Triathletes from around the world are putting together their final preparations for the 40th anniversary edition of ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand, taking place this Saturday 2 March.
Aotearoa’s most iconic triathlon is steeped in history and tradition. The event was introduced to New Zealand in 1985, becoming the first internationally licensed IRONMAN qualifier for the IRONMAN World Championship race in Kona, Hawai`i. The original event was held in Mission Bay, Auckland, and attracted 340 competitors.
After 14 years as an Auckland event, IRONMAN New Zealand moved to Taupo in 1999 having outgrown New Zealand’s biggest and busiest city. Home to Australasia’s largest freshwater lake, expansive and rolling countryside, and an internationally renowned tourist destination, Taupo was the ideal place to begin a new chapter in the event’s history.
This weekend, 2,000 registered athletes will line up on the shores of Lake Taupo for the 40th edition of IRONMAN New Zealand, with just over half of those in the IRONMAN field coming from overseas to race.
Wayne Reardon, IRONMAN New Zealand and IRONMAN 70.3 New Zealand Race Director, said that the team was looking forward to welcoming athletes and their whanau, alongside the many volunteers, supporters and stakeholders, back to the event for a memorable weekend.
“Our team couldn’t be more excited to welcome thousands of athletes and supporters to Taupo for the 40th anniversary edition of ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand,” said Reardon. “Known for its stunning landscapes, welcoming and knowledgeable triathlon community, supportive and inspiring locals, and world-class event experience, this is a race like no other.”
To celebrate the significance of 40 years of the world’s second oldest IRONMAN, many special elements have been included in the race week activities to enhance the athletes’ experience.
“We’re celebrating this landmark occasion in style, with a special Welcome to Taupo evening at the lakefront on Thursday featuring special guest speakers, a one-off IRONMAN New Zealand exhibit at the Taupo Museum, a 40-year history wall, and the return of the iconic Undie Run on Thursday morning in support of our 2024 Tony Jackson Scholar Josh Brodie and Josh vs Asthma,” said Reardon.
Taupo District Mayor David Trewavas said this was a milestone both for the event and for Taupo and a great opportunity to showcase the district.
“We are delighted to welcome all the athletes, their supporters, and friends to the Taupo District and look forward to celebrating the ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand 40th birthday this year,” he said.
“This is the 25th year we have held this iconic event in our district, and it is something our community really gets behind with around 1,800 volunteers involved. IRONMAN New Zealand brings our district so many benefits, including fabulous media exposure, a huge economic impact, and awesome marketing opportunities, not to mention the vibrancy it brings to the town as we welcome all the athletes from across the globe and New Zealand to Taupo.”
Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board Chief Executive Officer Rakeipoho Taiaroa sends well wishes to all the athletes set to race to Taupo this Saturday.
"As we approach the 25th year that IRONMAN has taken place in our rohe, the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board welcomes all IRONMAN New Zealand participants and wishes them safe and enjoyable time on our moana."
ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand sees athletes take on a 3.8km swim starting and finishing on the shores of Lake Taupo, a 180km ride taking in the rural landscape surrounding Taupo, and a 42.2km run along the lakefront lined with supporters.
Those taking part in ANZCO Foods IRONMAN 70.3 New Zealand will swim 1.9km, bike 90km and run 21.1km, finishing down the famous IRONMAN red carpet.
2024 ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand – Facts & Figures
2,000 registered athletes are taking part in the 2024 event
35% of those participating in the IRONMAN field are taking on the distance for the time
Meanwhile, Gisborne’s Ron Skelton will take part in his 37th IRONMAN New Zealand
International competitors make up more than half (51%) of the IRONMAN field
IRONMAN New Zealand athletes represent 38 nationalities
The most represented nationalities outside of New Zealand are Australia, the United States, Japan, and Great Britain
The oldest male IRONMAN competitor is 75-year-old Brian Barach (NZL)
The oldest female IRONMAN competitor is 75-year-old Shirley Rolston (NZL)
The youngest IRONMAN competitor is 18-year-old Renee Noronha (IND)
The oldest IRONMAN 70.3 competitor is 84-year-old Brian Boyle (NZL)
Around 1,800 volunteers will help make the 2024 event a success
To find out more about the 2024 ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand visit: https://www.ironman.com/im-new-zealand