Ironman 70.3 Busselton attracts record competitors

Busselton is set to host thousands of athletes and spectators this weekend for one of the southern hemisphere's major half ironman events, the Ironman 70.3 Busselton.

Western Australia's acting Tourism Minister Troy Buswell said the Ironman 70.3 was a significant event for Busselton and had been a great success in the past 26 years.

Minister Buswell stated "the Half Ironman started with only 45 participants in 1985, and has grown into a world-class event attracting a record 2,087 competitors in 2011.

"This includes more than 200 interstate participants and more than 70 international competitors from 25 countries."

Ironman 70.3 Busselton will take competitors on a 1.9 kilometre swim alongside the historic Busselton Jetty, a 90.1 kilometre bike ride through the towering Tuart Forest and a 21.1 kilometre run along the beautiful foreshore at Geographe Bay.

Minister Buswell said about 6,000 spectators were expected to witness the action and cheer the athletes on as they completed the gruelling course, adding "Ironman 70.3 will highlight Busselton's extraordinary tourism experiences and I hope all spectators and competitors have an opportunity to explore the town."

The Western Australian Government, through Eventscorp, sponsors the Ironman 70.3 Busselton through its Regional Events Scheme.

For more information go to www.busseltonhalf.com