THE combined Ironman Australia Port Macquarie and Ironman 70.3 will inject $8 million into the local economy.
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With about 2100 athletes expected to line-up for Sunday's simultaneously-held races, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council says the economic boost will be experienced across the local government area.
Council director Tricia Bulic said close to 8000 visitors started arriving in town several days ago.
"And it's great to hear that they are choosing to stay right across our region, including Wauchope and the Camden Haven," Ms Bulic said.
"We expect our visitors will provide an economic injection of more than $8 million across the region.
"This has the most direct impact for local businesses in sectors such as accommodation, retail, hospitality and other event related services such as equipment hire and traffic management.
"It's also important to remember that this spending also flows into the pockets of locals through increased or longer work shifts, and in turn increases locals' capacity to spend in other sectors of our economy."
President of the local organising committee Mike Reid agreed that running the events jointly would create a much bigger financial impact on the region than expected.
"At the end of the day we are a tourist area and these races bring tourism," he said.
"In a way (joining the two events) is good business for the town.
"Even the 70.3 competitors are more likely to come and stay for a few extra nights than usual.
"I think it is always important to remember that we want all competitors, including those in the 70.3, to enjoy the atmosphere of Ironman.
"We want every athlete to enjoy that experience."
Mr Reid said the influx of visitors was 'a bit of a bonus for the local business community',
He also praised the planning team for 'nutting out' any issues surrounding the running of both events.
There will be a slight change to the run leg in the 70.3, but that was due to the course configuration while another slight change will see both finish lines closer together enabling all athletes to utilise facilities including the recovery room.
With the higher density of athletes involved and utilising the aid and water stations, Mr Reid said the dual finish line would create spectacular viewing for spectators.
With scheduling of Ironman throughout the world - and specifically in the Asia-Pacific region - getting more difficult to coordinate and the all-important base number of athletes becoming increasingly important, logistically hosting the two events also made sense.
"We are lucky to be retaining the race with a lot of other areas losing out on the 70.3 event," Mr Reid said.
"And we want to keep the enthusiasm levels going too .. .we don't want to have the town (volunteers) burn out."
Ironman and 70.3 are on Sunday with about 2100 athletes involved.