Home Stay Programme

Every year thousands of athletes flock to Buffalo City for a test of endurance during the Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa.  The Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa is quickly becoming one of the biggest half distance Ironman races in the world and there is no better way to join the excitement than to host an athlete as part of our successful Home Stay Programme.

Hosting an athlete as part of the Home Stay Programme in essence means opening your home for an athlete and providing a bed, bathroom and secure holding area for their equipment. Athletes are expected to provide their own food and drink. The aim of the programme is to allow athletes who would not normally be able to afford typical high accommodation costs, the opportunity to participate in an Ironman 70.3 event and visit our country. It also offers a great way for Home Stay hosts to learn more about different cultures and truly get involved in the Ironman vibe!

Timing of Home Stay programme:

Triathletes from across the world and across South Africa are coming to East London between 1 January and 25 January 2012. Travelling to another city to participate in an endurance event is often an exciting yet daunting prospect and some athletes, especially international athletes, prefer to stay with a local family. 

What does the athlete expect from the host family?

As a host family, all you have to provide is a bed and bathroom for the athlete. He/she will also need a safe place to keep their expensive bicycle and other race equipment. The host family is not expected to cook for the athlete as it is the athlete's responsibility to organise his/her own drinks and food.

Can we charge something for the hospitality?

Usually you do not receive any cash payments, but the athletes normally invite you to stay in their house if you ever travel overseas and want to meet them again.

Why should I give an athlete a Home Stay?

Our goal as organisers is to get the whole of East London involved in the Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa. Ironman athletes are generally well educated individuals between the ages of 18 to 75, but most notably they usually have amazing stories to tell! The average Ironman athlete loves travelling and learning about the cultures and ways of life of people around the world. Hosting an Ironman athlete is the ideal way to get to know the fascinating world of triathlon, learn more about a different culture and make life-long friends. It truly is a special moment to support your Home Stay athlete at the finishline and celebrate their achievement with them.

What is the procedure to host a Home Stay athlete?

If you would like to host an athlete as part of the Home Stay Programme, please fill in the home stay application form and we will add you to our database. Once we have a suitable athlete we will put you in touch with the athlete in order for you to get more details from them and confirm the dates they require for Home Stay. 

Click here to download the Home Stay application form.

We encourage all residents of Buffalo City to open their homes and hearts to welcome the Africa's only Ironman 70.3 event!