Ironman Western Australia







Location
Busselton, Western Australia
Race website
Website link
Time of year held
December
Approx Athlete Numbers
1350
Does it typically sell out?
No
One word description for the event
Flat; fast; friendly; beautiful
Good for first iron distance race?
Yes



Tips for overseas athletes getting to the venue:
  • Allow plenty of time, Busselton is a 3 hr drive from Perth (closest international airport).
  • It's a long way from Sydney... 
  • Fly to Perth and then hire a car to travel approximately 2.5 hours to Busselton 
  • Rent a car from Perth Airport. Just about 2 hours drive and allow you to get around after the race.

SWIM

One word description for the swim
Pier; iconic; calm; stunning
Single or multi-lap course?
1 lap
Typically wetsuit-legal?
Yes
Swim course description
Ocean swim, mass start

Swim tips
  • Start on the right to avoid the crush.
  • Start wide.
  • Navigation is very easy with the 1.9km long pier
  • You follow the the jetty all the way, you do not have to worry about sighting buoys. You will see plenty of fish along the way. 
  • It's an out and back around a jetty, usually flat but there can be some current. 
  • Check if the pro pack are pushed on one side or another to decide your starting point on the beach.

BIKE

One word description for the bike
Flat
GPS map link for the bike course

Video link for the bike course

Single or multi-lap course?
2 lap

Bike Course description
  • Like a pancake!  Biggest rise is ~5m.
  • Mix of smooth and slightly rough bitumen.
  • Flat and fast, lots of dead turns. 
  • Flat, there is not one hill. You need to be able to ride 180km in the aero position. 
  • Dead flat recently modified from 3 to 2 laps. Hard as you have no rest at all. Road patch can be rough and wind picks up during the day.

Bike Course tips
  • Pace well. Be prepared for chance of heat and some wind in later part of bike (not every year)
  • The road surface can be quite rough in parts. 
  • The whole course must be checked as some stretches are narrow and wind can make it tricky.

RUN

One word description for the run
Coastal; support; scenic; fast
GPS map link for the run course

Video link for the bike course

Single or multi-lap course?
4 lap

Run course description 
  • Absolutely flat, a 4 lap out and back course that follows the coast. 
  • Run past finish/T2/crowd on 8 occasions
  • Flat and fast, exposed to the wind, lots of crowd support 
  • Four lap course running along the stunning Busselton beach front. 
  • Dead flat 4 lap course along the ocean. Lots of spectators and easy to see your competitor 2 times every lap.

Run course tips
  • Sun protection
  • Running with the wind gets really hot. 
  • Wear lots of sunscreen. 
  • Don't forget the sunscreen and use dark sunnies as part of the run is on a white surface that reflects a lot.

SUPPORTERS

Tips for supporters get the most out of watching the event?
  • It’s a small town so park yourselves near T1/T2 and you will be fine.
  • Find some shade and wear a hat and sunscreen. 
  • Swim, get on the jetty.
  • Bike there is a runabout in the middle of the T shaped course where you can see the competitors 3 x each loop.
  • Run: get on the chalk early in the week , competitors will thank you for that.
Great places to eat:
  • The Goose (at the swim start)
  • There are limited restaurants in Busselton itself. 
  • There are fantastic restaurants in nearby towns. 
  • Post race indulgence at Margaret River
Best bike or tri shop in town:
Best pick for accommodation:
  • Anything close to T1/2 is fine. We were 7km out and the drive was a bit of a hassle but not too bad.
  • Kookaburra Caravan Park - 1 minute walk from transition 
  • Rent a house, there are plenty of them and they allow you to cook yourself.
Best things for the kids to do:
  • Play at the beach.
  • Busselton is a popular holiday destination for WA families. There are lots of things for kids to do. 
  • Skate park
  • Big playground
Cool things to do after the race:
  • Margaret River region (wine, chocolate).
  • Explore Perth
  • See the dolphins 
  • Visit the fantastic wineries in Margaret River. 
  • Winery visit in Margaret river. Tasty, beautiful and great food.
Any warnings that people should know about before entering:
  • Can be very hot - up to mid 30s C. The year I raced it was 23C and overcast - perfect!
  • Do NOT go swimming on your own - never.

OVERALL
General tips:

Best thing about this race:
  • Location – beautiful part of the world
  • Atmosphere 
  • Flat calm swim and flat ride and run. 
  • Great course for first timers. 
  • The overall experience, nice weather, laid back WA, perfectly oiled race.
Anything negative about this race:
  • The only drawback is the long travel time for most (8-10 hours for East Coast Australians, longer for others).
  • The flies.
  • It's not because the bike is flat that it's easy. It's actually a hard one as you really need to crank it up for 180 km. Weak cyclists tend to be spat out.


RACE REPORTS AND OTHER VIDEO LINKS SUPPLIED



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Thank you to the following people who have contributed content to this page:  Clive Asplen, Aidan Rich; Mike Parrotte; Arnaud Selukov
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