Triathlon Western Australia has confirmed that individual general entries for SunSmart Ironman 70.3 Busselton 2012 have reached capacity. The field for 1,650 individual general entries filled in a record time of less than two hours.
Triathlon WA’s Athlete Services Manager Ashleigh Davis said, “This is an exciting time for our sport and for the town of Busselton especially during non-peak tourism season, when the event attracts thousands of visitors to this great location. A new event format for 2012 has allowed for 1,650 individuals and 500 team entries. With this will bring more than 3,000 extra spectators and competitors to the region.”
SunSmart Ironman 70.3 Busselton is the largest Ironman 70.3 race in Australia and now an iconic event on the sporting calendar in Western Australia. President of Triathlon WA, Peter Rash, said “As one of the showcase events for our sport in WA, it is clearly evident (selling out in under 2hours) [that] this has become an iconic event and obviously one of the best triathlon participation events in Australia. We are proud to attract so many people from all over the Asia Pacific region and beyond.”
Western Australia is privileged to have two world-class international triathlon events drawing athletes from across the globe to participate in the Shire of Busselton. Within the ideal racing environment of crystal clear Geographe Bay alongside the Busselton Jetty, and fast, flat roads for the cycle route, Busselton also boasts a strong community spirit to support these events.
“Ironman racing is alive and well in Western Australia. The sell-out of SunSmart Ironman 70.3 Busselton in record time continues a trend of record sell-outs at Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events across Australia,” said Ironman’s Managing Director of Sales and Marketing, Trent Taylor.
“SunSmart Ironman 70.3 Busselton has established itself as a ‘must-do’ race, particularly for Western Australian triathletes. The expertise that Triathlon Western Australia brings to the production of this event makes it a world-class experience for every athlete.
“We extend our thanks and gratitude to each and every athlete who continues to support and participate in our great sport and wish them all the best of luck on race day.”
Entries for the teams’ component of SunSmart Ironman 70.3 Busselton remains available. These became open to the general public at 10:00 AWST on Thursday 20 October 2011.
SunSmart Ironman 70.3 Busselton 2012 is one of 52 Ironman 70.3 events held annually worldwide. In the Western Australia event, athletes will compete for a professional prize purse of US$15,000 and 25 age group qualifying spots for the Marines Ironman World Championship 70.3, held each year in Las Vegas, USA.
