Ironman athletes take over Busselton

• More than 1,500 competitors from 31 countries to participate in Ironman WA
• Event supported by State Government, through Eventscorp
• Ironman WA televised in about 200 countries

Some of the world's toughest endurance athletes will descend on Busselton this weekend to participate in the 2011 SunSmart Ironman Western Australia.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the event attracted a strong field of competitors and provided significant benefits to the State's tourism industry.

"The popularity of the event continues to grow, with this year's places filling in just over four hours and attracting more than 1,500 competitors from 31 countries," Dr Hames said.

"About 68 per cent of the competitors are from interstate and overseas, including the UK, Singapore, New Zealand, USA, Japan and Malaysia.

"The event provides great exposure for WA and the South-West as it is televised nationally on ONE HD and in 200 countries through ESPN and Universal Sports.

"As well as enjoying the sporting action, worldwide television audiences will be able to see the region's extraordinary beaches, forests and wineries." 

The triathlon takes competitors on a 3.8km ocean swim off Busselton, followed by a 180km bike leg through Ludlow Tuart Forest National Park and a 42.2km run along the picturesque Geographe Bay.

The State Government is proud to support the SunSmart Ironman Western Australia through Eventscorp.

The Minister said the event was expected to contribute about $7million to the State's economy from more than 3,000 interstate and international visitors to WA.

"I encourage all visitors to explore the Margaret River Wine Region and support the local businesses, as an overwhelming majority of the destinations and experiences were not impacted by the recent bushfire and are open for business," he said.

       Fact File

• The SunSmart Ironman Western Australia will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2011
• SunSmart Ironman Western Australia offers 40 qualifying places to the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii
• For more information visit http://ironmanwesternaustralia.com  

Minister's office - 9222 8788