Ironman Cairns kicks off event season for FNQ, boosts tourism numbers post-Covid
Ironman Cairns made a huge comeback over the weekend, with athletes and cheer squads taking over the Esplanade, but the loudest cheers came from an industry bouncing back. SEE THE PHOTOS
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
CAIRNS Ironman completed an epic post-Covid comeback at the weekend, helping to get the region’s tourism industry off and running for a profitable return to form.
After battling on despite Covid travel restrictions last year, the sporting spectacle was back to its best, drawing a huge turnout of competitors and supporters keen to spend time in the Far North.
The big weekend sets the tone for a string of events during the busiest months of the year for local hotels and hospitality businesses.
Managing director of the Ironman Group Oceania Geoff Meyer said it’s easy to see why Ironman Cairns is so popular with the competing athletes, as the event pulled near 3000 triathletes to the region and another 2000 spectators for the day.
“It’s incredible to see how the local community embrace this event,” he said.
“The roads were lined with spectators all day … the region turned on a perfect day for an Ironman.
“Our amazing volunteers and partners made sure the vent was another Ironman Cairns to remember.”
Cairns MP and assistant tourism minister Michael Healy said to have the Cairns Ironman back up and running at full strength was fantastic news.
“We’re an event city, we’re a tourism town, this is what we work well in,” he said.
“This is also about our community getting involved in what is a spectacular world-class event, and I’m so pleased that our government continues to support this vital event.
“It’s great and we need to see more of it.”
As the tourism industry builds back after two years of travel restrictions, big events such as Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, the Cairns Cup and Cairns Amateurs racing carnivals, plus music festivals Savannah in the Round and The Grass is Greener will ensure a stream of visitors.
Cairns Regional Councillor Max O’Halloran said Ironman proves to be the most important weekend for Cairns.
“This event picks us up and we go guns blazing from here,” he said.
“Our event tourism charges forward from here, it’s something magical for the town.
“Seeing people line up along the streets and fill our hospitality sector once again, it’s something we are not taking for granted but it is something we’re looking forward to seeing more.”
General manager of The Courtyard on the Esplanade Ben Power said it was good to have a bit of life back in the CBD.
“It’s been good and busy, there’s lots of customers along the Esplanade with all the tourists and athletes and travelling teams,” he said.
“It doesn’t feel as busy as we’ve been in the past but we’re still ticking along and it’s been a lot better to see things head in a normal direction again.”
Athletes also loved the spirit of the crowd, with high energies on both sides of the barriers.
Cairns local Andrew Klink celebrated his 26th birthday by competing in his first Ironman Cairns 70.3. and was ready to have a drink at the finish line with an esky of beers on hand.
“I didn’t hesitate when I saw it was on my birthday,” he said.
“If anything, I kind of took it as a sign.”
Mr Klink signed up with his housemate Jennifer Evans, using the event as a way to challenge themselves.
“I tell you what, I’m feeling it now after sitting on that bike for so long,” Ms Evans said.
“It was actually nice to get to run.”
“I think it’s time for a massage, a beer, and not moving for the rest of the day,” Mr Klink agreed.
For other competitors on the day, it was straight from the finish line into the cheer squads.
Canberra athletes Sue Akeroyd, and Amy Yates finished off their races and hit the sidelines, posters in hand, with their tribe of kids to cheer on their coach and professional triathlete Penny Slater.
“We all flew up from Canberra together for the event,” Ms Yates said.
“We finished up and got straight back into the action because Penny has been an amazing coach for us.
“It’s really all about the crowd’s energy, it’s what spurs you on when you’re slogging it out on the course.”
Cairns’ event highlights for 2022
JULY - Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair (CIAF) kicks off on July 6, running to July 10.
AUGUST - Cairns Cup is back for another year on August 27 at Cairns Racecourse.
SEPTEMBER - The Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival is three days of fun from September 8 to 10 in Woree.
Savannah in the Round comes back September 30 to October 2.
OCTOBER - The Grass is Greener festival hits Cairns again October 29.
More Coverage
Originally published as Ironman Cairns kicks off event season for FNQ, boosts tourism numbers post-Covid
Treasured FNQ asset sold but Labor still committed to purchase
A Labor election promise to buy Taylor Point is still alive with negotiations to purchase the coastal property or a “nuclear option” of compulsory acquisition still on the table, a Far North MP says.
Abortion laws in Qld: 40 years of fights and tears
The abortion debate in Queensland has always strongly divided opinion. This is our history. SPECIAL REPORT