They were both seated on a plane, proudly wearing their competitor t-shirts.

As Susane tells the story, a conversation between the pair and another traveller didn't go well.

"This guy came up and shook my partners hand and said congratulations on completing the Ironman event," Susane said.

"He then looked at me - and I was wearing the same shirt - and he said, how did you get that t-shirt luv? (for the record, Susane has competed in 13 Ironman events around the world).

"That's why we need to change the stereotypical belief that Ironman is a male-only sport."

That exchange is also one of reasons behind the rise in popularity of the Women in Tri movement.

The group will host a pre-race event in Port Macquarie on Friday April 3.

Formed in 2015 with just a handful of female competitors, the group currently boasts some 52,000 members on its social media site, from across the world.

Twelve months after its genesis, Susane was selected as the Women in Tri Australian ambassador.

"Women in Tri is more than just a group, it is about breaking down barriers and encouraging more women to get into the sport," she said.

One of its success stories is to host a pre-race event where newcomers to the sport or competitors arriving from overseas or around Australia can meet up, enjoy a swim and talk about the course.

She said that event, usually in the form of a morning tea, is conducted in a supportive way which also gives competitors a chance to make friends.

"This event promotes inclusiveness while reducing issues of isolation," she said.

"We encourage competitors to sit and talk and hopefully you may see a familiar face out on the course

"A pre-race swim was introduced last year and is now part of the idea of breaking down those barriers."

Susane described the group's success as "amazing" and said the concept was to also help build women competitor numbers in the sport.

She said the social media page included doctors and nutritionists who all posted information to help build confidence for women to get involved in the sport.

She also said many male competitors were supportive of the group and were always encouraging out on the course.

A couple of elite athletes will attend Friday's event while anyone looking to buddy up for the race should also attend.

"We will be giving out information on the course for first-time competitors," Susane added.

Susane praised the efforts of US competitors Sarah Hartmann and Moira Easton Horan who were instrumental in getting the Women in Tri movement started.

"We just want to educate people that the sport is open to women competitors," Susane said.

"Considering it was only in 1967 that Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to compete in the Boston marathon - and was almost tackled off the course by one of the organisers - I think we are going along really well."

The Ironman Foundation has also thrown its significant weight behind the Women in Tri with a $US2500 grant awarded to triathlon clubs wanting to breakdown barriers in the sport.

This can take the form of educational workshops - including how to change a rear wheel and packing a bike for transport.

The Women in Tri morning tea is on Friday May 3 at Waters Edge. The swim starts at 7am. Search Facebook for their page.

The field for the Port Macquarie event is likely to top 3000 competitors. The event includes an Ironkids event on Saturday.

Also making news and what's on:

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.