Ironman Cairns: September date confirmed for 2020 event
Ironman Cairns organisers have confirmed that the 2020 event will go ahead - but the iconic event will look a bit different due to COVID changes.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Ironman Cairns organisers have confirmed that the 2020 event will go ahead on Sunday, September 27, under an approved COVID Safe Event Plan.
The approved plan has been developed to manage the risks associated with the transmission of the coronavirus, while providing an opportunity for participants to take part in the popular event, with both Ironman and Ironman 70.3 distance events taking place on the same day.
Central to the plan is the Ironman Group’s COVID Safe Principles, which focus on tracing, education, enhanced hygiene, density reduction, touchpoint minimisation, athlete self-reliance and screening.
Ironman Group Oceania senior vice-president and managing director Dave Beeche thanked the relevant authorities for their collaboration on the approved plan.
“In developing our COVID Safe Event Plan we looked at all elements of the event, ensuring that we can deliver a great event for all participants while also looking after the health of participants and the community,” he said.
“Ironman Cairns is an iconic event on the Ironman schedule and was named World’s Best in 2018 and we’re thrilled that we’re in a position to have athletes take to the water and roads of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef this September.
“Our athletes are telling us they want to get out there and race again, and our team are equally excited that this is now a realistic possibility.”
Some of these changes as part of the approved plan include 1.5 metre marked spacings wherever queuing occurs, contactless check-in and the elimination of non-essential processes.
MORE NEWS:
Up-and-coming stars to keep eye on at Cazalys
FNQ talent pool ready to make a splash at champs
Netball column: Finals take shape, teen steps up, school carnivals
Under-18 wins set Brothers in good stead
All athletes will also take part in a pre-event screening with medical staff.
The event will feature a new swim start, with four athletes starting every five seconds, allowing for four square metres per person.
Changes implemented for the bike leg include the locating of aid stations in low density areas, with athletes encouraged to be more self-reliant on course, carrying their own hydration and nutrition during competition.
At the event finish line athletes will now receive their medals and towels as a bundle, which is collected from a table, rather than being presented to them as in the past, allowing for contactless celebrations.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said that now more than ever it was crucial to showcase Cairns to the rest of the world through successful events such as Ironman Cairns.
“Our teams have been working with Ironman for months to ensure this year’s event can run as smoothly as possible providing a safe experience for both the competitors and spectators,” Cr Manning said.
“I have the upmost confidence that this event will showcase our region at its best, with the reef and rainforest taking centre stage, enticing more people to visit and experience all we have to offer.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said it was good news that Ironman Cairns could go ahead and entice visitors to holiday in the region after the event.
“Sporting events like Ironman Cairns are a major drawcard for the region and bring welcome publicity for our stunning scenery and enviable lifestyle,” he said.
“The World Heritage areas of Cairns and Great Barrier Reef offer adventurous activities like diving and mountain biking or the opportunity to unwind by swimming with turtles or being pampered in a rainforest spa.”
Meanwhile, the Coral Coast Triathlon will be held at Yorkeys Knob this weekend, with junior races on Saturday, September 12, before the main event on Sunday, September 13.
Originally published as Ironman Cairns: September date confirmed for 2020 event