WALL TO WALL

Surf Coast Times Jim Wall Ironman kicks off massive weekend of events

THE oldest ironman race in Australia, the Surf Coast Times Jim Wall Ironman, returns this Friday as part of an exciting afternoon surf carnival in Torquay.

The Surf Coast Times Jim Wall Ironman, in its 56th year, will be run with another 16 races throughout tomorrow afternoon, with the main event expected to start at 5pm at Torquay Surf Beach.

Professional and amateur competitors travel from across Australia to participate in the signature event, with eight wildcard spots up for grabs for round four of the Summer of Surf Ocean6 Nutri-Grain Ironman and woman event at Fairhaven on Sunday..

Professional athlete Matt Bevilacqua from Kurrawa Surf Lifesaving Club, who won the Surf Coast Times Jim Wall Ironman in 2014, is looking forward to competing tomorrow.

“I’m really keen to compete in the Jim Wall event this Friday,” Bevilacqua said.

“I love coming down to the Surf Coast to compete. I was born in Tasmania so I’m more accustomed to the colder water.

“It’s such a classic race and there are always great vibes from the competitors and athletes. I usually check out the Lorne Pier to Pub too, supporting any team-mates or friends who may be swimming.”

Torquay SLSC’s Fleur Batties said the club was looking forward to a great day of competition with athletes from across Australia, and encouraged people to head down to Torquay Surf Beach to enjoy a great afternoon of competition.

“We’re expecting around 150 athletes to compete throughout the day at Torquay, with the Jim Wall a highly anticipated event for competitors and the crowd.

“The Surf Coast Times Jim Wall Ironman is the longest running ironman in Australia and has always been held at Torquay, demonstrating how far surf lifesaving sport is able to take athletes, which we’re really proud of.”

For more on the Surf Coast Times Jim Wall Ironman and other events, click here.