IRONMAN South Africa boosts sports tourism for Bay

6 Marched 2014 - marked another spectacular day in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) as the destination hosted the 10th Ironman South Africa. Athletes were inspirational and the enthusiasm and support from spectators was astounding during the world class event. The energy filled day saw German triathlete Nils Frommhold as the first man across the finish line which was situated at Hobie Beach in a time of 08:26:06. Nelson Mandela Bay is extremely proud of former Bay citizen Kyle Buckingham who fought back with all his might to reclaim 2nd place in a time of 08:32:38, followed by 3rd man home Faris Al Sultan also from Germany.

After the race commenced from Shark Rock Pier at 6.30am the ladies race was fast and tough. Spectators were enthralled by a close race but roaring crowd at the finish line welcomed first lady home, Simone Braendli from Switzerland in a time of 09:31:53. Second place went to Lucy Gossage of Great Britain in a time of 09:33:06 and third place by Jodie Swallow also of Great Britain in a time of 09:33:58

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO, Ms Mandlakazi Skefile says, “ We would like to thank all locals and spectators for supporting IRONMAN South Africa as it was the cheering crowds which made this event unique and one of a kind for our city. We encourage you to keep up this momentum with all events to our destination to ensure that we retain great events such as Ironman while gaining new events for the city ensuring that we become a well known events and sports destination.”

Ironman falls into the sports tourism category and has an exceptional positive impact for the local economy of NMB. The event attracts professional athletes to our destination along with a large group of supporters and spectators from all around the globe. Since 2005 - 2013 IRONMAN South Africa has welcomed 11 838 finishers. This has resulted in a total of R400 million in direct spend revenue injected into NMB and a total of 314 530 overnight stays in the city for 2005 – 2013.

The event itself not only appeals to those within the city at the time but those who can follow the happenings through various media streams. Media values verging at R12 million is generated through the event. This coverage showcases not only the awesome event and athletes but the destinations amazing assets as well as abilities to potential visitors and investors. These events allow for the hosting destination of NMB to show the world that we are capable of hosting world class events.

IRONMAN South Africa celebrated its 10th birthday this year along with Nelson Mandela Bay’s Centenary where Port Elizabeth has been declared a city for 100 years. This has led to a record number of 2371 entries and a sold out IRONMAN South Africa 2014. The field was made up of 82% males and 18% females while 22% of entrants of the full field were international and 88% travelling from of South African entrants came from outside NMB. The top 5 countries represented in 2014 were UK (113 athletes), Argentina (66 athletes), USA (32 athletes), France (30 athletes), Germany (23 athletes).

This year saw roughly 49 275 bed nights sold to athletes and immediate family, however due to coaches, supporters, special guests, sponsors and media travelling to the event an even higher occupancy in accommodation facilities will be totaled. These numbers will increase and be available after the event impact assessment is completed. The average direct spend in the city for 2014 is estimated at R64 million.

The week end of IRONMAN South Africa is an entertaining week for the entire family in NMB with a variety of events for the whole family.  Fun and unity among women was experienced at the Irongirl Race which took place on Friday, 4 April 2014. First lady home in a time of 00:31:24 was Lauren Dance. First mother and daughter team across the finish line was team “Eeny and Meeny” in a time of 01:27:03. The Vodacom Corporate Triathlon Challenge on Saturday morning, 5 April was yet another sold out event of 445 corporate teams, 13 schools and 451 individuals.  This event covers 10% of the IRONMAN South Africa course which Eastern Cape Motors dominated by having six teams in the top 7.

Spur Ironkids took place later in the day with start being at MacArthur’s Pool and Leisure Centre. This event is one which fits comfortably in the pocket of NMB as a family fun destination. With families out to support all children were winners on the day receiving a medal, t-shirt and goody bag no matter the age or ability. The focus was on family, fun and healthy living for kids between the ages of 6 – 13 years. Children between the ages of 6 – 9 did a 60m swim and 1.2km run while the ages 10 – years did a 100m swim and 2km run finishing on the same winners carpet as that of the Ironman South Africa across from Hobie Beach.

“This was a spectacular event in NMB where all stakeholders were able to join forces for an improved and positive impact for the city. We cannot wait to welcome back all athletes and spectators to the friendly city for the 2015 IRONMAN South Africa.” shared Ms M Skefile, NMBT CEO.