It's race week and Taupō is ready for you VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship!
This is no ordinary IRONMAN event - for a start, this one runs over two separate days! Our district will be absolutely buzzing as we welcome more than 6000 world-class triathletes from all parts of the globe.
This is the first ever VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship event in New Zealand. It will be the biggest IRONMAN event held in our country and an amazing opportunity for us to extend our legendary hospitality to athletes and visitors.
#LOVETAUPŌ has had a makeover, Towncentre Taupō have been busy decorating, our tamariki have been practising hard for the pōwhiri and writing inspirational letters to athletes, our wāhine have been training for the all-female waka and our people and businesses are ready to welcome you!
Taupō is bustling as we see more people out and about shopping, eating and just enjoying what Taupō offers. Many athletes have already arrived and have been training here.
- Parade of Nations: Support our rangatahi and tamaraki as they perform a pōwhiri for around 4,000 international athletes at the Parade of Nations on Thursday 12 December. The Pōwhiri begins at 3.30pm at Te Ātea followed by the epic spectacle of athletes marching with their countries’ flags along Tongariro St to Tongariro North Domain. Not to be missed!
- All female waka: IRONMAN events traditionally begin with a waka crossing Taupō Moana to the start line of the swim. The women’s race on Saturday will have an extra special start with an all-female waka led with local wahine toa, including a 93-year-old! Witness this deeply culturally and historically significant beginning to the event from Ferry Road.
- It’s a two day event: Women race first on Saturday 14 and men race on Sunday 15 December. These are world class athletes so they will complete the course quickly.
- Get ready to cheer: Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to support this incredible event happening in our backyard. We have a reputation for having the best supporters and volunteers. Let’s show them how it’s done!
