Jim Wall Iron Man ready to run

The Jim Wall Iron Man is a major event on the Torquay SLSC's calendar every year.

THE longest running iron race in Australia will take place at Torquay’s Surf Beach tomorrow (Friday, January 10) .

Hosted by Torquay Surf Life Saving Club (TSLSC), the Surf Coast Times Jim Wall Iron Man will see some of the best local and national athletes compete.

Torquay competition director Peter Quinlan said the event was central to the club’s identity.

“Jim Wall is the ultimate test of endurance across four surf events – board, ski, swim, run – and for many it’s the favourite event on the surf sports calendar.

“Importantly, its origins are a big part of our club’s history, with the Wall family still presenting the trophies.”

There are 13 different specialty races. These include various age groups from Under 13 up, as well as a relay event.

World Ironwoman Champion Harriet Brown will be returning to defend her title in the Iron Race Women event.

Matt Gilling, the titleholder of the Iron Race Male event, will also be returning to defend his title, having secured first place in the 2.5-kilometre swim at Rock2Ramp late last month.

Both Brown and Gilling will face strong competition from locals. Grace Harris and Sophie Thomas are among the locals competing in the female event, and Archie Vernon and Tim Hannan in the male event.

The race began in 1962 as the Jim Wall Surfathon, named after the early TSLSC president.

It is free to attend, with the first race beginning at 2.30pm. The club will be running a barbecue and the bar set to be open from 5pm.

Music will also be provided by Lukey Luke.

For more information about the 2020 Surf Coast Times Jim Wall Iron Man, phone 5261 4110 or head to torquayslsc.com.au.