Kiwis flock in for 20^th Ironman New Zealand

A record entry of 1425 triathletes, including 625 Kiwis, has signed up for the 20^th anniversary of Ironman New Zealand. The field has reached capacity more than three weeks ahead of the closing day for the 20^th anniversary race in Taupo on Saturday 6 March. This will be a significant increase from last year's previous record 1200 entries, and will be the first time the field has been full.

``We are absolutely thrilled with the level of interest in this very special event, especially from New Zealanders,'' Ironman New Zealand event director Jane Patterson said. ``Traditionally New Zealanders make up a third of the field but we have had a huge increase from Kiwis this year from 400 last year to 625 which is fantastic.'' Ironman New Zealand is the first of the international Ironman events to celebrate its 20^th anniversary, and it attracts the largest number of international competitors.

``As well as the massive increase from New Zealanders to their own race, we will host about 800 international triathletes from 38 countries in March.'' Ironman New Zealand has had continual steady growth since the event was moved from Auckland to Taupo in 1999, both from New Zealanders and internationals. A field of 570 competed in the final race in Auckland in 1998, and organisers expect a final field of 1300 will make it to the start line at Taupo in March.

``Our race directors and traffic and safety management experts believe we can handle 1300 on the course, so we allowed for an additional 100 entries. We would expect to have about this number come race day in March. ``This is the culmination of five years of development and marketing of the event since the move to Taupo, and this destination has been a key to the steady increase in competitors. ``We believe we have a great race in a great place.''

Organisers expect to finalise elite competitors in the New Year but can confirm that the inaugural Ironman New Zealand champion, Christchurch-based American, Scott Molina will compete, along with current champion Cameron Brown, who will attempt to become the first person to win four titles in a row. Coincidentally, Molina now coaches Brown.