Record international field set for Busselton

Fifth anniversary of Ironman Western Australia takes place on December 7.

Entries for next weekend's Ironman Western Australia have now closed, and event organisers IMG are thrilled to report a record field for the event's fifth anniversary! With 1,171 individuals and 73 teams at close of entries, the scene is set for a spectacular event in Busselton on Sunday, December 7.

Event Director Dallas O’Brien said he is delighted that this year’s Ironman WA has attracted 847 first-time competitors, who have set themselves the challenge of completing the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run in order to earn the coveted title “Ironman.”

“With 421 international athletes from 49 countries registered, Ironman WA has grown to become a highlight in the Ironman World Series. This year’s event has also attracted 750 Australian athletes from all states and territories in Australia, including 247 from WA,” said O’Brien.

Many of the participants in Ironman WA will be competing for 35 slots in the Ironman World Championships, held in Kona, Hawaii, arguably one of the most sought-after prizes in modern day sport.

Tourism Minister Dr. Liz Constable said events such as Ironman WA provide a great opportunity to showcase Australia’s South West and the State Government of Western Australia is proud to be involved for the fifth year running.

“With 23 Ironman events to choose from throughout the year, the record entry levels show that athletes are attracted to the beautiful location of Busselton,” Dr. Constable said.

The current world records over the Ironman distance are 7:50:27 for the men, and 8:47:26 for the women.  If either of these are broken at Ironman WA 2008, the winner will collect a $50,000 bonus – at around $6,000 an hour, that’s not a bad day’s work!

The main contenders for the men’s title include reigning Ironman WA and Ironman Australia champion, New Caledonia’s Patrick Vernay; 2004 and 2006 winner, and course record holder (8:03:56) Jason Shortis; Argentinian star and hot weather specialist Oscar Galindez; and 2008 Ironman Japan winner Luke McKenzie.  Expect others such as Tim Berkel, Leon Griffin and WA’s Courtney Ogden to throw out some serious challenges to these established Ironman champions.

In the women's field, NSW’s Charlotte Paul will be back to defend her 2007 title.  She looks to be favourite at this stage, although expect some strong competition from 2006 winner Lisbeth Kristensen (Denmark), last year’s runner up Gina Ferguson (NZ), and Australia’s own Rebecca Preston – best known for winning two Ironman races within a week in 2006.

One athlete who will be missing from the start line this year is Victoria’s Mitch Anderson, who has placed first, second and third at the last three editions of Ironman WA. Recovering from a recent operation on his Achilles tendon, which also saw him miss the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, Anderson has been forced to withdraw from his favourite event for the year. 

“I’m really disappointed not to be racing at Busso this year, but I wouldn’t miss being involved with Ironman WA for the world. It will be a different experience for me to be working on the day as a commentator; I’m really excited at the prospect of seeing how everyone else goes around the course, and building my anticipation for returning better than ever in 2009,” said Anderson.

Ironman Western Australia is presented by Supercraft and proudly supported by the State Government of Western Australia through Eventscorp.