As 1500 competitors set off today in overcast conditions for the 19th edition of the Western Bay's biggest sporting event of the year, one of the region's biggest companies threw its support behind the Half Ironman.
Port of Tauranga confirmed today it would continue as the naming sponsor for the region's iconic Half Ironman triathlon for the next three years.
The Port of Tauranga has been the major sponsor of the event for the past 17 years and believe it is a perfect fit for the organisation, with sustainability being an integral part of undertaking business.
"Sustainability is about living in harmony with our community and as an organisation we share this same idyllic piece of real estate as the people of the region and this race," said Port of Tauranga chief executive Mark Cairns.
"This event is a flagship event in this region. It has developed into an iconic event for the sport of triathlon and for this region.
"We are delighted to play a part in that."
A University of Waikato study seven years ago stated that the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman was worth around $4.2 million in economic return to Tauranga, with estimates suggesting this has now climbed to approximately $5 million annually.
This is from competitors and supporters coming to the city and spending on accommodation, food and entertainment, petrol and retail.
There is also a significant spend on domestic air travel and a potential add-on value for general tourism with competitors often basing themselves in the region during the holiday period.
It's not only the region that benefits, but also local community and sporting groups. The race organisers, Sport Bay of Plenty, will pay out approximately $20,000 to clubs and organisations who provide key personnel for race marshalls as well as other key services and resources for the event.
Today's event, limited to 750 individuals and 150 teams, sold out in eight days.
Port stays on board
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