Queensland Ironman events locked in after major deal

The Sunshine State’s biggest mass participation events have been secured for the next five years after a new agreement between the Queensland Government and The IRONMAN Group Oceania.

Matthew McInerney

@MMcInerney89

3 min read

June 15, 2023 - 10:00PM

The Cairns Post

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The Sunshine State’s biggest mass participation events have been secured for the next five years after confirmation of a new agreement between the Queensland Government and The IRONMAN Group Oceania.

Key events, including this weekend’s Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns, Noosa Triathlon, Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba Triathlon, and Runaway Noosa Marathon are locked in for at least the next five years.

The deal, which will be announced on Friday as more than 2500 athletes flock to Far North Queensland for Ironman Cairns, which was last year voted the world’s best, delivers certainty for endurance athletes according to Cairns MP and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy.

Sarah Crowley on her way down the finish chute at Ironman Cairns in 2022. Picture: Brian Cassey

“This is a wonderful announcement for competitors, spectators and tourism operators in the Tropical North ahead of Sunday’s iconic Cairns Airport Ironman Asia-Pacific Championships,” Mr Healy said.

“The world’s best Ironman is also a bonanza for Tropical North Queensland’s visitor economy, delivering more than $12.3 million this weekend for accommodation, hospitality and tourism operators.

“Ironman is one of 21 events secured by the Palaszczuk Government for Tropical North Queensland, bringing more than 50,000 visitors and $50 million for the tourism economy annually.”

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Ironman agreement locked in more world-class events for Queensland’s runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Ironman Cairns attracts more than 2500 athletes to the Tropical North. Narangba’s Andrew Day is pictured. Picture: Brian Cassey

“For Ironman and triathlon competitors, support crews and spectators, there is no doubt Queensland is the place to be,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Palaszczuk Government invests in major events like Ironman because we know they bring visitors to Queensland destinations who in turn back local businesses and good Queensland jobs.

“Our support for Ironman Oceania delivers five triathlon events a year over five years, generating more than $300 million for visitor economies on the Sunshine Coast and Tropical North Queensland.”

Max Neumann became the first man to win three-straight Ironman Cairns pro men’s titles. Picture: Brian Cassey

The IRONMAN Group Oceania managing director Geoff Meyer said the team was delighted to be continuing the successful partnership with the Queensland Government to deliver these world class events throughout the state.

“These events are incredibly important not only to the those taking part but to the local communities in which they are held, and we’re thrilled that the Queensland Government has secured the future of these events for at least the next five years,” Meyer said.

“These events bring athletes and their families and supporters to Queensland from across Australia and around the world, injecting tens of millions of dollars into the state’s economy each year.

“With the long-term future of these events secured we look forward to working closely with the Queensland Government to continue to grow them, bringing more people to the state and showing off Queensland as the host of world-class mass participation sporting events.”

Ironman events attract thousands of age group athletes alongside the pros. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns mayor Bob Manning welcomed news that the future of Ironman Cairns had been secured.

The Cairns Post reported council’s $2.5 million investment to secure Ironman Cairns into the future, and with the announcement of this deal it formalises what has become a massive annual event on the multisport calendar.

The new deal will keep five key IRONMAN Group events, including Ironman Cairns, in Queensland for the next five years. Picture: Brendan Radke

“For more than a decade we have watched Ironman Cairns grow and develop into a ‘must-do’ event for athletes from across the globe,” Cr Manning said.

“There’s nothing quite like the lead-up to Ironman Cairns – all week long you can see athletes preparing across the city and enjoying what our region has to offer. Then come race day, the atmosphere is simply electric.

“This is an important event for our city and brings with it an injection of visitors and exposure for the region.

“Our community has embraced Ironman and hundreds of locals are part of this event each year, either as participants, as volunteers, or as vocal supporters lining the streets to offer encouragement.”