With Ironman Durban just around the corner, the nerves are buzzing, the training is peaking – and the supporters? Well, they’re gearing up for their own kind of endurance event.

If you’re heading down to cheer on your person (or people) at Ironman for the first time – welcome to the tribe. Supporting an athlete at Ironman is basically a sport in itself. There’s strategy, pacing, emotional highs, snack breaks, maybe a sunburn, definitely some happy tears.

Here’s our no-nonsense, slightly tongue-in-cheek guide to making it through the day like a seasoned sideline pro.

1.⁠ ⁠It’s a Long Day – Pace Yourself
An Ironman isn’t a quick morning 5K. It’s swim-bike-run for hours. You’ll be standing, walking, clapping, cheering, possibly crying – from sunrise till way after lunch.

Expect to:

Be there before 7AM.
Clap like a caffeinated seal.
Wait… a lot.
Cheer even harder in the final stretch.
💡 Pro tip: If you think you’ll have time for a brunch reservation, you’re dreaming. Pack snacks. More on that in a sec.

2.⁠ ⁠The Emotional Rollercoaster is Real
You will go through all the stages: excitement, boredom, confusion (“Where are they now?”), panic (“Did I miss them?”), joy, tears, pride.

Have tissues. Have sunglasses. Have snacks.

3.⁠ ⁠Track Like a Pro
Download the Ironman Tracker app (you’ll thank us later). It’ll help you see your athlete’s progress in real-time and save you from staring down every cyclist wondering if it’s your cousin Jaco.

4.⁠ ⁠Cheer Loud, Cheer Smart
Don’t just scream “YOU’RE ALMOST THERE!” unless they are actually almost there (like, final kilometre vibes). That’s a rookie move and will 100% get you dirty looks from veteran supporters.

Instead, yell things like:

“You’re looking strong!”
“Keep that cadence!”
“You’ve got this – one stroke/pedal/step at a time!”
Trust us, it lands better.

5.⁠ ⁠Pack Like a Trail Runner, Not a Tourist
Let’s be real – the athlete isn’t the only one who needs to gear up. The sidelines are wild. The sun is real. The hours are long.

Here’s your Ironman Supporter Essentials Backlist:

🧢 Cap or wide-brimmed hat – Shade is your bestie.
😎 Sunglasses – Not just for style, but for surviving the Durban glare.
🧴 Sunscreen – Reapply. Often.
🪑 Camp chair or picnic blanket – Bleachers? What bleachers?
🥤 Stanley bottle (from our Ultra 360 shelves, just saying) – Keeps water ice cold or coffee piping hot for hours.
🍿 Snacks, snacks, snacks – Think trail mix, biltong, energy bars. Avoid anything that melts fast.
👟 Comfortable shoes – You’ll walk more than you think.
📱 Power bank – For your phone, because that Ironman Tracker is battery-hungry.
📸 Charged phone or camera – You’ll want to capture that finish line moment.
🧻 Tissues or wet wipes – Emotional tears and sticky fingers – you’re covered.
🧥 Light jacket or windbreaker – Early mornings in Durban can be breezy.
🎉 Signs, cowbells, vuvuzelas (if you dare) – Bring the vibe!

6.⁠ ⁠Celebrate Big – They Deserve It
Whether they PB or just cross that finish line, your athlete has put in months of work for this moment. So make it count. Be loud. Be proud. And don’t forget to snap that sweaty, emotional, medal-holding hug at the end.

Final Word from Ultra 360

We’re all about performance – on the course and on the sidelines. So if you need gear that goes the distance, whether it’s the ultimate sun hat, an anti-blister sock, or the most loyal Stanley flask around – pop in before you head to Durban. We’ll make sure you’re race-day ready too.

Run Free. Cheer Loud. Support Smart.