Record numbers will flock to Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand 2014, ‘the world’s original international Ironman race’, when it celebrates its 30th anniversary in Taupo on 1 March 2014. Ironman brand owner World Triathlon Corp (WTC) notes that the local organising team has closed registration at 2000 entries. This reflects an increase of more than 300 athletes year on year.
The 30th anniversary edition of Ironman New Zealand will see 58 nations represented for the race, with entries from more than 1,000 New Zealanders. The organizers are pleased with the overall response, which also includes a record number of 487 women lining up to start next year.
“It is a fitting celebration of 30 years of Ironman New Zealand and of the oldest international Ironman race in the world,” said Race Director, Janette Blyth.
“Because of its unique place in history, Ironman New Zealand has long been on the list of must-do Ironman events. More than half the New Zealanders who have entered will be competing in their first Ironman and that represents a fantastic growth for triathlon in this country.”
Ironman New Zealand was held annually in Auckland from 1985 to 1998, and in Taup?, in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand, from 1999. The 1985 event inaugurated the worldwide Ironman series, with 50 places on offer for the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Only 68 of the 340 starters in 1985 were New Zealanders, and foreigners dominated in the early years. Since, then around half the field has been taken up by Kiwi athletes.
Firmly established in its hometown of Taupo since 1999, the event showcases the best New Zealand and its breath-taking scenery has to offer. Thanks to the locals’ Kiwi spirit, the athlete experience during the build-up and on race day is something to be savoured.
In addition to the 2,000 participating athletes, the event attracts more than 2,000 volunteers from a population of just 22,000.
One of the world’s biggest fresh water lakes offers arguably the best swim on the international M-Dot circuit. A two-loop bike course comes back through Taupo town before heading through the forests; and a three-loop run course leaves athletes with no chance to escape the thousands of spectators!
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand 2014 also offers 50 qualifying slots for the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
