This coming weekend, Ironman New Zealand and Ironman 70.3 New Zealand will take place. About 1,800 athletes will race. We have some fun facts and figures for you:
- About 1800 athletes are taking part in the 2023 event
- 31% of those participating in the Ironman field are taking on the distance for the first time
- International competitors make up 49% of the Ironman field
- Ironman New Zealand athletes represent 54 nationalities
- The oldest male Ironman competitor is 76-year-old Richard Sweetman
- The oldest female Ironman competitor is 74-year-old Shirley Rolston
- The oldest ornman 70.3 competitors are 83-year-old Brian Boyle and Warren Hill
- The youngest Ironman competitor is 18-year-old Emily Cook
- Five athletes will celebrate their birthday on race day – Franklin Marquez (38), Alf Robson (57), Andrew Cox (68), Babatunde Adedapo (38) and Chris Mckercher (42).