Entries for this year’s Ironman Western Australia are up 15% on last year, with 1,175 athletes registered.
Tourism Minister Liz Constable commented on the popularity of Ironman WA, its continued growth and its importance to the local economy. “Last year’s event attracted 2,220 international and interstate visitors who stayed in WA for an average of nine nights, generating about A$6.1 million in direct economic expenditure. Events such as Ironman WA provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase WA, in particular the South-West region, globally through the television broadcast of the event as well as to visitors from interstate and overseas.”
For the second year running, there will be a A$50,000 bonus on offer for the first male and first female – if they break the current male and female world records for the ironman distance. The current male world record is 7hr 50min 27sec and the current female world record is 8hr 47min 26sec.
Ironman WA also offers athletes the opportunity to compete for 35 slots at the next Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. The only other Australian event with a similar opportunity the Port Macquarie Ironman event, held in April.
