Triathlon: The Countdown has begun to the Snap Ironman Australia triathlon

The 19th running of the Snap Ironman Australia triathlon is less than 36 hours away and athletes from all corners of the globe are arriving in Forster, NSW for what will be a display of endurance, courage and strength. This Sunday will see a record field of 1600 competitors dive into Wallis Lake for a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle, before completing a 42.2km run.

However, before the excitement of the Snap Ironman Australia triathlon begins, Sydney triathlete Andrew Stanfield will finish his attempt of completing a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and a marathon for five consecutive days. He arrived in Forster around 2.30pm today before beginning his final 42.2km run. Andrew will then take a rest day on Saturday before lining up for his tenth Snap Ironman Australia triathlon.

The KIDS Road to Ironman Australia has journeyed 1360km between Ballarat and Forster and has included a team of 33 elite athletes, celebrities and support crew to assist Andrew on this journey, which is all to raise money for the KIDS Foundation. In what has been a six month training schedule for Andrew he has estimated he is burning up to 10,000 calories a day.

"As far as I know no one has ever done the Ironman distance on consecutive days and I am sure the body will hold up" Andrew said.

The KIDS Foundation is an Australian charity, which provides facilities and programs for children involved in accidents. It incorporates the Burn Survivors Network and the establishment of rehabilitation centres for accident victims. KIDS are also the official charity of the Snap Ironman Australia triathlon.

Whilst Andrew is pounding the pavement around Forster, the elite athletes are also preparing for Sundays race. Last year's men's and women's champions Chris McCormack from Sydney and Lisa Bentley of Canada will be returning to defend their titles this Sunday. Challenging McCormack will be German Ironman specialist Lothar Leder, Jason Shortis from the Gold Coast, and Chris Legh of Victoria. The return of last year's second place-getter, Kate Major and three times Jim Hazel Trophy winner, Belinda Granger has added depth and strength to the women's race.

The race start will begin at 6.15am on Sunday April 4, with a finishing cut off of 15 hour and 30 minutes.