Sport
23 February, 2025
Ironman takes off in 2025
NEW aviation routes are expected to help lure more athletes to this year’s Ironman Cairns with more than 3000 expected to take part in June.
Cairns Airport this week extended its naming-rights sponsorship of Ironman Cairns for a further five years.
Dubbed the ‘race in paradise’, last year’s event attracted more than 6500 visitors to the region, injecting an estimated $12 million into the local economy and showcasing the destination across the world, with international broadcasts.
This year, more than 3000 are expected to compete with contingents from Japan, New Zealand and Europe.
However, airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the event would probably get more American competitors via Fiji Airways service through Nadi and even more Kiwi athletes when the direct Jetstar service to and from Christchurch begins. Both services take-off in April.
“In 2025, we expect to see more overseas competitors than ever, with our new international services well underway,” he said.
“Fiji Airways’ flights from Nadi will provide seamless connectivity from key destinations in the United States, such as Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco, while our competitive Kiwi neighbours on New Zealand’s South Island will soon have fast, direct access to this event, for the first time.
“Closer to home, it has never been easier for southern Queenslanders to take part, with regular direct services from the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast with Jetstar.”
Ironman Group Oceania managing director Michelle Pepper said the Cairns event was an annual highlight for athletes and their supporters.
“Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns is a special event on our calendar each year, from the incredible setting, breathtaking course and atmosphere from the crowd, it is always a week to remember,” she said.
“It is also an ideal opportunity to stay and holiday in paradise, during Tropical North Queensland’s idyllic winter.”
Leading Indigenous Ironman competitor Nadine Hunt urged more Far Northerners to take part, even if it was one of the sole events: the swim, cycle ride or the run.
She said she was proud more Indigenous athletes were competing.
Ms Hunt is part of TriMob, which encourages Indigenous competition in running, swimming and cycling. TriMob has a team in this year’s event.
Ms Hunt said five or six years ago there were only two indigenous competitors in Ironman Cairns and now there were 10.
Ironman Cairns takes place on Sunday, June 15. Visit https://bit.ly/40X8Lzq
