IMPORTANT INFO FOR ALL COMPETITORS – PLEASE READ!

Check it out – CLICK HERE TO READ IT

DISCOVER GREATER PORT MACQUARIE, THE BACKDROP TO ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR COURSES IN THE WORLDWIDE IRONMAN SERIES

Must do's

Kayak along natural waterways taking in fantastic views across Queens Lake towards Dooragan National Park.

Sample some distinct flavours of olives, cheese, wines and exotic fruits at one of the regions many local markets

Visit our Greater Port Macquarie website for up to date information on hot deals, events and other must do's www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

PANTHERS
All PIMA competitors have become automatic members of Panthers Entertainment Group. A 2007-08 Panthers Membership Card along with discount vouchers will be handed out to all competitors at Registration.

This Membership, valid until August 2008, will entitle you to entry to any Panthers Club - 14 in all, and has been included in your Registration Fee for the 2008 Panthers Ironman Australia Triathlon.

Along with Registration, Ironman Massages and the Meltdown Party will be held at Panthers Port Macquarie.

Please make use of the great meals and facilities available to all competitors and their family and friends throughout Race Week.

Chairman’s Welcome Letter 

For each of the three years that the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has been involved in facilitating the Panthers Australian Ironman, Port Macquarie, I as a Chairman have asked the LOC to lift the bar in what they do, from the start of the weekend at Registration to the last role for us at the Sovereign Hills Volunteer Party on Tuesday night.

At the Awards Ceremony I will ask you to thank the LOC who are in my mind one of the most dedicated group of people who come together to put on one of Australia’s major sporting events, I am sure you will lift the roof off for them and also for the Sovereign Hills Volunteers as you have in the past.

It is not just the week that they focus on the Panthers Ironman, but for twelve months beforehand there is involvement in the preparation for you to be called across the Ironman Finish Line to the sound of ‘You are an Ironman’. Is there no better phrase in sport that is so important to competitors or inspiring to those who watch you cross the Finish Line?

To the Race Legends, Multi-Finishers and just as importantly, you First Timers, this is your day, Sunday 6 April, 2008. Always remember however, that Monday will be the day for family, friends and supporters, who have got you to the line and also deserve recognition. Your turn to buy the coffee!

As you visit our town and region have a look around at the businesses we affect with road closures on Race Day and if get the opportunity to shop or use their services during your stay please let them know you are grateful and appreciate what they do.

As I recover from a dislocated and fractured hip from a bike accident, I plead with you to stay safe from now until race completion and enjoy your Panthers Ironman experience in Port Macquarie. The town looks forward to welcoming you all with your support crew and please be mindful of the road rules and keep our course clean for all to enjoy.

It has been for me again a pleasure to work with the crew of IMG; Dallas, Kim, Shane and Josh and the Race Director and Administrator; Ken and Glenda Baggs, Port Macquarie Hastings Council and also thanks to them who have put faith in us to deliver. A heartfelt thanks to our local volunteers sponsor, Sovereign Hills without there help our volunteers could not be supported as they are.

Yours in the sport of Ironman Triathlon

Michael Reid - Chairman

Panthers Ironman Australia Local Organising Committee

MEDIA RELEASE - BEST WOMENS FIELD IN YEARS AT IRONMAN AUSTRALIA
The UK’s World Ironman Champion, Chrissie Wellington will headline one of the best women’s fields seen in recent years at the 2008 Panthers Ironman Australia Triathlon in Port Macquarie on April 6. Wellington will head into the event as race favourite but will face a formidable Australian pair in defending champion Rebekah Keat and Kate Major.
 
Wellington’s rapid rise to stardom in 2007 was a surprise to everyone, including Wellington.
 
“I was hoping for a top ten finish in Kona but felt strong all day,” said Wellington
 
Only Belgium’s Luc Van Lierde can boast winning the Ironman World Championships on debut and Chrissie Wellington added her name to that in 2007. She claimed the scalps of Ironman’s best women with considerably more experience.
 
“Last year I was totally invisible and could go into races safe in the knowledge that nobody knew who I was. This year will be a whole different kettle of fish, I have so many great new opportunities, but these come with challenges too,” said Wellington.
 
Last year, Rebekah Keat broke a 14-year drought for Australian women title holders winning the 2007 Panthers Ironman Australia Triathlon. Internationals had dominated the event since 1993.
 
Keat’s stunning come from behind victory last year ended a two year hiatus from the sport and after crossing the line her emotions were laid bare as she sobbed.
 
Her good form continued in 2007, finishing 6th in her first attempt at the Ironman World Championships.
 
“At Port last year all I was aiming for was to qualify for Hawaii but a dream was realised, then to come 6th in my first race in Kona was such a thrill,” said Keat.
 
“I’m looking forward to defending my title, I know the course at Port and that’s some advantage I have,” said Keat.

ADOPT AN ATHLETE PROGRAM – have you signed up yet?

Dear Panthers Ironman Australia Competitor,

Port Macquarie would like the opportunity to show you the warmth and hospitality of our region.

As President of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association, and in conjunction with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, I would like to warmly invite you to join the Adopt an Athlete Program for the Panthers Ironman Australia Triathlon being held in Port Macquarie on 6 April 2008.

Businesses as well as community members and groups will "adopt you" - businesses will decorate their shops with a poster stating  “We are supporting Athlete 342” etc, others will ask to meet and have a drink, and others will cheer you on the course.

If you are interested in joining please contact Gregg by email to ironathlete@iinet.net.au 

and include your:

FULL NAME (and nickname if appropriate) eg. John “Curly” Smith

COMPETITOR NUMBER

OCCUPATION (so we can match appropriate businesses to adopt you where possible)

RACE WEEK PHONE NUMBER

We sincerely look forward to welcoming you at the 2008 Panthers Ironman Australia Triathlon

Chris Denny - President - Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association