THE annual Port Iron 5km held on Saturday, allows the whole community to get involved in the Ironman atmosphere.

Local organising committee chairman, Mike Reid, said in recent years the five kilometre fun run had attracted about 350 competitors.

"They're draw by the fact every competitor receives a finishers medal after they cross the official Ironman finish line in the fully timed event," said.

He said the Port Iron 5k was a fantastic event for bringing the community and Ironman athletes together.

"The fun run attracts all sorts of competitors from serious runners who finish the race in 13 minutes to mums with prams who soak up the atmosphere.

"Funds raised through fun run entries go back to the local organising committee for distribution to community groups who volunteer across the weekend, so it's an important part of the weekend from that perspective," said Mr Reid.

Online registrations for the Port Iron 5k have closed but entries will be accepted on race morning. Registration will take place on Town Green alongside the Beach House between 6 and 7am, with the race starting at 7.30am.

The course follows the Ironman run leg taking in all the scenery of the river.

Starting on Clarence Street in the Horton street intersections runners go straight up Clarence Street to Town Beach and then follow the breakwall back through Town Green, over Kooloonbung Creek to run a lap of Westport Park before returning to Town Green under the Ironman finish arch.

"The race start is quite spectacular with everyone heading straight up Clarence Street on a fully closed road. We have great support from the Ironman staff and local volunteers to make the Port Iron 5k happen and it really signals the start of the Ironman action for the weekend," said Mr Reid.