TRIATHLON

Winning pair put hands up for Kellogg's IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo

By Sports Media NZ

Two old friends will look to continue their winning association at Taupo in December.

Eleven-time winner of IRONMAN New Zealand Cameron Brown and the naming sponsor Kellogg NZ will join forces for the inaugural Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo.

Brown has been labelled the king of Taupo after becoming the first person in the world to win the same IRONMAN event 10 times. Earlier this year he increased that record to 11, and in doing so became the oldest male to win an international IRONMAN event.

All of these achievements have been in Taupo so he readily put his hand up for the new IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo on Saturday 12 December.

Likewise Kellogg NZ have been the naming sponsor of IRONMAN New Zealand for five years, and had no hesitation in jumping on board for the new IRONMAN 70.3 event in Taupo.

“Kellogg’s has been honoured to be associated with IRONMAN New Zealand through our Nutri-Grain brand,” said Kellogg NZ Marketing and Innovation Manager NZ, Julian Ng.

“We value many of the same attributes that IRONMAN participants possess as highly disciplined and committed athletes – whether they are world class professionals or first-time working folk.

“We appreciate how hard they train in their quest to become an IRONMAN and the qualities of strength; determination and endurance that characterise them.

“Therefore we are excited about the birth of a new IRONMAN 70.3 event and it was a natural fit for us to be able to put our name behind both events Taupo and we are excited to work with the IRONMAN team to make this event as successful as Kellogg’s IRONMAN New Zealand.”


Cameron Brown in action along the Lake Taupo foreshore … a path well travelled.
The image is free for editorial use. Photo © Darryl Carey

The inaugural Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo comprises a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run, and staged over basically the same course as its big brother, set for Saturday 12 December.
Brown said the lure of another international event in Taupo was compelling in his reason to race.
“Taupo has been a huge part of my career. Not only have I achieved some of my biggest successes there but the place and the people have been overwhelming in their support.”

Brown, 42, said the addition of the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo along with the full IRONMAN in the city is an excellent move.

“Above all else it is a superb place to compete. Lake Taupo is probably the best swim in our sport anywhere in the world. The course is user-friendly and the public support is fantastic.

“And now the people preparing for the Kellogg’s Nutri Grain IRONMAN New Zealand, especially those doing so for the first time, can have the perfect preparation.

“Those who might be thinking about it in the future can try this event to test themselves, whether as individuals or in a team.”

Brown is currently in Hawaii where he is preparing to compete in the IRONMAN World Championship, his first time back in the Big Island since 2011. He has finished on the podium four times in Hawaii.

“That is where my big focus is right now. So by the time it comes around to December, then I won’t be at my best but I will be trying my best in Taupo.”

Organisers expect 1400 competitors from over 30 nations to compete either as individuals or teams with entries open until Friday 4 December from www.ironmantaupo.com.