Ironman 70.3 Heads to Geelong Tomorrow

More than 1,000 athletes will contest a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km 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 professional triathletes, with the event providing an ideal opportunity for them to race head-to-head on home soil. For many IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong will be the first time they’ve raced in a number of months, with plenty of action expected out on course.

Included in the professional field is defending women’s champion Ellie Salthouse and 2021 podium finishers Amelia Watkinson and Grace Thek, defending men’s champion Steve McKenna, 2020 winner Josh Amberger and former IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 race winners Tim Van Berkel, Sam Appleton and Nicholas Free.

Carl Smith, Regional Director for The IRONMAN Group Oceania, said that organisers were looking forward to welcoming athletes back to Geelong for the fan favourite event.

“IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong is a favourite amongst our Australian athletes and it’s great that we’ll be welcoming them back to the region on 20 February and giving them a chance to go back to doing what they love,” said Smith. “I can’t wait to see more than 1,000 athletes cross the finish line and achieve their goals on race day.

“The event will also provide a great opportunity for our leading Australian professional triathletes to kick off their season and I’m sure the competition will be fierce, and I look forward to seeing them in action,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the region was excited by the return of the event, which is proudly supported by the Council through Geelong Major Events funding.

“IRONMAN 70.3 is beloved for its challenging course through Greater Geelong’s beautiful scenery, requiring true grit and stamina from the very best athletes,” the Deputy Mayor said. “I wish competitors all the very best on race day and also welcome the high number of first-time entrants competing this year.”