‘We can’t wait’: Excitement builds in Taupō as IRONMAN New Zealand back on global stage

Race Director Wayne Reardon is looking forward to welcoming domestic and international athletes back to Taupō, with the town set to host both the 2022 and 2023 editions of IRONMAN New Zealand.

IRONMAN New Zealand 2022 will take place on December 10, with the 2023 version set for March 4.

IRONMAN 70.3 New Zealand 2023 will be held on the same day as the full-distance event, with entries now open for both races.

And Taupō will also host the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in 2024. It was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 before the onset of of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Back on the global stage

With Aotearoa’s borders reopening from April 13, IRONMAN New Zealand organisers are now expecting to welcome a large number of international, as well as domestic, athletes to Taupō’s Great Lake, rolling hills and scenic roads.

With COVID-19 restrictions beginning to wane, Reardon has said the organising team is excited to put New Zealand on the global triathlon stage again following two years of disruption.

“We can’t wait to welcome hundreds of domestic and international athletes to Taupō twice in the space of a few months, giving participants, their families and spectators the chance to experience the culture and beauty on offer in the home of IRONMAN New Zealand,” said Reardon. 

“With many athletes having already moved their entry into the 2023 IRONMAN New Zealand and IRONMAN 70.3 New Zealand, and more gearing up to take on both the December and March events, I urge anyone keen to experience the world’s second oldest IRONMAN to act fast to secure their spot on the start line.” 

Iconic event

Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said the community was looking forward to welcoming IRONMAN athletes to the region again and believes it is an “added bonus” the area will be hosting two upcoming events.

He said: “We are looking forward to having our IRONMAN whānau back in town again for this iconic event.

“Our local businesses always benefit and the buzz around town is always something to look forward too. Hosting two full IRONMAN events within the space of a few months is an added bonus.”