Posted: January 28, 2004

Triathlon: Ironman Western Australia Blasts Off To A Great Start

Entries into the newest race in the worldwide Ironman series, Ironman Western Australia to be held in Busselton, WA on the 28th November 2004, opened at 6am yesterday. Over 120 enthusiastic athletes rushed and entered online in the first 24 hours and the numbers are continuing to grow. A field of 500-600 athletes from all around the world are expected to toe the start line come November, with numbers predicted to increase significantly each year.

Rob Forbes from Altona in Victoria was the first athlete to receive an entry into the inaugural event. Athletes who competed at the Victorian Sprint Distance Championships / IMG Triathlon Series on Sunday at Brighton entered into the draw to win the first entry to Ironman Western Australia. Given that athletes only have to complete a Sprint distance triathlon to qualify for Ironman Western Australia, it opened the door to every athlete that crossed the finish line at Sunday's race.

"I have always thought about doing an Ironman but never really committed to it. I guess I better start training, it's not that far away," commented Rob.

The amazing number of first-day entries places Ironman Western Australia on top of the list as receiving the most entries on the first day for an Ultra distance triathlon within Australia, with the exception of the Snap Ironman Australian triathlon held in Forster, NSW.

"Athletes have shown us by this amazing response that we made the right move to start up another Ironman race in Australia. Along with their support and that of the EventsCorp and Busselton Shire in Western Australia we can now be assured that it will be a success," says Dallas O'Brien, Director of Triathlon, IMG.

Australia is only the second country outside of the USA to host two Ironman races! Australia has a proud history in the sport of Ironman triathlon, which makes the selection of the idyllic seaside township of Busselton in Western Australia a natural choice to hold a second Ironman event in this country. Ironman Western Australia will have 25 qualifying spots for the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

The location of Busselton is ideal for an Ironman event that involves a 3.8-kilometre swim, 180-kilometre bike ride and 42-kilometre run. The swim will take place alongside the famous 2-kilometre Busselton Jetty, where spectators will be able to follow the entire swim course.

The bike leg will make its way through the majestic old growth Ludlow Tuart Forest National Park (the largest old growth Tuart forest in the world), while the marathon run will take place running alongside the picturesque shores of Geographe Bay.

Entries will continue to be available online via www.ironmanwa.com.