Volunteer manager for Ironman, Gretchen Rivers, said Port Macquarie volunteers are renowned world wide for their supportive approach to the athletes and the event.

“Lets face it, if it wasn't for the volunteers there wouldn't be an event,” she said.

“The success of the event comes down to the vollies, with out them the athletes can't do it.

“We always get comments from the athletes about how the volunteers helped them push through to the 

finish.

“The past years, everyone has been really impressed with how the town supports the event with the commitment of the volunteers so we would like to see that again this year.”

The race on May 4 will require 2000 volunteers for all sorts of jobs from manning aid stations to welcoming the athletes to the starting area and racking up bikes in transition.

Rivers said while the event and the athletes depended wholly on the volunteers, it was a two-way street.

“It's a great chance to get out amongst your community, meet new people and represent your town,” she said.

“It's hard to put into words the experience, atmosphere and emotion that people get out of an event like this.

To register as a volunteer call Rivers on 0411 151 074 or for more information email portmacquarie@ironman

volunteers.com