IRONMAN 70.3 racing is set to return to Geelong on Sunday, with seasoned veterans, up and coming stars and a host of first-timers ready to hit the start line.
More than 1,000 athletes will contest a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21km run in and around Geelong, before finishing on the waterfront at Steampacket Gardens.
IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong continues to be popular with athletes new to racing at this distance, with more than a third of entrants competing in the event for the first time.
The event will also feature Australia’s leading triathletes, with the event providing an ideal opportunity for them to race head-to-head on home soil.
Included in the Professional field is defending men’s champion Josh Amberger, 2020’s third place getter Tim Van Berkel, last year’s female second place finisher Grace Thek and Amelia Watkinson, with Watkinson heading into the event having won the last two IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 events she has contested.
IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong was originally scheduled to be held in February, with event stakeholders coming together to secure this new date following Victoria’s recent lockdown.
Ben Herbert, Regional Director for The IRONMAN Group Oceania, said that organisers were looking forward to welcoming athletes back to Geelong this weekend.
“IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong is a favourite amongst our Australian athletes and it’s great that we were able to move the event to this weekend and give them a chance to go back to doing what they love,” said Herbert. “I’d like to thank everybody who worked closely with us to secure this new date, I can’t wait to see more than 1,000 athletes cross the finish line and achieve their goals on Sunday.
“The event will also provide a great opportunity for our leading Australian triathletes to return to racing, with the event being the first IRONMAN 70.3 for some since the 2020 event,” he said. “I’m sure the competition will be fierce and I look forward to seeing them back in action.”
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said it is terrific the event is returning.
“IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong is a favourite among athletes, as it tests the strength of competitors against the backdrop of the region’s stunning natural scenery and north-facing bay,” Mayor Asher said. “Council is proud to support this event through Geelong Major Events funding and welcome competitors back to Greater Geelong for this COVID-safe event.”
