What makes this different to other IRONMAN events?

While Taupō is no stranger to epic IRONMAN events, having hosted events over 40 years, we are about to take things to a whole new level as we prepare to host the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, on the 14 and 15 December 2024. While many of us have experienced the magic of an IRONMAN weekend, being the home of IRONMAN in New Zealand, this is no ordinary event.

It’s a big deal

The economic impact created by the event will be huge, with around 6000 athletes, their supporters, families, and international media in region – this will be the biggest IRONMAN event ever held in our country and an amazing opportunity for us to extend kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga to the athletes and visitors.

Our district will be absolutely buzzing with activity as we welcome thousands of world-class triathletes from all corners of the globe for the first ever IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship event to be hosted in New Zealand.

Why is this different to a regular IRONMAN 70.3?

Top competitors from around the world
Athletes have qualified for this event by competing in one of the qualifying 70.3 races around the world. To attend this event, they needed to finish top in their age group or pro field. So they are all top-notch athletes.

Two-day event
Male and female athletes will compete on separate days – females first on 14 December, followed by the males on 15 December.

Different course
The swim course will start at Taupō Yacht Club, swimming for 1.9km parallel to the foreshore, exiting on to Lake Terrace, opposite Kaimanawa Reserve. With the support of Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa this is going to be an epic way for the athletes to start their race.

The bike course is different from previous IRONMAN 70.3 events, with a 90km loop course taking competitors along State Highway 5 and back along Broadlands Road, through the beautiful geothermal landscapes of the Ngatī Tahu and Ngati Whaoa ancestral lands.

The run course stretches along the lakefront to Mapou Road in Rainbow Point, turning around heading back to town, running down Ferry Road into Taupō Harbour. Athletes will run the Loop course twice before finishing at Tongariro Domain.

Don’t forget to find a great viewing spot along the courses so you don’t miss any of the action!

How will this event impact locals?

An event of this scale comes with a few challenges for our district, especially around traffic conditions and pressure on accommodation and hospitality providers.

As locals, we can expect the event course to disrupt our regular day-to-day activities, as there will be some traffic delays, road closures and diversions in place to accommodate racing and event activity.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of something unique and special for our district. Make sure to get out and support the triathletes, host an athlete in your home or registering as a volunteer.

View the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship course layout

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship road closures

What can I do to get prepared?

Get ready for town to be busy
There will be extra traffic and competitors training in the lead up to the event so plan ahead. Allow yourself extra time to get from A to B and plan your route. Full list of road closures is available here – www.taupo.govt.nz/ironmanroadclosures
Get your dump run in
Broadlands Road Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre will be closed during the races. The road will be busy with athletes training on the course pre-event too. Best to get that dump run in early or hold it until after the event!
Do a supermarket shop early
Save yourself a job and stock up before the bulk of athletes arrive. A lot of them will be self-catering in the lead up to the event, as they will be sticking to a strict race fit diet. If you are a banana lover, you might just want to grab some extra green ones!
Taupō Library closed
Drop off and pick up your favourite reads early as the library will be closed on Saturday during the event.
Start making your supporter signs!
We have a reputation of being the best IRONMAN supporters in the world. The enthusiasm our community brings to this event through volunteering and supporting is legendary. These events could not happen without you – thank you!
Get the kids writing “With Love from Taupō” letters to the triathletes
We need you Taupō rohe kids! Can you write a personal message of support to IRONMAN competitors, sharing local knowledge on the best things to do in the Taupō District? These letters are always a huge hit with the athletes. With more athletes competing this year, we need even more letters than ever! Find out more about the With Love from Taupō letters.
Volunteer
Have some spare time over that weekend and fancy being part of something special? The team at IRONMAN are looking for volunteers to help in different roles throughout the event weekend. Find out more at www.taupo.govt.nz/ironman
Give our customer services team a call
Our Taupō Customer and Visitor Information Centre will be open, but you will find it much easier to call us on race days. We’re available 24/7 on the phone at 0800 ASK TDC or 07 376 0899.