Almost 2000 athletes are set to test their mettle in a special edition of a tough endurance event.
Competitors from around the world are preparing for the 10th running of IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast, on Sunday from 5.55am.
They will swim 1.9km at Mooloolaba Beach, ride 90km on a course that includes the Sunshine Motorway, and run 21.1km, finishing on Mooloolaba Esplanade.
The IRONMAN Group Oceania regional director Leanna Ali said the event, backed by Qatar Airways, was a favourite among endurance athletes.
“(It is) a popular event for athletes from home and abroad, and we look forward to seeing more than 1800 people out on course,” she said.
“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect setting for an event like this and we’re thrilled to be celebrating the (event’s) 10th anniversary.
“We’re also set to welcome some of the top professional athletes in the region back to the Sunshine Coast and look forward to seeing more of the close racing in both the men’s and women’s fields that we’ve been spoilt by in recent years.”
Sunshine Coast-based New Zealander Amelia Watkinson is set to compete in the women’s race for the first time since she won in 2020, and after she finished eighth at the world championships in Finland a fortnight ago.
Former men’s race champions Nic Free and Tim Van Berkel are set to compete, as is last year’s runner-up Steve McKenna and the best-placed Australian at the recent world championships, Mitch Kibby.
“We also have an IRONKIDS event taking place on Saturday, meaning that there are plenty of opportunities for the whole family to be involved,” Ms Ali said.
Councillor Jason O’Pray said the event was a great opportunity to showcase the Sunshine Coast.
“With an enviable climate, our region is a destination of choice for sports events like this, and we are pleased the 2023 competition has drawn so many visiting participants,” he said.
“Aside from the global exposure we get from being part of the IRONMAN 70.3 series, the Sunshine Coast event provides an invaluable contribution to many of our local businesses outside of the peak tourism seasons.”
The event is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
Roads will be impacted, with closures and detours in place. See the event website for more information.
Mostly sunny conditions and light southerly winds are expected on race day.
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