Visitors galore in PE for Ironman
PORT Elizabeth is bursting at the seams as endurance athletes from around the world gear up for the gruelling Ironman triathlon on Sunday.
This year’s event in the city has attracted the most international athletes ever, with 609 of the 2 000 participants from foreign countries.
The race is a huge boost for the city’s economy, with more than R52-million expected to be spent on accommodation alone by the estimated 7 000 visitors and athletes.
Ironman race director Paul Wolff said the organisers would be keeping a close eye on the weather for race day on Sunday.
“We have a deep field of very competitive athletes,” he said.
“I believe the strongest competition will be among the men, and a number of South Africans have put up their hands to at least place in the top five, if not win the event this year.”
All eyes will be on Port Elizabeth’s Kyle Buckingham, who finished second behind German Nils Frommhold last year. Capetonian Matt Trautman is also among the favourites after winning the East London 70.3 Ironman event in January.
Among the women, the United Kingdom’s Jodie Swallow is expected to lead the field.
Businesses in Nelson Mandela Bay, particularly the hospitality industry, are expected to rake in millions during and after the event.
Bay Tourism chief executive Mandlakazi Skefile said domestic and international visitors tended to stay longer be- fore and after the race these days.
“An impact assessment has shown that visitors stay between five and six days on average,” Skefile said.
“Many people stay on to experience the wildlife, culture, heritage and cuisine we have to offer.”
The most international athletes this year are from Britain (107), followed by the US (78), Germany (51), France (48) and Italy (26).
Admirals Lodge manager Zoe Puntis said the Summerstrand lodge had taken its first Ironman bookings four months ago and had since then been inundated with requests for accommodation.
“We have become part of the experience,” she said. “Some people insist on cooking their own food, while others only
want very lean meats and high-protein meals.
“We have shoes and bikes and equipment lying all over the place. “It’s all very exciting!” Staff at the Protea Marine Hotel said the Ironman was one of their biggest events of the year and the hotel was completely booked months in advance.
Other hotels along the beachfront tell a similar story, with some expecting their last guests to arrive today.
Eateries across the city are also experiencing an increase in business, especially from foreigners looking for high-protein meals.
Bridge Street Brewery manager Zane Baak said the T-bone steaks were flying off the grill.
The biggest bookings though were for Sunday after the race and Monday.
While road closures during the event could see a drop in customers at beachfront restaurants on Sunday, Something Good manager Mike van Rensburg expects to make up the loss on Monday.
“Last year, the Monday after Ironman was probably one of the busiest days we have ever had, and I believe this year will be very much the same,” he said.
Security will also be beefed up for the event.
Humewood police station commander Brigadier Ronald Koll – who is in charge of policing the beach- front area – said the police had liaised with the role-players and they were all ready for the event.
“We have had constant meetings on all aspects, from safety to medical, over the past few months to ensure our state of readiness. Plans are in place to cater for any type of emergency.
“A venue operations centre has also been established at the event to act as a control room for police on the ground.
“The centre will liaise with operational staff on the ground as well as the police and municipal emergency control rooms to ensure swift reaction to any incidents.”
Koll said the CCTV cameras on the beachfront would be constantly monitored.
Traffic officials would block off the main routes for the race.
Municipal spokesman Roland Williams said 143 water-safety volunteers, including divers and lifeguards, would be on duty, with eight jet-skis, six boats, two yachts and 13 inflatable rubber boats at their disposal.
A medical tent, manned by emergency medical services, doctors and physiotherapists, would also be set up.
“From our side, as the municipality, it’s all systems go – all our services are part of the team that will ensure that this weekend is the most memorable, safe, secure, and exciting Ironman to date,” Williams said.