The race is on to gather around 2200 volunteers for this year's IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie on May 5.
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The town and surrounding countryside grinds to a halt to welcome athletes and witness the spectacle of endurance as participants run 42.2 kms, cycle 180.25 kms and swim 3.86 kms.
The race runs alongside IRONMAN Australia as athletes swim in the Hastings river, ride along the Pacific ocean and run through the heart of the town.
Retired software engineer Hugh McLaurin, who is taking part this year as first-time volunteer said he was excited to join after witnessing the event last year.
"I joined as a volunteer through mutual friends," he said.
"I've lived here since arriving two years ago from Sydney and was impressed with the scale of last year's event.
"But what impressed me the most was seeing the athletes strength in transitioning late from cycling to the marathon.
"I remember it was later in the day after a lot of the faster athletes had finished, it was cold and these people were just starting the marathon.
Some of them were in their 50's or 60's and they must have huge mental strength to do that.
Mr McLaurin said he was hoping to meet or talk to an athlete during his time volunteering at athlete registration and administration.
"I hope I will be around in the tent to see the final guys finish," he said.
"I'd like to meet people from the race if I can."
Port Macquarie has previously been voted first for overall host city, ninth for athlete satisfaction and fifth to attend again the following year by competitors in the Athlete Choice Awards.
The race also counts towards qualifying for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France with 40 slots up for grabs.
Volunteer director Debbie Ward said the event was looking for about 2200 volunteers and was currently around halfway there.
"The festival has a generally community feel to it and brings benefits to the town," she said.
"There are various roles from the Wednesday before the day to the Monday after.
"Some volunteers are in charge of check in, end of race management, delivering food and drink.
"Some will be stationed in the medical tent and recovery area, there are lots of behind the scenes roles aswell.
"The most visual ones are at the aid stations which are seen as hands on and a popular area.
"There are volunteers involved in every aspect of the race."
Ms Ward said about eight different schools were involved with volunteering and numerous community groups, which in return receive support through grants.
"Volunteers are all issued with a shirt and cap, as well as catered for with snacks and water," she said.
"The feedback we get is that there's a sense of achievement of being involved in an international event.
"All volunteers are registered online at Active Ironman Volunteer."
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