Ironman Cairns back with road closures in Port Douglas, Cairns, Northern Beaches

A bigger Ironman compared to last year is expected over the weekend with extra events and thousands of athletes returning post Covid. SEE ROAD CLOSURES

A BIGGER and better Ironman weekend is expected to deliver a massive boost for the Far North with extra events and thousands of athletes returning post Covid.

Ironman Oceania managing director Geoff Meyer said 3500 athletes were gathering in Cairns from all over the country.

“The numbers are really solid there’s been a lot of pent up demand, last year we ran the event but it was for Queensland only,” he said.

“This year we have 3500 athletes, 10 per cent are international, about 40 per cent from interstate and the others are from South East Queensland with about 6-7 per cent local athletes from the Far North.

Josh Ash, Kaiya Deas and Ashley Lucas from Melbourne are keen to get amongst the action of the Ironman this weekend. Picture Emily Barker

“We have just over 100 Japanese athletes.”

Mr Meyer said after working closely with Surf Life Saving he was not concerned of any risk from stingers or crocs.

The town is expected to come alive this weekend with multiple events as part of Ironman.

The COUCH Charity Fun Run will take place on Friday from 6am on Cairns Esplanade to raise funds for the foundation.

Ironkids Cairns is also back post Covid which will allow kids to have their own mini course which is on Saturday from 8am on the Esplanade Lagoon.

“Sunday is where it all happens, towards the afternoon, from 2.30 to 3.30pm, all the way through to midnight is when the real emotion comes out, the fun and atmosphere,” he said.

”Restaurants are completely full and the atmosphere is palpable.”

Restaurants along the Cairns Esplanade are benefiting from the influx of southern visitors. Picture Emily Barker

THROUGH THE YEARS: Ironman Cairns, in photos

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Businesses along the Esplanade are gearing up for a busy weekend with a prime view of the race.

Little Sister owner Carlton Horn said the Ironman was great for local businesses near the route.

“They finish the run coming past us and as far as atmosphere goes it’s always a really good event,” he said.

An extra 2000 passengers are expected at Cairns Airport this week. Major airlines have added an additional 10 planes in Cairns from Thursday and Friday.

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“This is particularly crucial in 2022 as our region and the aviation industry continue to recover from the effects of COVID-19,” Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said.

“Major events like these are invaluable because they provide great incentive for people to visit Cairns and the greater Far North region, and then stay to enjoy the scenery and experiences on offer here.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland general manager Rosie Douglas said 25 countries will be represented including Singapore, Germany, New Zealand and India.

Michael Welsh, of Melbourne, said it was going to be his first year competing in Cairns.

“The atmosphere in Cairns has been unreal since we got here. Everyone is welcoming,” he said.

“We are also planning on staying a couple days after.”

HOW THE EVENT WILL AFFECT YOU

MAIN ROAD CLOSURES

Cairns Esplanade from Spence Street to Aplin Street: 5am Friday to 12.30pm Monday

Cairns Esplanade from Aplin Street to Upward Street: 6.30am to 10am on Saturday, 7am Sunday to 1.30am Monday.

Captain Cook Highway Veivers Road to Beor Street (Palm Cove: 5.30am to 5.30pm Sunday.

Old Port Rd, (Port Douglas) – Veivers Rd (Palm Cove): 5.30am to 5.30pm on Sunday.

Old Port Road – Captain Cook Hwy to Port Douglas Rd: 6am to 5pm Sunday but detours are in place.

Port Douglas Rd (Agincourt St to Barrier St): 6am to 5pm but detours are in place.

Williams Esplanade, Veivers Rd to Cedar Rd: 4am to 12pm on Sunday.

Cedar Road, Williams Esp to Warren St: 4am to 12pm on Sunday.

Warren Street, Cedar Rd to Captain Cook Hwy: 4am to 12pm on Sunday.

Ironman competitors Brendan Wheeler from Brisbane and Michael Welsh from Melbourne are pumped for the weekend event. Picture Emily Barker

PARTIAL TRAFFIC CHANGES SUNDAY

Esplanade from Upward Street to Lily Street: Northbound traffic permitted only from 7am to 7pm.

Esplanade from Lily Street to Lake Street: Westbound traffic permitted only from 7am to 7pm.

Lake Street from Lily Street to Airport Avenue: Northbound traffic permitted only from 7am to 7pm.

Reed Road Smithfield Village Drive to Johanna Road: Westbound traffic permitted only from 4am to 7.30pm.

CHANGED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS WITH DELAYS EXPECTED, SUNDAY

Airport Avenue Captain Cook Highway to Lake Street: 4am to 7pm.

Captain Cook Highway Airport Avenue to Yorkeys Knob Road: 4am to 8pm.

Yorkeys Knob Road from Dunne Road to Captain Cook Highway: 4am to 7.30pm.

Smithfield Village Drive McGregor Road to Reed Road: 4am to 7.30pm.

Captain Cook Highway Reed Road to Veivers Road: 4am to 7.30pm.

Originally published as Ironman Cairns back with road closures in Port Douglas, Cairns, Northern Beaches