumulative accruing score. The weight of kettlebell(s), exercises, timing, and number of legs are defined in the competition regulations. Performance begins with the light weight categories. Each participant is ...
The winning team is defined by the greatest number of lifts. In cases of a tie between two teams, the advantage is given to the team with the lower total body weight of all team members.
Before the relay race, participants line up in teams in the order of their relay legs. 15 seconds before the start of the next leg, the judge allows the next participant to come forward. The transfer is made after the 'change' command. The participan...
Athletes must possess an officially recognized CMS (Candidate Master of Sport) ranking from IKMF-certified judges to compete in Elite divisions. Amateur competitors and younger athletes compete under alternative grand prix systems using the coefficie...
In Pentathlon, there is a maximum repetition count for each of the 5 disciplines. Only maximums are counted; sub-maximum numbers are not penalized. The maximum rep counts are set as realistic numbers achievable within the 6-minute time constraints wi...
IKMF ranking tiers from highest to lowest: MSWC (Master of Sport World Class), MS (Master of Sport), CMS (Candidate Master of Sport), National Rank (equivalent to Rank 1 in other systems). The research data also shows Rank 2 and Rank 3 at lower kettl...
Higher ranks require heavier kettlebells. For men's Open marathon: MSWC/MS/CMS/Rank 1 use 24kg (60 min) or 32kg (30 min). Rank 2 and Rank 3 use 16kg (60 min) or 24kg (30 min). For Veteran 2 (50-59), KB weights are reduced: MS V2 uses 20kg instead of ...
From January 1, 2025, IKMF created a record diploma for the best results achieved in IKMF World Championships. This formalizes the recognition of outstanding performance at the championship level.
IKMF provides separate ranking tables for Veteran divisions with reduced requirements and/or lighter KB weights. V1 (40-49) typically uses the same KB weight as Open but with lower rep requirements. V2 (50-59) uses lighter KBs (e.g., 20kg instead of ...
It is possible to attempt an IKMF record with a single kettlebell and multi-switch in the 4 competition disciplines (Jerk, Long Cycle, Snatch, Half Snatch), or in Long Cycle with 2 kettlebells according to traditional GS rules.
IKMF-certified judges must supervise and attest to the validity of any record attempt. For extreme marathon records, a single kettlebell with multi-switch is used in the 4 competition disciplines, or Long Cycle with 2 kettlebells according to traditi...
Official website: https://www.ikmf-world.com