Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand: 35 years young!
This year's Kellogg's Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand marks the 35th anniversary of the iconic IRONMAN New Zealand event.
Formerly held in Auckland, the staging of the race began in 1985. Things have changed since then, when 157 athletes raced over a shorter course, starting with a 3.2km swim in Mission Bay before mounting their bikes for a 160 kilometre ride out to Kawakawa Bay and back before completing a scenic 32 kilometre run along the waterfront.
Although the distance was shorter, wetsuits were akin to the thicker variants surfers wear! This was the pre-aero bar era for cyclists and steel framed bikes were the norm, as opposed to the carbon fibre beauties we see now!
Just as triathletes' kit has evolved over time, the event has too, moving to the full IRONMAN distance in 1988 and eventually transferring to our scenic Taupō District in 1999, when 707 athletes completed the race.
These days we see almost double this number, with about 1200 athletes taking up the challenge each year, and over 2000 volunteers turning out to help at registration, hand out nutritious snacks and present medals and towels to finishers, among other things.
The support from locals here in the Taupō District is nothing short of exceptional. Our love for this event has forged a long history and exciting future for the sport here in New Zealand. The partnership with our IRONMAN whanau has seen the event grow into what it is today and was a factor in us winning the hosting rights for the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships.
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said the community had embraced the event more and more over the years it had been based in Taupō.
"The Kellogg's Nutri-Grain IRONMAN event is a highlight for us every year and something I know our community always looks forward to," he said. "The town really comes alive and the atmosphere is electric. We can't wait to play host again this year!"
Come and enjoy this iconic event for another year here in Taupō on March 2, – we will be down on the lakefront from the crack of dawn!
Road closures for IRONMAN New Zealand events
Please be aware various road closures will be in place around Taupō, from Thursday, February 28 to Sunday, March 3.
Click here to see a map and list of road closures.
February 27, 2019.