The Ironman New Zealand event scheduled for March 5 has been pushed back to later in the year due to Covid-19 related issues.

The race will still take place in Taupō but on a new date, December 10 – being integrated alongside the Ironman 70.3 New Zealand event.

Organisers say that due to the developing Omicron outbreak in New Zealand it became clear the event could not be held on its original date.

'The Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand team has been working hard behind the scenes to explore every possible outcome to hold the event as planned on Saturday 5 March, but sadly we have been unable to find a way to deliver the event under the restrictions of the red setting and still guarantee the safety of our athletes, supporters, staff, volunteers and the local community of Taupō,” says Ironman Group Oceania regional director Amy MacCormack.

Postponement dates were few and far between with winter approaching fast, hence the move to the start of next summer and the tail-end of this year.

'We understand how frustrating this news will be for our athletes,” says Amy.

'An immense amount of time, energy and sacrifice goes into preparing for an Ironman, and to have the opportunity to complete your journey taken away this close to event day is a real kick in the guts.”

Tauranga's Hannah Wells won the 2021 women's race whilst last year's men's event was won by Braden Currie, who recently won the Tauranga Half in January.

All registered participants for Ironman New Zealand and Ironman 70.3 New Zealand will be contacted by event organisers regarding their entry and entries remain open for the rescheduled event.

For more information on Ironman New Zealand, visit www.ironman.com/im-new-zealand or for information on Ironman 70.3 Taupō, visit https://www.ironman.com/im703-taupo