The IRONMAN Group, a Wanda Sports Holdings company, today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire four mass-participation events from Nine’s events and entertainment division (formerly Fairfax Events and Entertainment), including the world’s largest fun run, The Sun-Herald City2Surf ® presented by Westpac, which takes place in the heart of Sydney every August and sees 80,000+ participants running to Bondi Beach.
Ironman Group agrees to acquire Events
– Global endurance leader adds to running, triathlon, and cycling portfolio with acquisition of four mass participation events in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia
– Sydney to become newest office branch for The IRONMAN Group
In addition to this iconic event, the acquisition will include The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon®, Melbourne Corporate Triathlonâ„¢ and Carman’s Women’s Fun Run. The IRONMAN Group will also seek to operate the Spring Financial Group Spring Cycle event which takes place on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. These events are expected to serve an estimated 100,000+ participants in 2019.
Nine’s publications will continue to have an ongoing relationship with the respective events, continuing as naming partners.
As the largest mass participation event company in the world, we are continually looking for great races in exceptional locations, said Andrew Messick, President & Chief Executive Officer of The IRONMAN Group. This is a fantastic opportunity to expand in two major Australian cities – Sydney and Melbourne – and further the global recognition that these premiere events deserve. With more than 20 established races in Oceania, the addition of these events, including the historic and world-renowned City2Surf, will further cement our position as the market leader.
Firmly established as a must-do race, City2Surf will celebrate its 50th year running in 2020. It will join The IRONMAN Group along with The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon, the largest half marathon in Australia, and Carman’s Women’s Fun Run which is Australia’s longest-running women’s-only fitness event. Branching further into triathlon and cycling, the Melbourne Corporate Triathlon adds an entry-level event focused on team building and well-being while the Spring Financial Group Spring Cycle Challenge give riders an exclusive and unique opportunity to ride on the road across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Also expected to join The IRONMAN Group will be the events’ respective management teams, making Sydney a new permanent office of The IRONMAN Group in Oceania, adding to office locations in Melbourne and Noosa in Australia, as well as Auckland and Queenstown in New Zealand. The IRONMAN Group now has 28 offices globally.
The Nine events team are outstanding and have a reputation for delivering world-class events. Sydney and Melbourne are considered two of the world’s greatest cities and with the addition of these events, we now have a major presence in each with staff expertise that will allow for us to be forward thinking as we evolve and develop, said Dave Beeche, Managing Director for The IRONMAN Group in Oceania.
“We look forward to integrating those involved with the events into our business as we continue to ensure our global community receives the life-changing race experiences that they have come to know and expect from us.”
Today’s announcement sees iconic events like The Sun-Herald City2Surf and The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon bought by an owner who is well placed to maximise the value of the business and help it grow into the future,†said Alex Parsons, Acting Managing Director of Nine’s Events and Entertainment division.Below are further details about each of the events included in the deal.
The Sun-Herald City2Surf
The World’s largest fun run, City2Surf sees 80,000+ participants annually start in the city centre of Sydney and finish at the iconic Bondi Beach. Entering its 49th year running, City2Surf has established itself as a true community event attracting entrants from all walks of life and ages. The 14km run has become a bucket list†event that is one of the most loved among adventure seekers and casual and serious runners alike. In 2018, the event celebrated 28 Legends who have participated in the event since its very first race in 1971. The 2019 event is scheduled for Sunday, August 11. More information can be found at www.city2surf.com.au.
The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon
Taking place in Sydney’s central business district each May, the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) Half Marathon is the largest in Australia with 13,000+ participants. Beginning in 1992, the SMH Half Marathon course has evolved to take runners past the Opera House, Royal Botanical Garden, Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Pyrmont and Hyde Park. The event includes not only the half marathon but also a relay division and Elite Wheelchair Sprint. The 2019 event is scheduled for Sunday, May 19. More information can be found atwww.smhhalfmarathon.com.au.
Carman’s Women’s Fun Run
Celebrating female health and wellness, the Carman’s Women’s Fun Run is Australia’s longest-running women’s only fitness event consisting of a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Girls Mini Run. Walk, Run, or Just Have Funâ„¢, the event focuses on getting together with friends and family for a great day full of smiles and accomplishments. The 2019 event is scheduled for Sunday, December 1. More information can be found atwww.carmanswomensfunrun.com.au.
Melbourne Corporate Triathlon
Consisting of a 400m swim, 10k bike and 4k run, the Australian Corporate Triathlon Melbourne takes place around Elwood Beach Park, Ormand Esplanade and Elwood in early March. Overlooking Port Phillip Bay, the flat bike and run course promotes fun, team building and wellbeing. More information can be found atwww.corporatetriathlonseries.com.au/melbourne/.
All previously announced race information for each of the events, including race date will remain the same.
Speak Your Mind