- Thousands of spectators and competitors expected to attend South West event
- Mass participation event will boost local hospitality businesses and tourism operators
- Supported by WA Government, through the Regional Events Program
More than 2,000 competitors will hit the ground running, cycling and swimming today as the Busselton Festival of Triathlon kicks off along the picturesque Busselton Foreshore.
The two-day event comprises the Busselton 100, Foreshore Triathlon and SunSmart Kids Triathlon, and is the latest instalment of the Western Australian Government's current three-year deal with Triathlon Western Australia.
Thousands of out-of-region visitors are expected to attend, generating millions of dollars for the local economy, and supporting jobs and hospitality venues throughout the region.
Headline event, the Busselton 100, is a challenging test of endurance, which attracts some of the world's toughest athletes to battle it out as they race through a course that meanders through iconic locations of the South West.
The course starts with a two kilometre swim alongside the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, the Busselton Jetty, then athletes embark on an 80km bike ride through the Tuart Forest before an 18km run along the spectacular Busselton Foreshore to take them to the finish line.
The event also features the Busselton 100 Teams Triathlon, an Aquabike event, a health and lifestyle expo and a free movie screening.
The Busselton Festival of Triathlon will run from 4-5 May 2024, and is funded by the WA Government's Regional Events Program.
Find out more www.busseltonfestivaloftriathlon.com.au
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Our Government is proud to once again sponsor this fantastic family-friendly event, and see it return to our stunning Busselton Foreshore.
"With regular flights from Melbourne and Sydney connecting Busselton seamlessly to the east coast, it's never been easier for travellers to visit our South West region to attend events like this.
"We encourage visitors from near and far to extend their stay in the area to discover all of the region's treasures, which, in addition to these major events, include world-class wineries, pristine beaches and incredible natural landscapes."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Busselton Festival of Triathlon is set to once again ignite the atmosphere along Busselton Foreshore, as thousands of athletes and spectators flock to the South West to be part of the action.
"With a variety of events on offer, the Busselton Festival of Triathlon is aimed at seasoned athletes and up-and-coming competitors alike. Participants can choose to compete individually or in teams, and there is also a separate event designed for kids, making it an excellent family event.
"Mass participation events like the Busselton Festival of Triathlon invite participants and spectators from near and far to compete and cheer on their friends and family, and provide a fantastic boost to our regions."
Comments attributed to South West MLC Jackie Jarvis:
"We're very excited to welcome competitors and spectators to this fantastic event, which brings in valuable visitor spending and supports local operators.
"These types of events always create a great atmosphere in the community as well, so I definitely encourage locals to head down and check it."
