Ironman Taupō 2026: Inside Hamilton businessman’s six‑month training push

Hamilton businessman Quinton de Bruin is training for his first Ironman.

Most people ease into their weekends with a sleep-in and a quiet coffee, but Hamilton businessman Quinton de Bruin rather starts training for a full Ironman.

Speaking on Waikato’s All Sports Breakfast, de Bruin, in his 50s, opened up about his decision to take on one of the toughest endurance events in the world: a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and a full marathon.

The Ironman New Zealand in Taupō in March is a step up from the half Ironman events he’s tackled before, and even further beyond what most would consider sensible.

But for de Bruin, that’s kind of the point.

“I actually enjoy it when people say you’re doing something crazy,” he said.

“It usually tells me I’m on the right track. As we get older, we get comfortable and every now and then I like to throw in a life challenge.”

The key to success, he says, is routine and support.

“Time commitment is the big thing people talk about with Ironman,” he said.

“You don’t do it alone. You need support at home and at work. I’m usually training from 5 or 5.30 in the morning, or fitting sessions in after work or at lunchtime.”

He trains all three disciplines, swimming, cycling and running, multiple times a week.

Under the guidance of coach Russell Smith, de Bruin follows a structured programme that leaves little room for shortcuts.

“For a weekend warrior like me, you’re looking at about a six-month lead-up,” he said.

“You can’t just turn up on race day and hope for the best. You’ve got to put the work in.”

There are physical changes too. Long hours of training tend to strip weight away, something de Bruin admits he’s not entirely unhappy about.

“I’m enjoying the leaner version [of me],” he said.

“It’s definitely easier to maintain when you’re training for hours every week, though I haven’t figured out how to keep it without the training.”

De Bruin said even though the challenges that come with tackling an Ironman bring up doubts about the project every now and then, to him it’s worth it.

“Out on those long weekend sessions, you do ask yourself why you’ve done this,” he said.

“There are plenty of other things you could be doing with your time. But it’s good fun. It really is.”

Graeme “Mintie” Mead is a sports commentator, the host of the radio showWaikato All Sports Breakfastand a Newstalk ZB overnight host. He is also a Hamilton City Councillor.