Messages provide boost to athletes

Marotiri Primary students show Ironman legend Cam Brown and Anzco Foods general manager sales and marketing Rick Walker their Ironkidz medals.

Taupō primary schools have been given barbecues as a thankyou to pupils who wrote more than 1,500 motivational letters to welcome athletes to this year’s Anzco Foods Ironman New Zealand.

Anzco Foods donated a barbecue to each participating school – Marotiri Primary, Taupō Primary and Wairakei Primary – after pupils handwrote the messages that were included in every full Ironman athlete’s race pack.

Writing personal messages has become a tradition for local school children, and with a record number of athletes entering the 2026 event, the task was bigger than ever.

Anzco Foods general manager Sales and Marketing Rick Walker says the letters are a special part of the Taupō race experience.

“For many competitors, opening their race pack and reading a message from a local pupil gives them a real boost before race day,” he says.

Marotiri Primary students had their new barbecue delivered by 12-time Ironman New Zealand champion Cam Brown.

“Athletes travel from all over New Zealand and around the world to compete here, and getting a message from a local child makes the event even more special.”

Marotiri Primary principal Rose Symes says the school plans to use the barbecue – along with donated Angel Bay burger patties – for an upcoming school fundraiser.

“Our Year 1, 2 and 3 students really enjoyed writing the letters and cheering on the athletes,” Rose says.

“Some of their parents and family members competed in the event, so it was very special for them to meet Cameron Brown and show him their medals from the IRONKIDZ race the previous weekend.”