IRONMAN Cairns by the numbers
More than 2800 athletes from 62 countries have hit the IRONMAN course powered by the help of 5000 Anzac biscuits and over 3000 litres of Coca-cola.
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More than 2800 athletes from 62 countries have hit the Ironman course powered by the help of 5000 Anzac biscuits and more than 3000 litres of Coca-Cola.
Only two professional athletes could be crowned champions for the fourteenth edition, but more than 6500 visitors flocked to the region with up to $15m expected to be poured into the economy.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said Ironman Cairns brought a welcome economic boost to the region with athletes bringing their families and friends to the event.
“Accommodation bookings in Cairns have increased by 15 per cent for the event and hotels along the Esplanade have been especially popular for those wanting a bird’s eye view of the run leg,” he said.
“Cafes and restaurants have also been busy with many of the athletes arriving the week prior to train in Cairns and Palm Cove.”
The professional fields saw 35 men and 18 women take on the full distance gunning for the glory and the 5000 Ironman pro series points on offer for the men’s and women’s champions at the end of the 70 metre red carpet.
The Ironkids event on Saturday attracted 500 youngins who took on their own mini-course before the adults took centre stage on Sunday.
The youngest competitors taking on the Ironman this year were still teenagers at 18 but the most remarkable competitors taking the course will be over four times older.
The oldest female competitor registered was 77 years old and the oldest male was 92.
Each athlete who completed the full Ironman covered 226km over the swim/bike/run course with 70.3 competitors covering the half distance of 113km.
Ironman Cairns provided 4000 Anzac biscuits, 3000L of Coca-Cola, and 20,000L of water with 900kg of watermelon at the finish line.
More than 1000 volunteers gave up their time to support the event manning aid stations, setting up the course, and guiding competitors.
Up to 50 police officers were out on the roads ensuring the safety of competitors on the course and guiding traffic and the public with the help of 127 traffic controllers and 2225 crowd control barriers.
About 60 surf rescue personnel took to the water on boards, surf skis, and kayaks to keep swimmers safe at Palm Cove.
Nine competitors also celebrated their birthdays on race day.
Originally published as IRONMAN Cairns by the numbers
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