Ironman New Zealand Reaches Capacity for 2011 Race in 13 Days

The Full House sign has gone up on next year’s Ironman New Zealand only 13 days after entries were opened.

Organisers expect to start a capacity 1500 participants in Taupo on March 5 next year which will be the first time in the event’s 27 year history that Ironman New Zealand has filled to capacity, let alone achieving this in only 13 days.

The unprecedented interest in the world’s original international Ironman race in New Zealand is in keeping with trends throughout the world which regularly sees Ironman events filled to capacity in North America, Europe and this year in Australia.

Ironman New Zealand organisers are thrilled and overwhelmed at the response.
“It’s been a remarkable few weeks for the Ironman races across the Tasman and in New Zealand with both filling to capacity,” said Ironman New Zealand Event Director, Jane Patterson.

“Our biggest field previously was 1279 starters for our 25th anniversary in 2009 and 1266 for the 20th anniversary and so to reach our capacity in 13 days is remarkable,” Ms Patterson said.

“Ironman worldwide has become more and more popular in recent years. It’s become a way of life for many, a symbol of how a significant number of people want to live.

“It’s seen as a great challenge that everyone can achieve. It’s an extraordinary feat that can be achieved of ordinary people.

”And I would like to think that this is also the result of some hard work and enterprise from our Ironman New Zealand team. This will be the 13th year the event has been staged in Taupo and our team have been totally focussed on organising a thoroughly professional and enjoyable experience in what is a magnificent destination.

“It’s become a great race in a great place.”

The initial upsurge of entries came from across the Tasman after the two Ironman races in their country filled to capacity two weeks ago.

Ironman New Zealand organisers sent a note to their database to advise them of the rush on entries.

“In the past they have been able to enter after Christmas, and so we wanted to ensure that those who have entered Ironman New Zealand in the past and those checking out our website as potential first timers were aware of this. We did not want them disappointed if they were too late.”

New Zealand holds a special place in the history of Ironman as the first international event after owners of the Hawaii Ironman decided to globalise the sport.

That has grown to 25 Ironman events in 16 countries, all qualifying events that culminate in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii every October.

New Zealand’s historic place in the Ironman community meant that it has 60 qualifying spots available for the world championship which is significantly more than that of the Australian races.

“I am sure that was also a factor in this incredible level of interest, because for a significant number of participants, getting to Hawaii is the Holy Grail in this sport. After the Australian races filled, then New Zealand became the only viable option really, and so they have jumped across the Tasman.”

The event has also traditionally attracted a significant number of international participants, who outnumbered kiwis until four years ago, and this year still hosted 600 overseas competitors from 39 countries.

Details: www.ironman.co.nz