Taupō is transforming in preparation for the 41st edition of ANZCO Ironman New Zealand this weekend, with white marquees already visible along Tongariro Street as event infrastructure takes shape.
Wayne Reardon, Senior Operations Manager at IRONMAN, told Lake FM that the team is well prepared for the international event.
"We've done this event a few times already, so I think we've got it pretty well nailed. The team's flat out working on stuff, and if you look out the window when you're driving through Tongariro Street, you'll see a bit of white marquee everywhere, so we're well into it."
Despite hosting the Ironman 70.3 World Championships just months ago, international participation remains strong, with approximately half the field coming from overseas. Athletes from 50 different countries will compete in the event, which begins at 8 am on Saturday and continues until the final finishers cross the line just before 1 am Sunday morning.
IRONMAN's volunteer team plays a crucial role in the event's success. "There never seems to be any problem when Ironman asks questions; volunteers just come out of the ground and volunteer for years and years; they know what they're doing, they enjoy it, and the athletes themselves certainly like the support they get from them as well," Reardon said.
First-time competitors may face challenges depending on lake and weather conditions.
"Hopefully the lake will be nice and flat, obviously as you know it can rough up a little bit at times so we're hoping for a flat lake but if it's a bit lumpy that might be a bit of a problem for some. And if the wind gets up, sometimes the bike ride back into town from Reporoa can be a bit hard."
For spectators, Reardon recommends positioning along Lake Terrace, particularly opposite the fire station where both swim start/finish and bike transitions take place. Rifle Range Road offers views of athletes beginning their second bike lap, while the lakefront provides picturesque viewing for the run portion.
The official event programme begins tomorrow afternoon with the Pōwhiri welcome ceremony at 5 pm, which is open to the public. Most road closures will not come into effect until Saturday race morning, with the exception of a small section along Lake Terrace closing tomorrow.
The event concludes on Sunday with roll downs and prize giving, where top finishers will earn qualification spots for the Ironman World Championships.
For those inspired by the athletes this weekend, Reardon offers simple advice: "Get yourself a good coach, talk to people who have done it already and just go for it. It's a great challenge and you'll certainly feel good if you do complete it and coming across that finish line is pretty special I hear."
