2013 Ironman Australia Driving Economic Benefit to Port Macquarie with 1800 Entries
The Ironman Australia event continues to be one of the most sought after entries of any Ironman event, with organisers closing off online entries earlier this week as capacity was reached. Race organisers, USM Events, announced that the 2013 event will have 1800 registered starters for the 27th runn
The Ironman Australia event continues to be one of the most sought after entries of any Ironman event, with organisers closing off online entries earlier this week as capacity was reached.
Race organisers, USM Events, announced that the 2013 event will have 1800 registered starters for the 27th running of this iconic race to be held on Sunday, May 5.
This increase of an extra 400 participants in the field represents an eight percent rise since 2010, and spells good news on the economic front for the communities of Port Macquarie and Camden Haven.
The extended marketing campaign to interstate and international regions has been a very successful one, further underpinning the tourism benefits to the region.
Seven percent of competitors are internationals from 25 different countries, Japan and the US recording the highest figures and 35 percent make up the interstate component. In total 42 percent of the field will travel from outside New South Wales to the event next year which will have a significant impact on tourism and the economic impact to the local region.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council compiled an Economic Impact Assessment based on the 2010 Urban Hotel Group Ironman Australia event. This assessment reviewed both the direct and indirect impact of the event, calculating a total economic impact of just over $8 million.
According to Linda Hall, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Manager of Tourism and Economic Development, the increased field will have a significant positive impact on the local economy.
“Calculating the economic impact of this event involves analysis of post event surveys to assess the number of athletes, the fact that on average each athlete has 2.5 family and supporters with them, the time they stay in the area and the money they spend on accommodation, food and incidentals. Also considered is the value of direct contracts that event organisers have with local companies.
“As with any economic projections there is also a multiplier effect factored in to account for money earned in the local economy and then spent again locally.
“With this level of economic injection and the community building benefits of the event, Council is thrilled to remain a major sponsor of Ironman Australia,” said Ms Hall.
This event is a key regional event on the NSW Events Calendar developed by Destination NSW on behalf of the NSW Government who is committed to retaining and developing events in regional NSW, which provide community and economic benefits.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said he was pleased to see the event in Port Macquarie had proven so popular.
“It is great news the Ironman in Port Macquarie has received such a great response.
The event draws participants from interstate and overseas, which will no doubt benefit the State and local economy.
On behalf of the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, I am proud to support an event of such popular proportions,” Minister Souris said.
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, joined the Minister’s sentiments.
“I am very excited that the Ironman in Port Macquarie has received so many entries so quickly.
The Ironman is a key regional event on the NSW Events calendar which creates a huge buzz for the Port Macquarie area. I know many locals and visitors who really enjoy getting behind the event and supporting all those involved.
I congratulate the event organisers and all those involved for such a spectacular result and I look forward to welcoming so many for the event next year,” Ms Williams said.
The event is part of an annual international triathlon series one of nearly 30 Ironman events worldwide, there is no doubt the event attracts intrastate, interstate and international interest.
The wonderful communities of Port Macquarie the Camden Haven and surrounding areas have provided 1,800 volunteers to support the athletes on race day, each one of them committed to getting everyone to the holy grail that is an Ironman finish line.
“Major sporting events like this play a vital role in contributing to the local economic impact of the area and more broadly the State Government’s annual tourism target. The generous support that the community brings is a major contributing factor to its success,” said Geoff Meyer, USM Events CEO.
The Urban Hotel Group Ironman Australia is steeped in tradition and been the choice of Ironman athletes with 26,300 athletes having crossed the finished since 1985.
About the Event- 40 age group qualifying spots for the Ironman World Championship, Kona, Hawaii
- Official Qualifier for the 2013 Ironman World Championship with a professional prize purse of US $25,000 and P1000 status.
- 1,500 age group and professional Ironman competitors will complete a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and a 42.2km run throughout the Port Macquarie and Camden Haven regions. Cut off is 17 Hours.
- The event contributes 15,000 bed nights and $8.099 direct economic benefit to the Port Macquarie region, from 2010 report).
URBAN Hotel Group Ironman Australia, Port Macquarie will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2013.
