WELCOME to Port Macquarie Goss, a new NOTA feature where Dave “Scoop” Lazarus chats with local identities and celebrities.
After a massive weekend in Port Macquarie that included a Federal election and the town’s annual IRONMAN races, we speak with iconic multi-sport commentator Pete “Muz” Murray.
On Sunday, 2700 athletes competed in the gruelling UKG IRONMAN Australia event.
A Port Macquarie local and former Ironman, “Muz” was there at the finish line, bringing the party atmosphere and delivering to finishers the words they were all dying to hear: “You are an Ironman!”
Pete, congratulations, the atmosphere at the IRONMAN event was sensational
Thanks Dave, it is pretty special when the competitors turn right come down the red carpet with a supportive crowd on both sides of the finishing line to pumping music, flashing lights and going over the finishing line with me on the microphone, acknowledging that “You are an Ironman”.
You travel the world to no less than seven IRONMAN events per year, talk to me about the theatre of the finish line
Personally, when I competed, the finish line was something very satisfying when you finish.
A lot of the participants have their own personal goals on why they enter and what it means for them to complete the course.
I get a lot of satisfaction in seeing the sense of achievement when they come down the home strip.
Mate, this must be one of the best jobs – travelling the world and providing entertainment for spectators and athletes
Last year, we employed local DJ Jimmy Laing, and with his DJ sound rig, Ready Set Boom, we have established a great understanding with each other, where he plays the right music at the right time, with sensational added mixes which enhances the atmosphere even more.
The event organisers are so impressed with Jimmy’s input, he has been offered to travel with me.
Jimmy will be with me at the Cairns event and, hopefully, together we can do the overseas ones as well.
While you are away a lot with your IRONMAN commitments, what do you love most about living in Port Macquarie?
I have lived in Port Macquarie since I was seven years old and competed in the IRONMAN event over 10 years.
Now that I travel the world, I feel very lucky, however every time I touch down at Port Macquarie Airport, I play a song on my phone called “Hometown” by local artist Chris Rose.
I remember 15 years ago, I knew everyone on the plane, but now our region has grown into something very special and as I get older, I really appreciate this great place we live in.
A former Ironman with a seemingly endless battery, how do you keep your voice intact and the energy levels high?
In the early days, I used to drink a few (too many) Red Bulls, but now I just drink water, condition myself to the long day and the adrenalin and simply love the theatre of the finish line.
By Dave ‘Scoop’ LAZARUS
