THE Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie event, traditionally held in the Hastings in October, has been confirmed for a further two-year contract under an agreement reached between Ironman Asia Pacific, Destination NSW and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
Around 1600 competitors are expected to take part in this year’s event, scheduled for Sunday 19 October.
Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor Peter Besseling believes the two-year agreement will continue to deliver strong economic impacts and to inspire locals to become involved in the event and the sport of triathlon.
“Hundreds of locals have participated in the event each year, particularly the relay teams section and – being a little less gruelling than the full Ironman – it creates an opportunity for local people to set a health and fitness goal,” Cr Besseling said.
The event involves a 1.9km swim in the Hastings River, a 90km cycle over a two-lap course from Port Macquarie to Lake Cathie and a 21km run in Port Macquarie.
Event logistics and volunteers will be co-ordinated by a local organising committee, a dedicated group of volunteer directors who work closely with all the event partners before and during the race.
Committee chairman Mike Reid said the Port Macquarie event would continue to incorporate the Australian Age Group championships.
“The top competitors across the age groups will be vying for Australian titles and 30 qualifying spots at the 2015 Ironman 70.3 World Championships to be held in Europe.
“We have a reputation in the Hastings for hosting well organised Ironman races and it’s great to see that continue with two more years of the 70.3 event,” Mr Reid said.
The council’s economic development group manager Liesa Davies said Port Macquarie was the first town in Australia to host an Ironman 70.3 event and added that it had become an important part of the region’s sports tourism calendar over the past eight years.
She said the region had enjoyed a very long association with triathlon and Ironman and it was one of the few regions hosting multiple events on an annual basis.
“The council estimates that the 70.3 brings $3.9 million in direct and indirect economic benefits annually. The other significant benefit is the opportunity it creates for locals to be a part of the buzz that Ironman brings to the Hastings,” she said.
Entries for the event are due to open in mid-April. For more information visit www.ironman.com
