IRONMAN Cairns, Cairns Airport announce partnership extension

A popular Far North athletics event, which regularly welcomes thousands to the region, has made a major sponsorship announcement.

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker, Cairns triathlete Nadine Hunt and IRONMAN Group Oceania Managing Director Michelle Pepper celebrate Cairns Airport's five year naming partnership deal with the popular Ironman Cairns triathlon event. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

A popular Far North Queensland event dubbed the ‘race in paradise’, which generated $12m for the region in 2024, has been locked in for another five years.

Ironman managing director Michelle Pepper said she hoped the extended partnership would continue to grow the popular event.

“Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns attracts thousands of athletes from around Australia and from around the world,” Ms Pepper said.

“And it’s known as the race in paradise for obvious reasons, it’s a beautiful part of the world and we welcome many athletes, and Cairns Airport enables that to happen.”

Cairns Airport has retained their spot as naming rights sponsor of IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns. Photo: Tim Bardsley-Smith

Ironman Cairns attracted more than 6500 visitors to the Far North last year, injecting an estimated $12 million into the economy.

Just under 3000 athletes participated in the Ironman Cairns in 2024, with numbers expected to increase this year.

“We had just under 3000 athletes last year and we’re expecting over 3000 athletes this year,” she said.

“Out of region (participation) was about 40 per cent for this event, with the biggest markets being Japan, New Zealand and over from Europe as well.”

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker, Cairns triathlete Nadine Hunt and IRONMAN Group Oceania Managing Director Michelle Pepper celebrate Cairns Airport's five year naming partnership deal with the popular Ironman Cairns triathlon event. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said Ironman Cairns was a great event to bring international visitors into the region, particularly with new international routes operating between Cairns and Japan, Fiji and the United States.

“What we’re really excited about this year is that it’s never going to be easier to reach Cairns – so starting in April, we have direct flights to Fiji which connect seamlessly to the United States,” Mr Barker said.

“Those are markets that really embrace triathlon so it’s going to be easier for North American markets to visit and participate in the Cairns Ironman this year.”

Cairns triathlete Nadine Hunt said the views and social atmosphere was what made the event so special.

“I love this race – I’ve done Bussleton and the Port Macquarie half (marathon) and I’m sorry to say that they just don’t compare to Cairns,” Ms Hunt said.

“Cairns is fast, it’s beautiful and the atmosphere of the Cairns locals (is great).

“It doesn’t matter if you love or hate the sport, you’re going to come out because you see the Esplanade, the pubs and restaurants ... it really allows the community to come out and get behind it.”

Originally published as IRONMAN Cairns, Cairns Airport announce partnership extension