New Ironman 70.3 Trialthlon for Western Sydney

A brand new IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon event has been secured by the NSW Government for Western Sydney for the next three years (2014-2016), Minister for Sport and Recreation, Gabrielle Upton, announced this week.

Known as a ‘Half Ironman’, IRONMAN 70.3 is one of a series of middle-distance triathlon races organised by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). The ‘70.3’ refers to the total distance in miles, with each distance of the swim, bike, and run segments reduced to half the distances of those found in an IRONMAN triathlon.

“The IRONMAN 70.3 Series is the fastest growing triathlon series in the world, with over 67 events held in 24 countries that serve as qualifiers for the IRONMAN World Championship 70.3,” Ms Upton said.

“This inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 event, secured by the NSW Government, will be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith, Western Sydney on Sunday 30 November, 2014.

“Destination NSW estimates the IRONMAN 70.3 series, which will be held annually in Western Sydney from 2014 to 2016, is expected to generate more than $2.5 million in direct visitor impact from overseas, interstate and intrastate visitors who come to NSW specifically to attend the event.”

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said: “This is the second IRONMAN 70.3 supported by the NSW Government. This Western Sydney event joins Port Macquarie’s IRONMAN 70.3, which has been held in the regional coastal town since 2006 and that is also home to one of Australia’s most enduring full distance IRONMAN races - the IRONMAN Australia.

Athletes will race on a fast IRONMAN 70.3 course over smooth road surfaces with the stunning Blue Mountains as a backdrop. They will swim in the purpose-built Penrith Lakes, and then complete a two lap run that encircles the Regatta Centre, providing great access to spectators of the entire race.

IRONMAN Asia Pacific CEO, Geoff Meyer said, “The IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney has huge potential and is a welcome addition to the IRONMAN calendar. Western Sydney boasts a strong IRONMAN community and our athletes have been eagerly anticipating the introduction of a new event in Sydney.”

Photo: IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney will cover a 1.9km swim, 90km bike followed by a 21.1km run. Photographer Delly Carr.