ENTRIES for next year's Cairns half Ironman event have flooded in, with the race already nearing capacity after opening on Tuesday.

The 70.3 event was popular, although failed to sell out last year.

Not even an early computer glitch could halt proceedings this year, with a database error forcing event organisers USM to shut the website page briefly on Tuesday morning.

USM Events spokeswoman Tammy Barker said they were certain of exceeding the 1000-plus entrants from last year's 70.3 race.

"Demand has been exceptional and we're very close to capacity," she said.

"Keep in mind last year we had 900 competitors in the full Ironman event and we're already at 1300 for that which is exceptional, so this is following suit.

"Due to the high demand we expect to be at capacity by the end of the year."

She said international and interstate entrants had dominated nominations for the longer race, although the 70.3 event was proving very popular with locals.

Cairns competitor Meagan Fanning was one of many to spend Tuesday getting in her online application for her first half Ironman race.

"I did the Coral Coast (triathlon) last year and after watching the Ironman this year and the atmosphere, I just wanted to be part of it," the 30-year-old said.

"I'm really looking forward to having a goal to work towards."

s "If you'd asked me when the Ironman came here the first year if I'd be doing it, I would have laughed at you."

Fanning will be among hundreds of competitors who will complete a gruelling 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run during the 70.3 event which will be held on June 9, 2013.

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