Ironman Triathlons originated in Hawaii in 1978. They have spread around the world since then. The World Championship Ironman event is held annually in Kilua-Kona, Hawaii. Triathlons more generally have a longer history. Multi-sport events became popular in France in the early 20th Century. Several of these involved three sports and some were swim-bike-run events, like modern triathlons. The origins of the the modern format for triathlons is generally considered to be an event held in Mission Bay, San Diego, California in 1974.
The New Zealand Ironman Triathlon – a 3.86 kilometre swim, followed by a 180.25 km bike ride and then a full marathon (42.20 km) run – was supposed to be held in Taupō on Saturday 6 March 2021. Due to the increase in Covid-19 alert levels at the beginning of March the event was delayed for three weeks. It will now be held on Saturday 27 March.
There are a range of triathlon distances, including the Ironman, or 140.6 Ironman, which gets its name from the total distance in miles. There is also a half or 70.3 Ironman and the Olympic triathlon. The latter consists of a 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and a 10km run. The triathlon was introduced into the Olympic programme at Sydney in 2000. New Zealanders have medalled three times in the Olympic event.
Taupō is a magnet for events.The town is located in the centre of the North Island within a few hours drive of its major population centres.There is plenty of accommodation available and lots of choice to suit almost every budget.There are the lake for swimming, the roads and trails for biking and running, a concert ampitheatre on the banks of the Waikato, a horse racing track and a motorsport track.
The New Zealand Ironman Triathlon is an annual event in Taupō. The swim is held in the lake parallel to Lake Terrace and ends at the boat ramp next to the Harbourmaster’s offices at the mouth of the Waikato River. The bike involves two loops to Reparoa and back. The run is four laps of a course that follows the lake from the town to Three Mile Bay and back. The course gives plenty of opportunities for spectators to follow the action. The Taupō event is one of few in which the swim is held in less buoyant freshwater rather than saltwater. This makes the swim harder as if the event was not hard enough already.
There is also an annual 70.3 (or half) Ironman held in Taupō each year. In 2021, the 70.3 event is scheduled for Saturday 11 December.