Ironmen and women line up to take on champs in Taupo

Ironman New Zealand legend Cameron Brown is one of the favourites to win the Ironman New Zealand race in Taupo tomorrow. Photo / Darryl Carey

Number 11: triathlete Cameron Brown will have that number in mind when he lines up for Ironman New Zealand in Taupo tomorrow.

Brown won the prestigious race a record 10 times between 2001 and 2011 and is in the running again this weekend.

The 42-year-old is an Ironman New Zealand legend and is seeded No1 heading into the race tomorrow.

Brown will have some stiff opposition this weekend from fellow top seeds Kiwi Terenzo Bozzone and Great Britain's Joel Jameson.

Almost 1300 people are entered for the event from 53 countries, including a professional field of 29 athletes.

Last year's men's champion, Marko Albert (Estonia), is not returning this year but women's defending champion Meredith Kessler (USA) will be on the start line.

Kessler is going for a fourth straight victory at the Taupo event. Other top seeds in the women's race include Kiwis Gina Crawford and Melanie Burke.

Kessler said it was a great event and something everyone should try and tick off.

"Taupo and New Zealand is a haven. It is a place where the pace slows in a positive way and we can take a step back and breathe clearly for a while."

Ironman New Zealand starts with a 3.8km swim in Lake Taupo, followed by a 180km bike ride and a full marathon.

Racing begins for the professional men at 6.45am, followed by the pro women at 6.46am, then the age group entries at 7am.

Top seeds in pro race:
Men: Cameron Brown (NZL) 1, Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) 2, Joel Jameson (GBR) 3, Nick Baldwin (SYC) 4, Mike Schifferle (SUI) 5, Dylan McNeice (NZL) 6, Andrew Yoder (USA) 7, Simon Cochrane (NZL) 8, Todd Skipworth (AUS) 9, Johan Borg (AUS).
Women: Meredith Kessler (USA) 1, Gina Crawford (NZL) 2, Melanie Burke (NZL) 3, Mareen Hufe (GER) 4, Stephanie Jones (USA) 5, Conny Dauben (GER) 6, Erin Furness (NZL) 7, Jocelyn McCauley (USA) 8.