Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute New Title Partner of Ironman 70.3 Geelong

In a unique partnership aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has been announced as the title partner for IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong for 2019-20.

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute are one of Australia’s most established medical research institutes and the partnership announcement is part of its commitment to share evidence-based scientific and health expertise, in areas such as sports cardiology, with the broader community, including IRONMAN and endurance groups.

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute researchers are global leaders in examining the physiological impact of exercise on metabolic health, and as part of the two-year sponsorship agreement, they will work closely with the IRONMAN community, assisting athletes and their supporters in terms of health education and prevention, especially in the area of cardiovascular health.

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Director, Professor Tom Marwick said we can learn a lot from endurance athletes that could impact both the health of elite athletes and the general population, which is why we are delighted to be part of this unique partnership.

“We are doing a lot of research in this area to understand what the long-term health benefits of endurance exercise are, the causes of sudden cardiac death and the effect of exercise on heart rhythm disorders.”

“Just as triathlon involves pushing the mind and body to its limits, the Institute is also engaged in examining the physiological impact of exercise on metabolic health, including that of endurance athletes, to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment.”

“Researchers at the Baker Institute, including sports cardiologist, Associate Professor Andre La Gerche, are global leaders in examining the effect of exercise on cardiovascular health using exercise testing and specialised heart imaging to measure the heart’s ability to respond to the haemodynamic challenge of exercise,” Professor Marwick said.

IRONMAN Oceania Managing Director Dave Beeche, welcomed the announcement of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong to the 2019 and 2020 calendars.

“I look forward to working with Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute on what is a unique opportunity, with enormous benefits for all endurance athletes and the wider community.”

“This partnership gives access to the very best research, advice and education possible in the areas of cardiovascular health, core fitness, nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle to assist our athletes reach their full potential,” he said.

The City of Greater Geelong is widely recognised as the spiritual home of triathlon in Victoria and with its spectacular waterfront, scenic countryside and fast multi-looped course, the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong will continue to provide a challenging and unique experience for athletes of all standards at one of the most popular triathlon destinations in the world.