Ironman 70.3 arrives in Busselton on May 6, 2011

Triathlon Western Australia will present the first Ironman 70.3 Busselton in 2011 on Friday, May 6, 2011, in conjunction with the 2011 Busselton Festival of Triathlon.

Triathlon WA has delivered the multi-sport festival since 2002, but 2011 will see the long-course triathlon rebranded and re-launched as an Ironman 70.3 event.

Ironman 70.3 Busselton comprises a 1.9 kilometer swim, 90 kilometer bike and 21.1 kilometer run leg. It offers a $US15,000 prize purse and will qualify the top 50 per cent of finishers in each age group to compete at the 2011 Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship held at Laguna Phuket, Thailand, in December.

“We are pleased to announce this new three-year license as it will bring this event in line with WTC’s global Ironman 70.3 model,” WTC (Australia) General Manager Shane Smith said. “It is another step closer to ensuring a consistent look, feel and racing experience across each one of the 42 Ironman 70.3 events world-wide.

“The Ironman 70.3 model is designed to enhance the race experience for participants and spectators alike by raising the sophistication of all aspects of the event, from small details like signage to the bigger components such as the trade expo.

“It also means the event will be supported by Ironman’s global partners such as PowerBar sports nutrition and K-Swiss apparel.”

Triathlon WA executive officer Hayley Lethlean said the organization was excited by the opportunity to partner with WTC “to embark on a new era of Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Western Australia.”

“We recognize the strength of the international Ironman 70.3 brand and with the current growth rate of the sport of triathlon around the globe we look forward to a long term partnership with WTC,” she said.

“Busselton is a fantastic triathlon venue and given it being host to Ironman Western Australia, the fit of having Busselton host an Ironman 70.3 is ideal. The town is perfect for international events: it is only a couple of hours from the international airport, has a superb ocean swim, fast high-quality roads for the run and bike, and within one of the best wine regions in the world. Busselton should be must on any triathlete’s agenda.”

Ironman 70.3 Busselton does not feature qualifying slots to the 2011 Ironman World Championship 70.3.