Taupō has once again transformed into an international sporting hub as it hosts the 41st edition of ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand this weekend.
More than 2,000 athletes will toe the line across various races, including over 450 people competing in their first-ever full IRONMAN and an additional 500 first-timers for the 70.3 event.
During Thursday's welcome ceremony, commentator Cameron Harper highlighted the event's significance. "Ironman New Zealand is a bucket list event," Harper said. "We have people from all around the world, from Europe, Australia, America, Asia, all coming to New Zealand; all know they have to race IRONMAN New Zealand because of what it is as New Zealanders that we bring to this race."
Taupō Mayor David Trewavas extended an official welcome to participants. "You are sitting on the whenua of the Tūwharetoa people, and you are in one of the top 20 destinations according to CNN in the world this year," Trewavas told attendees.
Snow Rameka, who led the pōwhiri, offered words of encouragement to all competitors, regardless of their finishing position. "Good luck to those of you who end up at the sharp end, come in first, but also good luck to those of you and congratulations already to those of you that will be at the other end; you have already won a personal battle with that guy," Rameka said.
He also encouraged athletes to enjoy their time in Taupō and support the local economy. "If you've got any energy left, my mail would say, spend it in the shops, buy a pair of socks or what else you wish to do, and we'll be happy; all economies need visitors," he added.
The event relies heavily on community support, with more than 1,800 Mercury volunteers expected to assist throughout the weekend. Event Director Wayne Reardon acknowledged this support during his address. "Thanks very much guys for coming to Taupō and selecting ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand as a race that you want to do," Reardon said.
ANZCO Foods CEO Peter Conley, himself a multiple IRONMAN finisher, expressed pride in the company's partnership with the event and gratitude toward the volunteers. "As you do that last lap on the bike, as you do that last lap on the run, as you go through those aid stations, just take a second to say thanks because, without all of these people, we wouldn't be able to put this on," Conley said.
The ANZCO team will have approximately 30 staff members competing on Saturday, with the company also offering beef and lamb tastings at the Expo today (Friday).
Race day is scheduled for Saturday, with favourable weather conditions forecasted for competitors.
