Hobart businesses fire up early to fuel IRONMAN 70.3

Published on 02 February 2024

Hobart café and restaurant operators will be up before the crack of dawn this Sunday firing up toastie grill stations and putting baristas on their marks to help fuel the crowds at this year's IRONMAN 70.3 Tasmania competition. 

"Hobart businesses are rising to this year's Ironman challenge by opening their doors early for hungry spectators keen to grab a coffee and breakfast as they head to the waterfront to watch the start of this gruelling event," Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said. 

"Crowds can load up on ham and cheese toasties and muffins and warm their bellies with a hot coffee before watching the Ironman competitors plunge into their first course, a 1.9 kilometre swim out into the River Derwent. 

"Many cafes and restaurants are serving up big discounts for competitors and spectators both before the race and for the celebrations later on." 

City Economy Portfolio Chair Alderman Louise Bloomfield said IRONMAN 70.3 Tasmania is one of a growing number of events that are putting Hobart on the world stage and helping to fuel the Tasmanian economy. 

"International events like IRONMAN 70.3 Tasmania show not just Hobart at its best, but also the local businesses that are vital to a growing city economy," Ald Bloomfield said. 

"The first ever IRONMAN 70.3 Tasmania competition is estimated to have injected $2.78 million into the local economy*. 

"Just over a quarter of people visiting Tasmania for last year's event were arriving on our shores for the first time and 88 per cent of those surveyed loved their visit so much they said they are likely to return in the future*." 

* Data provided by Events Tasmania  

For more information on the special deals available, visit the Hello Hobart website.