Two-time winners Braden Currie and Mike Phillips are once again among the men's favourites for Saturday's 40th anniversary of Ironman New Zealand.
Phillips, 33, is the men's defending champion after his win last year, where he beat Currie to take the title in Taupō.
Meanwhile, Currie is chasing a third victory at Ironman New Zealand, in just his third attempt.
"It's always an amazing event here in Taupō," said Currie. "They put on an awesome affair.
"Forty years is an incredible achievement. To have had Ironman here in New Zealand, and to be part of it is awesome.
"[I'm] stoked to be here."
Meanwhile, the women's field is headlined by Chelsea Sodaro, the 2023 world champion, who will make her New Zealand debut.
