Thousands to descend on Pandora Pond for Iron Māori event

This year's Iron Māori quarter will see more than 1000 people descend on Pandora Pond. Photo / File.

For 10 years Iron Māori has been changing people's lives for the better.

And this year is no different. More than 1000 people will take part in the Iron Māori Quarter today, first held in 2012 to meet the demand after the success of Iron Māori following its inception in 2008.

Founder, Heather Skipworth wanted to provide a safe and non-judgemental challenge for people wanting to exercise.

"It is really great to look back and think wow how did we get here but then to also stay grounded and think well it wasn't just me, it was a number of people that helped us get here."

It comes off the back of yesterday's Iron Maori Kaumātua event, which saw about 200 elders take part. Skipworth said it always set the tone for today's event.

"The Kaumātua were just spectacular. When they were coming back in from their walk or run, some of them were sprinting or jogging and it's like all their ailments disappeared and their youth came through to get them to the finish line."

The oldest participant was 87, and rather than stopping at the 3km walk, she went on to complete 5km.

"We had a big event after party and they were all waltzing and dancing and you just saw their youth come back."

About 1007 individuals, 300 teams and 150 solo discipline entrants are expected to take part today.

Iron Maori Quarter comprises a 1km swim around Pandora Pond, a 45km cycle ride heading north on Meeanee Quay to the Expressway and south through Prebensen Dr and Church Rd to Fernhill and back through the Pandora Industrial area, and a 10.5km run/walk on a course around the Ahuriri Estuary.

Those in the individual event, completing all three stages, start at 7am and have six hours to complete the course before it closes at 1pm. The teams event, with one member for each section, also starts at 7am, on the cycle course.

She was not worried about what the weather will do. "We have done a lot of karakia and usually what the weather man says can be altered - I don't know how. We are praying for good weather."

For many this event is a warm-up for the Iron Māori Half Ironman on December 1 and the Iron Māori Tamariki-Rangatahi for those aged 5 to 17 on November 30.

Skipworth said she was pleased with how it had been received.

"Iron Māori is not exclusive, it is for everybody and we are noticing that there are quite a few non-Māori turning up, which we think is better."