Cairns was buzzing as thousands from all over the country gathered to watch their friends, relatives, and the professionals compete in the Ironman Cairns 2023. See all the photos HERE.
The sidelines were packed with gazebos filled with teams and children ringing bells as each and every one of the 2500 competitors ran and cycled past.
Ironman competitors crossed the finish line from midday onwards all the way through to midnight, as people from all walks of life gave both the 70.3 (half) and full Ironman a crack.
70.3 Ironman finishers Therese Rennick and Liz Young were walking back to their team from Red Dog Triathlon who were set up on the sideline.
“We made the trek up from Brisbane on Friday and the weather is definitely a lot nicer,” Ms Young said.
Therese Rennick and Liz Young from Red Dog Triathlon, Brisbane. Picture: Kristina Puljak
“It can be a little bit of a shock to the system to compete in such a long race in a different climate, but we’re very happy with how we went.
“Now time to cheer on the rest of the team.”
Spectator Garry Chioatto had his camping chair set up on a round-a-bout on the northern end of the Esplanade with prime view of the cyclers as the first place holder for the full Ironman swung around the corner.
“My partner and I come here every year to watch the competitors as a little tradition,” Mr Chioatto said.
“I’ll tell you what, these competitors have something special to be able to compete in this event.”
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Across from Mr Chioatto were volunteers from the Mulgrave Basketball Club handing out paper cups of water to the runners in the 70.3 Ironman.
Dad Josh Mead was with his son Jarad when they were by the side line cheering people on.
“It’s a great event to get involved in,” Mr Mead said.
“It’s also a nice way of helping out.
“There’s snacks and sugary drinks as well as water being handed out.”
Jara Mead, 11, hands out water for the triathletes on the run leg at the Ironman Cairns race. Picture: Brendan Radke
Grayson Colemen, an 11-year-old cheering on the runners in his squash team jersey, ran 6km of the race with his coach Marc Forster.
“It was so fun running next to my coach,” Grayson said.
Grayson Coleman, 10, Alexis Johnstone, 6, Capri Coleman, 6, cheer on the triathletes on the Esplanade at the Ironman Cairns race. Picture: Brendan Radke
“Even that 6km was hard so I’m very proud of him.”
Towards the finish line on the southern end of the Esplanade, tents of people creating as much noise as possible.
Tri-Activ8, a racing team from Mackay, were all dressed in their pink uniforms to cheer on their 15 competitors across both races. Nikki Giles joins her team in cheering. Picture: Kristina Puljak
Tri-Activ8, a racing team from Mackay, were all dressed in their pink uniforms to cheer on their 15 competitors across both races.
Owner, head coach and director Nikki Giles said all of their full Ironman competitors were entering the race for their first time.
“It’s so great to see so many people come up and support these guys,” Ms Giles said.
“Everyone came with their hearts on their sleeves and lots of training behind them to give this a go.”