Bay on for ‘cracker’ 2011 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa

THE terms endurance, trial, challenge, triumph, achievement and victory have come to have special meaning to the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay who have either watched or participated in what is considered one of the greatest tests of human stamina – the Ironman triathlon.

The Friendly City will be hosting its seventh edition of the “inspiring” Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa on April 10, 2011.

“When the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa rolls into town there is an expectant air of inevitability as the city and its residents gear up for one incredible weekend and all the festivities that accompany it,” said Keith Bowler, managing director of Triangle Events South Africa, the Ironman South Africa organizing body.

“Apart from the breathtaking scenes that spectators get to witness on Race Day, the event also brings to the city a host of financial and tourism benefits.”

The event first started out in 2004 with only 420 athletes taking part in a Half-Ironman in Nelson Mandela Bay. By 2010, six years later, the event had grown an astronomical 350%, with 1840 registered athletes and 51 PROs, a record field.

“All indicators point to these numbers being exceeded at the 2011 event bearing testament to the ever increasing popularity of the race and triathlon in general. As Nelson Mandela Bay plays host to the hordes of athletes who aim to conquer the ultimate challenge, the tourism industry in the region receives a welcome boost,” added Bowler.

The average tourist spent approximately R1280 per day over a typical stay of seven days, the South African Tourism Index reported. Over and above this, the athletes are typically accompanied by additional supporters and on average travel with 2.5 people meaning that there are approximately 33 093 overnight stays. In 2010 the total tourism turnover was R43-million and is expected to reach R48-million this year.

Although the statistics reflect numbers for the Ironman build-up and race, the event garners year-round interest from would-be athletes and makes Nelson Mandela Bay a sought after holiday destination for them and their families, as they spend time in the host city familiarising themselves with the route. 

“The abundance of tourist attractions in the region are always popular destinations for the athletes and their traveling companions while they’re in the city. The biggest portion of athletes at the 2010 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa traveled from Gauteng and with an ever increasing number of international athletes, the sights and sounds of the Eastern Cape becomes a veritable feast of top class tourist destinations,” said Bowler.

Apart from the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa, the city can get ready for a an entire weekend of activities and festivities with the Iron Girl Fun Run South Africa taking place for the first time in Nelson Mandela Bay on Friday 8 April; as well as the Vodacom Corporate Triathlon Challenge and Pritt IronKids events which take place on Saturday 9 April, the day before the main event.

“Whichever way you look at it, the 2011 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa will have something in store for everyone be it out on the course or amongst the crowd in the stands. Nelson Mandela Bay is in store for a cracker of a weekend.”