The 22nd Port of Tauranga Half Ironman, to be staged at Mount Maunganui on 8 January next year, will open for entries online from 10am on Wednesday 16 June.
The event has sold out for the past four years with last year's race filling in just 66 minutes and entries are capped at a total of 1250 for all individuals and teams.
"We want to protect the integrity of this event as a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants," said Event Director, Jane Patterson.
The event has again been recognised by Triathlon New Zealand as the official New Zealand Long Course Championship with 10 automatic selection slots available in each age group for the world championships.
Owners Sport Bay of Plenty said they are delighted with the continued strong demand for what has become a must-do event for the summer.
"Mt Maunganui is renowned as a great place to visit, especially in the summer. Our event team pride themselves on running a safe and professional race which is great fun, and where everyone enjoys the day, whether they are participating or supporting," said Sport Bay of Plenty CEO, Wayne Werder.
"As a community organisation, this event helps us raise the profile of our district and the sport with any profits going back to support sport in the local community."
The organisers are offering triathletes a discounted entry for those wishing to take part in both the Port of Tauranga Half and the traditional lead-up event, the Craigs Investment Partners Tinman Triathlon on Sunday 5 December.
