IRONMAN AUSTRALIA TO REMAIN IN PORT MACQUARIE

By

May 2, 2013

Port Macquarie has signed up to host the second oldest international Ironman event, IRONMAN Australia, for a further five years, it was announced by the New South Wales Government today.

The news is a much welcomed announcement just one week out from the 27th edition of this iconic race to be held on Sunday, May 5.

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, joined Leslie Williams, Member for Port Macquarie, and Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor, Peter Besseling to announce that the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, has secured Ironman Australia for Port Macquarie from 2014 to 2018.

“Port Macquarie has hosted the Ironman Australia event since 2006, drawing competitors from across Australia and key international tourism markets, including New Zealand, Japan and Europe and I’m delighted it will continue to be held in Port Macquarie for the next five years,” Mr Annesley said.

“Securing the event for both NSW and more particularly Port Macquarie has been a priority, and forms a key part of our strategy to attract and increase mass participation sporting events for regional NSW.

Chief Executive Officer, Ironman Asia Pacific, Mr Geoff Meyer said he applauds the decision by the NSW Government and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in continuing to support this key regional event on the NSW Events Calendar, it is a great result for Ironman and the Port Macquarie region.

Mr Meyer also announced that a new initiative next year will be the introduction of the Australian Ironman Club Championships to be included as part of the event.

“The Australian Ironman Club Championships will be aligned with the recently introduced global age group points system, designed to reward the individual but also acknowledge the strongest club on a world stage.

“This event has always drawn tremendous club support and this initiative will likely generate a further rise in participant numbers. Increased field spells good news on the economic front for the communities of Port Macquarie and Camden Haven.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor, Peter Besseling, said the ongoing support that Ironman has received from the broader community was a major factor in the event remaining in the area and is a credit to the many volunteers who give up their time to make the event a success.

"The agreement between Council, Destination NSW and USM represents a significant benefit for the Port Macquarie-Hastings community over the next five years, with flexibility built into the contract for future route options.

“Along with the support of the volunteers, local businesses and community groups, Council is eager to capitalise on the economic and social benefits that Ironman brings to our region.”

The event is part of an annual international triathlon series one of nearly 30 Ironman events worldwide, there is no doubt the event attracts intrastate, interstate and international interest.

The wonderful communities of Port Macquarie the Camden Haven and surrounding areas have provided 1,800 volunteers to support the athletes on race day, each one of them committed to getting everyone to the holy grail that is an Ironman finish line.

About the Event

• 40 age group qualifying spots for the Ironman World Championship, Kona, Hawaii
• Official Qualifier for the 2013 Ironman World Championship with a professional prize purse of US $25,000 and P1000 status.
• 1,500 age group and professional Ironman competitors will complete a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and a 42.2km run throughout the Port Macquarie and Camden Haven regions. Cut off is 17 Hours.
• The event contributes 15,000 bed nights and $8.099 direct economic benefit to the Port Macquarie region, from 2010 report).

IRONMAN Australia, Port Macquarie will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2013. Go to the event website>>

About Ironman
The iconic Ironman® brand and event series is the largest participation sports platform in the world. Since its inception in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines at the world’s most challenging endurance races. Recognized for excellence through distinguished events, world-class athletes and quality products, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owner and operator of Ironman, has grown from a single race to a global sensation with more than 180 events across five unique brands: Ironman, Ironman 70.3®, 5150™ Triathlon Series, Iron Girl® and IronKids®.  With support from partners, including Timex, PowerBar, K-Swiss and TYR, more than 200,000 athletes compete each season in the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Series. For more information, visit www.ironman.com.