FOLLOWING the highest number of competitors on record this year, Surf Life Saving Australia has announced the date for the 2014 Coolangatta Gold.

The 14th staging of the iconic ironman endurance race will mark 30 years since Guy Leech's name was engraved on the first Coolangatta Gold trophy.

General manager of capacity and capability at Surf Life Saving Australia Kitty Chiller said planning was already underway, despite the distant dates set for November 1-2."A key consideration in holding the event on November 1-2 next year was the World Lifesaving Championships in France which will be held in late September," Chiller said. "Many of our top competitors compete in both events, so allowing enough preparation time for the athletes was an important consideration.

"We will be looking to build on the success of the Schick Hydro Coolangatta Gold 2013 which attracted the highest number of competitors on record, and a 20 per cent increase of competitors compared to 2012."

Chiller said the dates chosen would dodge other major spectator events and she was hopeful this would boost crowd numbers even further.

The 2013 Coolangatta Gold is a historic event, featuring the first female long course race, and the highest prize money of $25,000 for the open male and female winners.