Ironman To Remain In Cairns For Five More Years

Ironman Chief Operating Officer Shane Facteau has welcomed the announcement by the Queensland Government, and the Cairns Regional Council, that the iconic IRONMAN event will remain in Cairns for another five years.

Mr Facteau said he was delighted to also confirm the extension of the partnership agreement with the Cairns Airport until 2021. The IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship will also remain in Cairns for at least another three years.

“Over the past seven years, Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns has become a ‘must-do’ on the IRONMAN circuit. With athletes taking in the most spectacular bike course in the world hugging the coastline from Port Douglas to Cairns and feeling the fantastic community support on the multi-loop run along the beautiful Cairns boardwalk that finishes in the heart of the city.”

“The success of Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns, the Asia-Pacific Championship and the development of city’s reputation as a truly global IRONMAN location is a result of the dedication and hard work of many people and long-term support of local Cairns community.”

“In the 40th anniversary of IRONMAN I am delighted to announce the amazing partnership between IRONMAN Oceania, Tourism and Events Queensland, Cairns Regional Council and Cairns Airport will continue and this outstanding IRONMAN tradition in Cairns will carry on enhancing Queensland’s place as a global leader in fitness and wellness tourism,” he said.

Minister for Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones said this was another win for Queensland’s tourism industry and the event will continue to attract thousands of competitors and spectators to Cairns.

“This event is renowned as the IRONMAN in paradise and is a feature event on TEQ’s It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting major events which promote Queensland’s spectacular destination and grow our State’s $25 billion tourism industry.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said this event showcased the best of Tropical North Queensland, from our famous coastline, Great Barrier Reef and world heritage listed rainforest.

“Hosting the IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship in Cairns provides a valuable boost to the local economy, supports local jobs and fosters community pride while showcasing Cairns to the world, he said.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said IRONMAN was the perfect fit for the region and the Council was proud to continue its support for the event.

“Council has been a part of this festival since its first year and are proud to continue this relationship through to 2023.”

“This race has become a must-do on the IRONMAN calendar, and it provides the opportunity to show off our breathtaking natural assets as well as showcasing our ability to host world-class events.”

“Events such as IRONMAN help promote our destination, drive visitation, support jobs and fostering community pride. The coverage of athletes on the stunning Captain Cook Highway, en-route to Port Douglas, will generate fantastic exposure for Cairns and Tropical North Queensland and highlights that Cairns is home to Australia’s best events in the best destination,” Cr Manning said.

Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer, Norris Carter, said the airport is delighted to come on board once again as the naming rights sponsor of these iconic sporting events.

“The partnership between Cairns Airport and IRONMAN has grown stronger every year since it began back in 2012. IRONMAN is now a standout event on the Tropical North Queensland sports tourism calendar that attracts thousands of visitors from around Australia and the world.”

“It also gives our local community the opportunity to participate in a world-class event right here in Cairns, whether they want to compete, volunteer or cheer from the sidelines. This year we have more than 200 participants from our Cairns Airport community. We’ve staked the claim of “Australia’s Fittest Airport” and look forward to upholding this in the years to come.”

The IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship brings 80 qualifying slots to Cairns for the 2018 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, now the best opportunity to qualify in the Asia-Pacific region.