Two-time Olympic medalist Hayden Wilde and former winner Kyle Smith will compete for the world title at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupō on December 15.

They will compete for a share of the US$500,000 prize purse, with the winner receiving US$75,000.

The event also marks the finale of the inaugural Ironman Pro Series, which offers 3,000 points to the winners and crowns the Pro Series Champions with an additional US$200,000 bonus.

Hayden Wilde will line up in Taupō as one of the favourites for the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship title. Photo/ Korupt Vision

Wilde, born in Taupō, is embracing the chance to compete in front of family and friends in what will be just his third IRONMAN 70.3 race. 

“It’s super special,” he said. “Friends, family, grandparents—everyone’s coming over to watch. It’s a blessing to be here. We know how sacred this land is.”

The Tokyo bronze and Paris silver medallist aims to run an audacious 65-minute half-marathon leg over the 21.1km course, a feat he has tested in training. 

“If I blow, I blow, but I gave it a good crack,” said Wilde, whose last IRONMAN 70.3 appearance in Melbourne secured his qualification for this event.

Smith, also a Taupō native and twice a winner of IRONMAN 70.3 Taupō, is eager to deliver on home turf. “The title would be a memory for life,” he said.

 “It’s amazing to have the IRONMAN 70.3 worlds here in Taupō.”

Another local contender, Braden Currie, acknowledges the challenge of competing against such a strong field but remains optimistic. 

“I’ll give it my best shot,” he said. Despite a challenging year, Currie is motivated by the prospect of finishing in the top 10 and securing a significant payday. 

“It’s been a relatively tough year, but I’m still holding in there on the points of the Pro Series.”

Taupō’s hosting of the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship marks a rare opportunity for New Zealanders to witness a global sporting event of this scale. 

The local community, including the iwi, has warmly welcomed the event, which is expected to attract up to 26,000 participants and spectators.

With a physically demanding course, fierce competition, and the IRONMAN Pro Series finale stakes, Sunday’s race promises to be a spectacular showcase of endurance and skill.