IRONMAN Geelong ready to hit the South-West

ATHLETES from across Australia and around the world have their eyes set on Geelong for this month’s IRONMAN 70.3 race.

The race will return to Geelong on February 20, with seasoned veterans, up-and-coming stars and a host of first-timers ready to hit the start line.

Organisers estimate more than 1,000 athletes will contest a 1.9 kilometre swim, 90km ride and 21km run in and around Geelong, before finishing on the waterfront at the Steampacket Gardens.

IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong continues to be popular with athletes new to racing at this distance, 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.

Carl Smith, regional director for The IRONMAN Group Oceania, 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 20 February and giving them a chance to go back to doing what they love,” Mr Smith said.

“I can’t wait to see more than 1,000 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.”

For many, IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong will be the first time they’ve raced in several months, with plenty of action expected out on course.

Included in the professional field is defending women’s champion Ellie Salthouse and 2021 third-place finisher Grace Thek, defending men’s champion Steve McKenna, 2020 winner Josh Amberger and former IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 race winners Matt Burton, Tim Van Berkel, Sam Appleton and Nicholas Free.

For defending men’s winner Steve McKenna, Geelong’s race provides the perfect opportunity to get back into competition after the end of year break and he’s excited to return to the event.

“You wouldn’t miss this event being an Aussie pro,” McKenna said.

“Everybody rocks up for this one, so it’s good to see where you are at the start of the season and it’s a good, fun race to be a part of that’s for sure.

“The running leg of the course is really beautiful and if you’re looking to break PBs this is the perfect course to do it given it’s an ocean swim and floating is made easier.”

This year’s event will have the same look and feel as IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong did in 2021, with no major changes to the venue or course and spectators welcome to take in the action across race day.