Taupō is the home of Ironman in New Zealand and the town has been looking forward to hosting the Ironman 70.3 World Champs. Photo: John Cowpland / www.photosport.nz
Taupō is the home of Ironman in New Zealand and the town has been looking forward to hosting the Ironman 70.3 World Champs. Photo: John Cowpland / www.photosport.nz
It's set to be Taupō's biggest event ever - and it's coming back.
IRONMAN Group today announced that the 2024 Ironman 70.3 World Championship is set to be held in Taupō on December 14 and 15, 2024.
Taupō was originally selected to host the 2020 edition of the Ironman 70.3World Championship which was cancelled due to the ongoing and widespread impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Taupō was then slated to host the event in 2022 before continued uncertainty around international travel led to next year's event being shifted to St George, Utah, USA.
"We are pleased that the 2024 Ironman 70.3 World Championship will be taking place at the home of Ironman in New Zealand, Taupō," said Andrew Messick, president and chief executive of The IRONMAN Group.
"Taupō is a historic and iconic destination in the world of Ironman, and while the wait to compete there in a world championship event has been longer than we had hoped, we can't wait to see the best Ironman 70.3 athletes from around the globe have an opportunity to race in December 2024."
IRONMAN Group Oceania managing director Geoff Meyer added his appreciation for the collaborative work by all stakeholders to provide athletes from around the world the opportunity to race in Taupo, which has embraced IRONMAN Group events for more than 20 years.
Cyclists leave Taupō for Reporoa on the bike leg. Photo / NZME
"It is great to see all of our stakeholders come together to lock in a new date and welcome the Ironman 70.3 World Championship to Taupō after the cancellation in 2020 and shift in location for 2022," he said. "The additional two-year wait will put us in a position to welcome many more athletes to Taupō than we would have been able to next year."
Taupō mayor David Trewavas said that the event would provide an opportunity to showcase the Taupō District, and New Zealand, to a global audience.
"We are proud to be the home of Ironman in New Zealand and are ready to show the rest of the world exactly why that is. We have been working closely with stakeholders and are very pleased to see both council and government support roll over to the new date," Trewavas said.
"We have already laid the foundations to host the world's best, and we can't wait to deliver an event like no other... Bring on 2024."
"We are proud to be the home of IRONMAN in New Zealand and are ready to show the rest of the world exactly why that is. We have been working closely with stakeholders and are very pleased to see both council and government support roll over to the new date."
Taupō is seen by Ironman athletes as a 'bucket list' event destination. Photo / NZME
The event is expected to bring in $27 million for the district, with a significant amount of that contribution due to the number of international athletes and spectators expected to attend.
Stuart Nash, Minister of Economic and Regional Development and Tourism, said the region looked forward to welcoming the Ironman 70.3 World Championship community in 2024.
"We are thrilled that Taupō has secured the Ironman70.3 World Championship for 2024. Taupō is regarded as a 'bucket list' destination for many of Ironman's global athletes, and we can't wait to host them, their families and supporters alike in a World Championship format in 2024," Nash said.
"The Government is supporting this event through its Major Events Fund; and we know it is going to be worth the wait."
Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board chief executive Shane Heremaia also welcomed the announcement.
"We support Ironman's decision to reschedule Taupō's hosting of the Ironman 70.3 World Championship to 2024 in light of the ongoing uncertainty around the pandemic and border issues," Heremaia said.
"Ngāti Tūwharetoa stands ready to welcome the athletes, their support teams and whānau to enjoy Lake Taupō, our taonga."
