5 Reasons We Love... Ironman Western Australia

This weekend marks the 16th year of Ironman Western Australia. Held just south of Perth in the seaside town of Busselton (or “Busso” as it’s affectionately known) against the iconic backdrop of the town’s famous jetty (fun fact: the longest timber-piled pier in the southern hemisphere!), there are few Ironman races found in more idyllic locations. There are so many reasons this race should be on your bucket list if you haven’t ticked it off already, but here are our top five … ​

1. The town 
Busselton itself is a picturesque little seaside town, of which its residents wholeheartedly embrace the Ironman event year after year. And what an appealing factor this is! Big enough to have everything you need, yet small enough to establish familiarity quickly and get around with ease, Busso is the kind of host-town that athletes dream of. Must-do’s include pre-race practice swims at the jetty foreshore in Geographe Bay, breakfast at The Goose and a coffee at Fat Duck Cycles & Espresso! 

​2. The swim 
Prior to 2018, the swim course took athletes on a 3.8km jaunt around the jetty, however a “too-close-for-comfort” shark sighting during the 2017 event led race organisers to revise the course which is now 2-loops, closer to the shore. While the “cool factor” of the swim leg may have suffered a blow (and sharks aside), the swim is still hands-down one of the most stunning that athletes will ever experience. Crystal clear turquoise waters with views straight to the ocean floor, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better. The new course also has the added benefit of more protection and more favourable conditions in the bay. 

3.  The bike + run course & conditions (generally…)
Ironman Cairns in December would 100% be a no-go. But Busselton in December? The weather conditions are generally perfection, if a little on the cool side. A wetsuit swim and mostly sunny but cool conditions on the bike and run will serve most athletes well, provided strong winds stay at bay. The race is renowned for being one of the flattest and fastest around, guaranteed to help foster a PB performance or two! The two-lap bike route along coastline and through bushland provides the perfect combination of distraction and protection, and the four-lap run course along the waterfront and through the crowds of support crew and friendly locals serves as both a source of motivation and a simple way to break the marathon down into four mentally-manageable stages. 

4.  The flies … 
Okay, so this one is a bit tongue in cheek (and may prompt a smirk or two from those in the know who’ve been there before), but you won’t find a better motivator (or bigger annoyance) on the run leg than the thousands of incredibly persistent, sticky little flies that flock to Busso to lend their support to athletes on race day. While this kind of fly torture may not be appealing to everyone, their presence sure does serve to speed up even the slowest shuffle on Lap 4 of the run. Prepare yourself. You’ve been warned.

5.  Its proximity to additional perks! 
Wine tasting, anyone? When race day has been and gone and all is said and done, there’s nothing like celebrating all your hard efforts and months of training than with a few days of rest and relaxation in the Margaret River wine region. Busselton itself is a gem, but drive just 30 minutes south and you’ll find yourself in one of the world’s best wine regions too. Stay, play and unwind if you can find some time - and enjoy all the perks of a slower pace on the west side! 

Good luck to all our awesome T:Zero athletes racing this weekend - Australia’s last Ironman event of the year! And athletes don’t forget to catch up with Coach Rich and the rest of the crew for pre-race coffee and chats at Fat Duck Cycles & Espresso on November 30 at 8am!