GQEBERHA – Nelson Mandela Bay confirmed an incident-free ISUZU Ironman African Championship at Hobie Beach, with the event estimated to have injected more than R87 million into the local economy over the weekend.
Municipal officials said all scheduled races were delivered safely, supported by integrated planning, strong inter-agency coordination and established event management systems.
The Saturday programme featured the ISUZU 5150 Triathlon, the ISUZU Corporate Triathlon Challenge powered by Algoa FM and the IRONKIDS race.
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The events attracted strong participation and significant spectator support, activating both the beachfront and key urban routes across the city.
Beyond the sporting action, the municipality highlighted the event’s wider economic impact.
Current estimates indicated the event injected more than R87 million into the local economy within a single race cycle, with more than 20 787 verified overnight stays recorded.
Visitors spent an estimated R2 500 per day, benefiting SMMEs, hospitality operators, and township economies across the metro.
The IRONMAN Nelson Mandela Bay route was ranked among the top four run courses globally and second in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, further strengthening the city’s reputation as a leading international endurance sport destination.
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said the smooth delivery of the event demonstrated the city’s capability to host major global events.
“Nelson Mandela Bay was not just hosting an event, we were demonstrating a proven, high impact model of how sport drives economic growth, tourism and global positioning,” she said. “We were proud to be Africa’s home of IRONMAN and a destination of choice for world class events.”
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality thanked residents, volunteers, traders, organisers, safety and security personnel, emergency services and media partners for ensuring a seamless and safe event. Athletes were also commended for their resilience and sporting spirit.
Sunday’s programme continued with the men’s and women’s races, merchandise sales at the Boardwalk grass lawns and bike and gear check-out operations, marking the conclusion of another major international sporting showcase.
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