LACTIC acid will build, lungs will burst and muscles will strain as more than 2200 Ironman Australia Port Macquarie and Ironman 70.3 competitors swim, cycle and run through our part of the world this weekend.
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One of the things that makes our hosting of this internationally watched event the success it is can be laid squarely at the feet of our super efficient Local Organising Committee and the wonderful volunteers who help out behind the scenes and along the course.
One group that has led the way for the past 10 years is the CWA Evening Branch.
More than 2000 volunteers are involved in the staging of this year's event and the CWA Port Macquarie Evening Branch's Gay Cowan said the camaraderie is always good.
"It's great to be working with professional people, they are all really interesting," she said.
The atmosphere surrounding all aspects of the event is incredible according to Ms Cowan.
She said the athletes are so dedicated. "I cannot believe they put their bodies through so much ... and they pay to go in it."
CWA Evening Branch member Patricia Godfrey said it is fascinating listening to all the stories the volunteers tell about their experiences.
"The volunteers are also very active people and the parents appreciate the Iron Kids event as well," Mrs Godfrey said.
About eight members of the CWA Evening Branch pitch in with the many tasks involved.
These include packing the athlete's kits, marshalling, manning aid stations and doing whatever else is needed in the race lead-up and during the event.
"It's hard work for our members, but even those who work come along and help at the weekend."
One of the reasons the women's organisation gets behind the event is to lift the profile of the CWA.
"It presents a different face of the CWA to the community. We are more than just tea and scones."
Non-profit groups that volunteer in numbers receive a donation from the Ironman Australia.
"Last year we donated ours to give to Marine Rescue and the women's refuge."
The money was used to provide a counselling seminar for the refuge's counsellors.
"It means we keep the money local."