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 1000 athletes will contest the 113-kilometre race, which includes a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run in and around Geelong, finishing on the waterfront at Steampacket Gardens.
Ironman 70.3 is a lead-up event to get competitors involved in triathlons and the Geelong event continues to be popular with athletes new to racing, 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 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.
The Ironman Group Oceania regional director Carl Smith said 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 February 20 and giving them a chance to go back to doing what they love,” Smith said.
“I can’t wait to see more than 1000 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.”
City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the region was excited by the return of the event, which was supported by the City through its 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,” he said.
“I wish competitors all the very best on race day and also welcome the high number of first-time entrants competing this year.”
Details: ironman.com/im703-geelong.
