Athletes attracted to Cairns’ Ironman Course

Not only are Cairns’ rainforests flourishing, but so are the events bringing more people to this spectacular place.  June the 12^th will bring 3600 athletes (780 of which are foreigners) to Cairns, described as ‘one of the world’s most iconic tropical locations and boasts a stunning backdrop that will take your breath away’ (IRONMAN).  Competitors will begin the event by biking up the Captain Cook highway, hugging the coastline from Cairns to Port Douglas. It must be considerably hard for competitors to keep their eyes on the road ahead of them, as they are surround by two of Australia’s most iconic attractions: The Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage listed rainforest.  The race comes to a conclusion in the heart of Cairns city as competitors race along the Cairns boardwalk to the finish line.  The race consists of a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike leg and a 42.2km run.

For those who would rather relax in the comfort of a coach whilst taking in the same breathtaking coastal scenery to Palm Cove and Port Douglas, there are many coach tours which make this journey daily.

Ironman beginnings

On February 18^th, 1978 the first ever IRONMAN which consisted of 15 competitors began in Waikiki, Hawaii.  1985, 13 years after the first ever IRONMAN, IRONMAN Australia was born.  In 2011 Cairns saw the beginning of what looked like a similar event to Ironman.  Five years on and Ironman Cairns is growing exponentially in popularity!

Other Athletic Events in Cairns

Don’t miss out on a chance to enjoy the excitement in the air as Cairns prepares for many memorable moments on the track.  The 2016 Cairns Airport Adventure Festival features an event for anyone and everyone, including: IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns, Coral Coast Triathlon, RRR Mountain Bike Challenge, Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge, Quicksilver Reef Swim – Green Island, The Cairns Post Bright Night Run and McDonalds IRONKIDS Cairns.  The Cairns racing season is nearly upon us so best to  book those plane tickets fast!