Firmly established in its hometown of Taupo for two decades, Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand ‘showcases the best the country and its breathtaking scenery has to offer’. Featuring one of the world’s biggest lakes, Taupo is a ‘playground for sailing, fishing, swimming and paddling, while the forests and hills surrounding the town of 24,500 offer hiking, mountain biking and a myriad of other activities’.
The organising team at IRONMAN note that the fresh-water lake is so clean you can drink its water; and snow-capped mountains in the distance make for a setting that’s worthy of the attention it receives from both Kiwi and international tourists alike.
With the event taking place this year on 3 March 2018, the people of Taupo have made the IRONMAN New Zealand event their own, with over 2,000 volunteers putting their hand up to help make competitors from all corners of the globe feel at home.
Offering arguably the one of best swims on the M-Dot circuit, IRONMAN New Zealand 2018 will feature a new swim exit on the 20th anniversary that the event has been hosted in Taupo. After a deep water start in front of Taupo Yacht Club, swimmers will complete the 3.8km swim which will exit at the boat ramp next to the Harbour Master building, approximately 450m around the corner and down the river.
The last time IRONMAN New Zealand finished here was in 2003. Competitors still have a 400m carpeted run to T1 before setting off on the two-loop bike course out to Reporoa and back. The three-loop run course ‘leaves no chance to escape the thousands of very vocal spectators’.
The 34th edition of IRONMAN New Zealand and its 20th year in Taupo will add another element to the experience, with locals bound to celebrate the event’s milestone. In 2017, IRONMAN 70.3 New Zealand was staged on the same day as IRONMAN New Zealand for the first time. Competitors could enjoy spectator-lined streets and receive the same support as the IRONMAN athletes, which made their event extra special. Following feedback, the race organisers will run with the same format in 2018, providing athletes with a choice of entering either race.
www.ironmannewzealand.com
www.ironman.com
