The Good: What Made This Race Shine

1. The Scenery: Nature’s Own Motivational Speaker

• Swim: Crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupō with excellent visibility.
• Bike: Rolling hills through volcanic landscapes, offering stunning views.
• Run: A lakeside route with a sunset over the water providing a boost.

Key Takeaway: When the pain hits, look up. The world around you can be the best distraction.

2. The Volunteers: The Real MVPs

• Personalized cheers from over 2,000 volunteers.
• Efficient aid stations.
• Safety marshals managing bike descents.

Pro Tip: Always thank the volunteers. They’re the reason you make it to the finish.

3. The Community Vibe: More Than Just a Race

• Spectators motivated participants along Hatepe Hill.
• Local businesses supported the event with discounts and specials.
• Post-race, strangers became friends over shared experiences.

Lesson Learned: Triathlon isn’t just about the clock—it’s about the people who make the journey unforgettable.

The Bad: Where the Race Stumbled

1. The Swim Start: “Like Sardines in a Wetsuit”

• Issue: Chaotic mass start without self-seeding.
• Fix Needed: Staggered waves by predicted swim time.

2. Bike Course Roulette: Potholes & Prayers

• Participants faced challenges dodging potholes on descents.
• Solution: Pre-race road repairs needed.

3. Logistics: The Hidden Endurance Test

• Overwhelmed shuttles forced some athletes to sprint to the start.
• Disorganized gear check at T1.
• Long waits for post-race massages.

Hard Truth: Even the best races have room to improve.

The Ugly: The One Thing Everyone Hated

$15 Protein Bars & Sold-Out Merch

• Finisher hoodies sold out early in the day.
• High cost for digital race photos.
• Aid stations ran out of cola during the run.

Moral of the Story: Pack your own snacks and set up a family photo crew.

Final Verdict: Should You Do IRONMAN New Zealand?

• ✅ YES if… You love challenging, scenic courses, thrive on community energy, and are chasing a Kona slot.
• ❌ NO if… You expect big-city race logistics or hate hills and wind.

For 2025? Register early—it sells out fast. Train for hills and bring extra tubes.

Your Turn: Would You Take on Taupō?

Have you raced IRONMAN New Zealand? Share your experience below—let’s keep the conversation going!

And if you’re dreaming of your first full-distance race, remember: Every IRONMAN finisher was once a beginner who refused to quit.

See you at the start line. 🚴♂️🏊♂️🏃♂️