Ironman Competition Big Success!

Spectators, athletes as well as tourism experienced a major boost during the Ironman Competition.

Hotels, accommodation venues, restaurants and tourist attractions welcomed the descent of over 1 600 athletes on the Bay for Sunday‘s race! Thousands of spectators descended on the streets to watch the third successful annual Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa 2007. These spectators enjoyed this exciting event by feasting around braai’s and cheering on every athlete as they came by. Some even offered the athletes a taste of meaty treats. Hundreds were blaring on their whistles and vuvuzelas. There were also over 101 African dancers and cheerleaders encouraging and entertaining the athletes. Some spectators went to extremes and dressed up in sparkly wigs and other festino regalia. The Ironman competition was definitely a fun event enjoyed by not only the athletes but also the enthusiastic spectators. The athletes definitely appreciated the support they received as they trudged their way through the 3,8km swim, 180km cycle and 42,2km run.

Of course, the day belonged to the intrepid endurance athletes. Belgian Gerardus Schellens, who won last year, maintains his title as the Ironman South Africa champion with a time of 8 hours, 32 minutes and 12 seconds. Raynard Tissink, who walked the last 500 metres down the winners‘chute, was just 2 minutes behind Schellens, clocking a time of 08:34:30. In the women‘s section, ‘Swiss Miss’ Natascha Badmann cruised to an easy win in a time of 09:20:57. Yet, the cheering crowds gave even the finishers welcomes worthy of heroes.

The event has generated over R86 million worth of economic benefits for Mandela Bay, with athletes and their companions spending more than R24 million a day in the city.

The Ironman event in the Nelson Mandela Bay has acquired superb status and is thoroughly enjoyed by athletes and spectators alike.