The countdown is on for one of the region’s most anticipated events, with over 1500 competitors officially entered in the IRONMAN 70.3 on Sunday, October28.
This year’s race is the official Australian Age Group Championship which has boosted entries from those seeking an age group title and qualification into the world championships for the half Ironman distance.
With 88 teams entered in this year’s event, Port Macquarie-Hasting Council Mayor Peter Besseling believes there will increased local interest.
“The Ironman 70.3 is an iconic event for our region that attracts participants from all over Australia and once again Council is proud to be a major sponsor,” Mayor Besseling said.
“Being half the size of a full Ironman event, the 70.3 format is a wonderful opportunity for people to get their first taste of the Ironman experience and the inclusion of the teams event this year has guaranteed a host of locals will take part.”
Ironman races continue to deliver a significant boost for Greater Port Macquarie tourism and business operators, with thousands expected to converge on Port Macquarie for the October event, a traditional shoulder visitation period.
The Local Organising Committee will once again play an important role in assisting event organisers, USM Events and Council in running the event logistics, driving the call for volunteers and inviting participation in a host of community events that will surround the main event.
USM Events CEO Geoff Myer said his team were looking forward to staging the Port Macquarie IRONMAN 70.3 for the first time.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside the Local Organising Committee, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Destination NSW as we bring the 2012 event to Port Macquarie, which was the first town in Australia to host a 70.3 IRONMAN event, back in 2006,” Mr Myer said.
“We’d like to invite the community to embrace this popular event, support the athletes and be part of the weekend’s excitement.”
While the final professional field is yet to be announced, there is a celebrity flavour to this year’s event, with four members from the popular TV show Bondi Rescue signed on to compete in their first individual triathlon.
Those not competing in the main event can still have their Ironman experience, with registrations for the 5km fun run taking place on Saturday, October 27, now open.
To register for the fun run or for more information about the weekend events, visit www.ironmanportmacquarie.com
