Published: 06 August 2021
Busselton will host the IRONMAN Western Australia annual event for another three years after a new deal was signed.
Supported by the State Government through Tourism WA and the Department of Regional Development through Royalties for Regions, the five-day festival will inject millions into the South West economy from 2021 to 2023.
The annual event features two key sporting competitions, including event highlight, the IRONMAN triathlon, where athletes complete a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run as well as a range of supporting events.
Competitors also have the option to complete the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon, which is half the distance of the main race.
Held in Busselton since 2004, the new deal is anticipated to boost the region’s economy by more than $7 million and attract more than 6,500 visitors to the area annually over the next three years.
Tourism WA Acting Managing Director Derryn Belford said the funding commitment was good news for accommodation providers and tourism operators in the South West.
“The new deal signed for IRONMAN Western Australia locks in another three years of strong support for region’s tourism economy, drawing thousands of visitors to experience the event as well as the many unique experiences this popular holiday destination has to offer,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to get behind this event, which attracted thousands of international and local athletes and significant media coverage, showing off the beautiful region and its stunning scenery.”
The 2019 IRONMAN Western Australia ranked highly in the 2019 Global Ironman Athlete Choice Awards, including second for overall venue experience and fifth for overall host city experience, while the IRONMAN 70.3 event ranked first for its swim course and third for its bike course.