- IRONMAN Western Australia celebrates 20 years with largest ever event
- Sold-out triathlon to kick off this weekend at Geographe Bay
- Event attracted 8,500 visitors and generated $9 million for the region in 2023
- Supported by the Western Australian Government
Busselton will become a hive of activity this weekend with the largest ever IRONMAN Western Australia event kicking off at Geographe Bay on Sunday.
Celebrating 20 years with yet another sold-out competition, IRONMAN Western Australia has long been a drawcard event for Western Australia, bringing 8,500 visitors to the region in 2023, and generating over $9 million in economic benefits for the South West region.
This year's event will see close to 3,500 athletes on the starting line, including 1,600 competitors who have travelled from outside of WA to take part in the race. Thousands of additional out-of-state visitors also expected to attend to watch the event unfold.
The weekend is headlined by the pinnacle IRONMAN Western Australia triathlon, which consists of a 3.8-kilometre swim, 180-kilometre cycle and 42.2-kilometre run, and is one of the most popular circuits in the world due to its flat and fast course.
The event traverses the South West's stunning landscapes, with the swim section taking place alongside and underneath the iconic Busselton Jetty.
Also taking place is the IRONMAN 70.3 Western Australia event, which covers half the distance of the full IRONMAN triathlon.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Western Australia will this year be the Asia-Pacific Championship and part of the brand-new IRONMAN Pro Series, with top professional athletes going head-to-head at select events around the world, and Busselton hosting the penultimate race in the series.
In 2025 and 2026, the full IRONMAN Western Australia event will also boast Asia-Pacific Championship status, bringing more out-of-state athletes to test themselves on the course and qualify for the Men's and Women's World Championship events.
IRONMAN Western Australia is proudly supported by the WA Government's Regional Events Scheme.
Find out more about the IRONMAN Western Australia at www.ironman.com/im-western-australia .
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This year marks a fantastic milestone for IRONMAN Western Australia as it celebrates 20 years as a staple in WA's calendar of events, bringing thousands of visitors to our South West region in what will this year be the largest ever IRONMAN in WA history.
"Large-scale mass participation events like these not only drive visitation, they create vibrancy in our regional communities as well as generate employment and volunteering opportunities that bring locals together."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"IRONMAN Western Australia is a beloved event that consistently shines a global spotlight on Western Australia's South West and supports local businesses in the community.
"The Cook Government recently committed our support to IRONMAN Western Australia for a further three years, and with the event offering important Asia Pacific Regional Championship status over the next three years, it will play a vital role in supporting and diversifying our regional economies."
As stated by South West MLC Jackie Jarvis:
"We're very excited to welcome thousands of people from across WA and interstate to this annual drawcard in our region.
"It's always fantastic to see the South West bustling around IRONMAN weekend, with competitors and spectators also taking the opportunity to enjoy all our region has to offer, providing an important boost for our local businesses and tourism operators."
