The intrepid Spec-savers IRONMAN South Africa is taking place on Sunday 14 April 2013, in Nelson Mandela Bay. The triathlon consists of a 3.8km swim, 180.2km cycle, and a 42.2km run. This may sound purely like self-inflicted torture (they lost me at 3.8km swim!), but to the 2000 athletes who train for hours on end, the IRONMAN is one of the most prestigious endurance sport events where they can push their bodies beyond seemingly impossible limits. If you haven’t yet entered, late entries will be open until Friday, 8 March 2013. If you’ve never been inspired to participate or show your support for this courageous challenge, have a look at the video below!
Enjoy a weekend of Ironman festivities around Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth:
- Thursday, 11 April – Sunday, 14 April 2013: Health & Fitness Expo at the Boardwalk.
- Friday, 12 April 2013, 4 – 6pm: IRON GIRL South Africa 10km fun run.
- Saturday, 13 April 2013, 7:50am – 11am: Vodacom Corporate Triathlon Challenge (10% of the IRONMAN distance)
- Saturday, 13 April 2013, 12 – 6pm: Pritt IRONKIDS South Africa, kids’ Aquathlon event
- Sunday, 14 April 2013, 7am – midnight: Spec-savers IRONMAN South Africa
Visiting Nelson Mandela Bay
Nelson Mandela Bay (a metropolitan area made up of Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Despatch, and Colchester) is an excellent value for money holiday destination for the whole family. Surrounded by world-class tourist destinations like Addo Elephant Park and the Garden Route, Nelson Mandela Bay is the perfect location to explore the abundance of wild beauty that is indigenous to the Eastern Cape. Athletes and spectators have the chance to become tourists. Visit the unique locations and Blue Flag beaches along the beautiful coastline, enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities in the “Adventure Province”, or discover the many historic and cultural attractions.
Nelson Mandela Bay Pass
The Nelson Mandela Bay Pass is your passport to discovering the local’s best kept secrets. This smartcard access card offers flexibility, convenience, variety, and savings by giving you free admission to a variety of attractions and activities in Nelson Mandela Bay, including museums, game reserves, scuba diving, art galleries, sightseeing tours, and more. It also entitles you to great discounts in selected stores for shopping, activities, restaurants, and entertainment. Click here to see what’s on offer!
There are two types of Nelson Mandela Bay Visitors Passes. The “5 in 1” pass is valid for 3 months and includes any five of the attractions and activities as well as shopping and transport discounts. The “unlimited itinerary” passes are valid for 1, 2, 3, and 7 days depending on the period you want to purchase it for. Click here to see prices for the Nelson Mandela Bay Passes.
Accommodation in Nelson Mandela Bay
Sundays Mouth Guesthouse is a beautiful self-catering accommodation situated on the banks of the Sundays River Mouth, in the sleepy holiday village of Colchester. The fully equipped house can accommodate up to 7 adults and consists of two tastefully decorated bedrooms, an open plan lounge, dining room, and kitchen. There is also a brand new “under-African-skies” bathroom with a glass roof and newly installed Jacuzzi. The wooden entertainment deck is perfect for braais and sundowners, offering an enchanting view of the Sundays River. Enjoy activities like water sports, fishing, horse rides, quad bike adventures, walks on the 38km of deserted beaches, and swimming in one of South Africa’s largest tidal rivers. The southern gate of the Addo Elephant National Park is only 4km away. Find out more.
We at TravelGround would like to take this opportunity to send our best wishes to everyone competing in the IRONMAN and other events over the weekend. We’re looking forward to hearing the feedback!
Image 1 by Craig Muller
Image 2 by flowcomm (flickr)
