Athletes from across globe to tackle endurance event

Almost 2000 competitors are set to take on a testing Sunshine Coast event that is expected to boost the local economy by millions of dollars.

Participants from around the world will tackle the IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast on Sunday.

They will attempt a 1.9km swim at Mooloolaba Beach, a 90km ride including the Sunshine Motorway and a 21.1km run finishing on Mooloolaba Esplanade.

The IRONMAN Group Oceania regional director Leanna Ali said it was a popular event on the endurance sport calendar.

“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect setting for an event like this and we’re thrilled to be bringing athletes back to the region for the 12th running of IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast,” she said.

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IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast includes a swim leg at Mooloolaba Beach. Picture: IRONMAN.

“We’re also set to welcome some of the top professional athletes in the region back to the Sunshine Coast, with an incredibly strong women’s and men’s field, which is sure to feature exciting racing.

“We also have an IRONKIDS event taking place on Saturday, meaning that there are plenty of opportunities for the whole family to be involved in IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast.”

Queensland Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast was a highly anticipated event that celebrated the region’s landscape and hospitality.

“The Sunshine Coast provides the perfect setting for the course,” he said, before referring to “Mooloolaba’s spectacular surf beach”, “picturesque forestry” and the “iconic Mooloolaba Esplanade and boardwalk”.

The event is expected to generate about $7.5 million for the local economy.

“(It) boosts the local economy by encouraging visitors and fans to extend their length of stay and explore our beautiful Sunshine Coast region,” Mr Powell said.

Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said the event was a must-do for athletes.

“Our active, outdoor lifestyle makes the Sunshine Coast a natural home for endurance sport, and we’re proud to support every athlete – from elite competitors to the enthusiastic IRONKIDS – as they take on this incredible challenge,” she said.

The event will be based at Mooloolaba. Picture: Polizzi Studio/ Alexander Polizzi.

“IRONMAN 70.3 plays a key role in delivering our Major Events Strategy, which aims to generate $86 million in economic impact through increased visitation and local spending.

“Since 2013, investing in major events like IRONMAN 70.3 has continued to strengthen our reputation as a world-class destination while delivering significant economic benefits to our region.

“Plus it allows the residents of the Sunshine Coast to cheer and watch with awe, or compete in, world-class events, right on our doorstep.”

The event will start at 6am. Some roads and car parks will be impacted during the weekend. For more information on IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast click here.

The swim leg. Picture: IRONMAN/Strava.
The bike leg. Picture: IRONMAN/Strava.
The run leg. Picture: IRONMAN/Strava.