RACE IS A GOER

Organisers give Ironman Cairns the green light

IT is official: the biggest event on the Far North sporting calendar will go ahead in 2020.

Ironman Cairns organisers gave the multisport family – and the Far North economy – the news they’ve been waiting for on Thursday afternoon when they confirmed they would be going ahead.

Set to be held on Sunday, September 27, Ironman Cairns usually attracts some of the best athletes from across Australia, and internationally, but this year’s event will be entirely different due to the impact of the coronavirus.

Border closures mean the international field could be extremely limited, while questions remain over which other Australian states may be allowed access to Queensland.

Ironman Cairns organisers will be required to complete and submit a COVID Safe Event Plan to the Chief Health Officer, which will outline how they will manage the massive entry list and potential spectators.

It ends a period of heavy doubt, as organisers debated whether or not they would be able to go ahead with event.

The outlook was mixed in the lead up to Thursday’s announcement.

The cancellation of Ironman Port Macquarie, set to be held a fortnight before the Cairns event, sparked concern it was a foregone conclusion. But by Thursday, organisers were optimistic, the difference being Queensland’s early easing of restrictions.

At this time, it is unknown if defending two-time champions Braden Currie and Teresa Adam (pictured), both from New Zealand, will be able to defend their 2018 and 2019 titles.

But Cairns MP Michael Healy is celebrating the retention of an event integral to the Far North’s economy.

“This is fantastic news for Cairns. The Ironman is an iconic event which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year,” Healy said.

“This is a massive event for this region, which historically has drawn in thousands of visitors and generated millions for the local economy.

“We’re yet to see how many competitors and fans we’ll be able to welcome.

“The tourism and events industry has done it incredibly tough this year, particularly in Far North Queensland.

“Queenslanders are a resilient bunch and they’ve really stepped up during these difficult times.

“With restrictions easing and the recent development of a COVID Safe Events framework, we are starting to see more and more good news stories emerge for the industry.

“Events are hugely important to our tourism industry and will play an important role in the state’s recovery.”