One of Tropical North Queensland’s most popular events is set to become bigger and better than ever thanks to a major new agreement and growing international access to Cairns.
Cairns Airport has extended its naming-rights sponsorship of IRONMAN Cairns for a further five years, ensuring the longevity of the world-class race which draws thousands of visitors to the region annually.
Dubbed the ‘Race in Paradise’, last year’s Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns attracted more than 6,500 visitors to the region, injecting an estimated $12 million into the local economy and showcasing the destination across the world, with international broadcast.
It comes as Cairns Airport’s network continues to expand, with Fiji Airways commencing direct flights from Nadi on April 10 and Jetstar’s non-stop service from Christchurch starting on April 1.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns provided long-term, wide-ranging benefits for the region, supporting local tourism operators and businesses, enhancing wellbeing and creating an exceptional experience for thousands of keen spectators.
“One of our key business objectives is identifying and supporting events that are proven tourist drawcards for our region, while also providing premier, sought-after opportunities for our local community,” he said.
“Year on year, we see increasing numbers of participants and spectators taking part in Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns, which provides significant, valuable promotion of our region across Australia and overseas. In 2025, we expect to see more overseas competitors than ever, with our new international services well underway.
“Fiji Airways’ flights from Nadi will provide seamless connectivity from key destinations in the United States, such as Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco, while our competitive Kiwi neighbours on New Zealand’s South Island will soon have fast, direct access to this event, for the first time. Closer to home, it has never been easier for southern Queenslanders to take part, with regular direct services from the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast with Jetstar.”
Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns was named Best Overall Race globally in 2023, based on athlete surveys. This year’s event will also be the only full-distance IRONMAN Pro Series race in Oceania.
The IRONMAN Group Oceania Managing Director Michelle Pepper said the Cairns event was an annual highlight for athletes and their supporters.
“Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns is a special event on our calendar each year, from the incredible setting, breathtaking course and atmosphere from the crowd, it is always a week to remember,” she said.
“It is also an ideal opportunity to stay and holiday in paradise, during Tropical North Queensland’s idyllic winter. We are thrilled to be partnering with Cairns Airport for a further five years as we continue to grow this iconic event.”
Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns will take place on Sunday 15 June. Visit www.ironman.com/races/im-cairns for more information and to register.