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PE; “One of the most widely beautiful and historically significant places in the world”

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Thousands of world class athletes are expected to compete in Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth in 2018 at the international Ironman 70.3.

Nelson Mandela Bay’s Port Elizabeth trumped Nice in France and Budapest in Hungary for the right to host the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in 2018, a prestigious event for which the world’s top athletes work hard to qualify.

The announcement was made this morning following a visit by the Technical Team, led by Ms Diana Bertsh, Vice President of World Champion Events in May this year subsequent to the announcement of the shortlisted cities in April.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Athol Trollip welcomed the great news.

“Nelson Mandela Bay is delighted to have been chosen to host the International Ironman Competition.

“We are proud of our excellent track record in hosting the African edition of the full Ironman – it is on the strength of this, our climate, our beautiful beaches and our tourism potential that we are now in a position to host this prestigious international event.

“We understand that there are numerous road upgrades that need to take place; we will work with provincial government to ensure that budget is secured as this event will be to the benefit of both the Province and the Metro.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the world’s athletes to the Bay!” Mayor Trollip said.

When Port Elizabeth was announced as a shortlisted city, the adjudicators described it as “….one of the most widely beautiful and historically significant places in the world”.

Nearly 4 000 athletes across the world qualify during different event to show their mettle in this event. The Ironman 70.3 World Championship is considered to be the second jewel in the crown of the Ironman World Championship with the full Ironman – considered to be ultimate contest in this sport – held in Kona, Hawaii.

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NMB Communications

Media Communications at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality Communications Department is responsible for communicating pertinent Municipal news from Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch. Municipality Contact Details. See more articles by NMB Communication's.