THE top 12 Ironman athletes are prepared for the annual Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa, taking place in East London on Sunday, 18 January.

The athletes confirmed their readiness for the Sunday race at the press conference at the Kennaway Hotel in East London on Friday afternoon, 16 January.

In addition to the international and local athletes, the press conference was graced by Triangle South Africa officials, Spec-Savers CEO Bryan Dowley, the chairperson of Buffalo City's steering committee for the race, Mankomo Pango.

The race starts at 7am, with the athletes heading off on a 1,9km swim from the Orient Beach, a 90km cycle on the N2 highway and a 21,1km run around the Esplanade.

"It is always a thrill to compete against other professional athletes especially in their home ground," says last year's winner Raynard Tissink.

He enjoys the atmosphere created by the crowds. "It gives us the power and drive to do our best."

This is the second year the event, sponsored by Spec-Savers and Triangle South Africa, has been held.

Buffalo City is the host city.

The event has created job opportunities for more 700 people who'll be volunteers during the race.

"This is a great opportunity for these employees to do their best in showing their commitment to the City," says Helge Lorenz of Triangle Events Austria.

Buffalo City councillor, Pango addressed guests at the press conference.

"I am very proud of guys like Raynard Tissink who won the race last year, as a City we commend you for your great job."

Athletes at the press conference included Tissink, James Cunnama, Claire Kingsley, Konstantin Bachor, Tim Don, Devara Magson, Carl Storm, Helen Bij de Vaate and Lucie Zelekova.

Confirming his fitness, Tissink says he trains for at least 40 hours a week, cycling between 600 and 800 km a week and swimming 20km.

"I find it easy to work on my own pace, that helps me to gain a skill and tactics in all these areas," he says.

In the ladies race, Zelekova confirmed she is ready for the race "even though I had an accident late last year. I feel fit and ready for Sunday."

Entries closed with a total of 1 275 athletes registering for the 2009 race, "an increase of 47 percent from last year", according to event organiser, Gail Faiers.

After the race, the top three athletes in both the male and female categories will go to the Orient Theatre for press interviews, where they will "share their views about the race", according to Faiers.

The day will close with an award ceremony at the River Park Ministries in Quigney.

Total prize money is $25 000 (about R251 000), which will be distributed according to winning positions.