PORT Macquarie is preparing for its biggest annual sporting event this Sunday when 3000 athletes will run, swim and pedal for honours in the 2026 Ironman 70.3.
This year sees the event move from its traditional date in May, and mark 20 years in the town.
While residents must contend with road closures in the CBD and along the scenic course, the event is always a colourful, Lycra-clad spectacle, and locals turn out to watch buffed bodies battle for race honours.
Ironman is also big business: around 9500 visitors inject more than $11 million into the local economy.
Beds are at a premium, while hospitality venues and restaurants welcome the voracious appetites and thirsts of competitors and their support teams.
Key stakeholders were consulted on the change of date to October this year.
“It means warmer air and water temperatures, along with longer daylight hours – thanks to daylight saving,” said Carl Smith, Regional Director for the IRONMAN Group Oceania.
“The extra daylight will enhance athlete safety and improve the experience for the thousands of spectators. We’ll also be using this change of date as an opportunity to refresh and evolve the event.”
The change of date for Port Macquarie will also allow triathlon events across Oceania to be spread over the year, starting with New Zealand in March and Cairns in June, before Port Macquarie in October, and Western Australia in December.
Sunday’s race begins with a 1.9km river swim leg that includes crossing a weir on the Hastings River. Athletes then transition to a 90km bike leg that threads along coastal headlands and surrounding roads.
The race culminates with a flat, fast 21.1km run through the heart of Port Macquarie to the river foreshore, where a cheering crowd waits to welcome the athletes across the finish line.
The history of triathlons in Port Macquarie dates back to the 1980s.The new date ensures the event will continue until at least 2028, Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts told NOTA.
“Its contribution is unquestionably positive,” he said.
“Major events are central to the growth and development of regional economies. We’re blessed to have this large-scale event here for at least another three years.
“Behind the scenes, a huge amount of work goes into making IRONMAN Australia possible.”
He thanked the organisers, volunteers, council teams, local businesses and community groups for their part.
“I encourage everyone to get out, support the athletes and enjoy what is always a special weekend.”
He urged residents to plan for changed traffic conditions and road closures, adding that a pathway upgrade will improve the link between the Buller/Hollingworth streets footbridge and the Westport riverfront precinct.
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