Port Mac stays
In addition to this announcement, a new event – Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie – will take place simultaneously with Ironman Australia on a date to be announced in the weeks following Ironman Australia 2010.
- Both events in 2011 will see many race enhancements, aiming to improve the pre-race and race day experience. Those enhancements include moving the race action closer to accommodation centers in the heart of Port Macquarie as well as the following:
- A one-lap swim course with the transition area located further down river
- The race expo, registration, merchandise and Ford Ironman World Championship slot ceremony moved to The Glasshouse Arts Conference and Entertainment Centre
- The Carbo and Awards Banquets moved to Oxley Oval
- A completely redesigned finish line in the Town Green precinct - between the Rydges Hotel and Hastings River.
“We are pleased to be returning to Port Macquarie,” said Murphy Reinschreiber, WTC’s Managing Director Asia Pacific.
“The new event-design offers a major upgrade to the athlete experience and provides a more deserving showcase for Port Macquarie and New South Wales. It also lays the foundation for a larger, more vibrant event in the future. We appreciate the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council for understanding and embracing our new event vision.”
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Director of Corporate and Business Services, Tony Leahy, believes the event will further cement Port Macquarie’s reputation as a leader in event based tourism.
“We have worked closely with WTC to plan a race of global standard and are really excited about this announcement. A combined Ironman Australia and Ironman 70.3 has the potential to inject more than $10 million into our local economy and put Port Macquarie on a world tourism stage,” said Mr. Leahy.
Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie
In a first for Australia, Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie will take place on the same day and course as Ironman Australia. With individual and relay entries available, the newest Ironman 70.3 race in the southern hemisphere will be strategically integrated into Ironman Australia, commencing in wave starts.
Formerly the Port Macquarie Half Ironman, Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie is the first Ironman 70.3 event announced for Australia in 2011, with more events to be unveiled in the coming months.
Qualification
Ironman Australia will offer 40 qualifying slots to the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship, held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie will be a qualifier for the 2011 Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship, held in Phuket, Thailand. Validation for Australian residents at Ironman Australia is no longer required.
Registration for the 2011 Ironman Australia and Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie events will open on a date to be announced at IronmanAustralia.com and is expected to reach capacity. The Ironman Australia entry fee will be $675 AUD, with Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie entry $270 AUD.
For more information on Ironman Australia and Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie, please visit IronmanAustralia.com (from March 29) or e-mail Australia@ironman.com. For more information on the complete Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Event Series, visit www.ironman.com.
Comments (9)
by Trimate, 03 April 2010Maybe its a cost cutting thing or pressure on road closures. hard to understand how the cost savings could outweigh what looks like smaller revenue due to what looks like reduced permitted entry numbers. Also while it might save costs or hassels for the organizers or the town, it hurts the local tourism dollars.
by skid, 23 March 2010Would like to know the rationale. Have seen this in some overseas races.
I thought the idea is to improve the IM not destroy it.
by Tim, 18 March 2010According to Ironman Live and Port Mac's websites, Port Mac this year has 60 slots: 55 age group and 5 for pros. That's down from 70 in 2009: 64 age group and 6 pros. What's not clear is whether the 40 slots for 2011 includes slots for pros? Anyway you look at it though you'll need to train even smarter to get one.
by Jono Mc, 17 March 2010????????????? Dead beats
by peter, 17 March 2010what a stupid idea if they were on separate dates most people would race both
by Paul, 17 March 2010How will both races fit on the same bike course already known as a drafters paradise
by mxj, 17 March 2010Will this the 70.3 be in addition to Geelong??
by Matt, 16 March 2010I dont get it, dosen't Ironman Australia in its present format offer around 80 spots for Hawaii, why has that now been cut in half to 40, please explain.
by Are u serious?, 16 March 2010HIM and IM on the same day...AWESOME idea...Vulcan logic at work I see.