Port Stephens is ready to host the world's number one obstacle race, Spartan, from 30 April to 2 May after the event was postponed last year due to COVID-19.
About 4000 participants are expected to take part in the inaugural Spartan Port Stephens, which will feature a range of events over 3 days including cross-country and obstacle courses for all ages.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer is thrilled to welcome events like this back to the region.
"After a tough 12 months, it's fantastic to see the Spartan Race and other events returning to Port Stephens — it's the boost our community and local businesses need right now.
"We've been waiting more than a year to host this unique event on the incredible Tilligerry Peninsula, and we can't wait to see the space transformed into a giant obstacle course!"
Council's Strategy and Environment Coordinator Janelle Gardner says the event will meet all COVID Safe requirements.
"With a whole extra year of planning, the race organisers have gone to great lengths to ensure the course and festival area will be COVID Safe to protect participants and the local community.
"There will also be a traffic management team in place to make sure there's limited disruption to drivers as a result of the event.
"Many of our events focus on the Tomaree Peninsula, so it's great to be able to bring this unique obstacle course to the Tilligerry community to help boost tourism after a difficult year," she said.
Mayor Palmer says events are an important contributor to the local economy.
"The value events like this bring to our local economy is significant — they encourage locals and visitors to explore our region, which then flows into our local businesses like accommodation, shops, restaurants, cafes and much more.
"Port Stephens is equipped to host a wide range of events and our Council is focused on supporting events that promote wellbeing, healthy lifestyle and create opportunities for families and people from all walks of life to participate.
"We're also working hard to promote healthy habits in our community by creating more paths and cycleways, improving our local parks and playgrounds, and sponsoring events which get people moving.
"Good luck to all of the racers taking part in the very first Spartan in Port Stephens — we hope you enjoy your time here in incredible Port Stephens," he said.
