33 years of Ironman Australia.
Ironman Australia is well known for being the race that shaped IRONMAN in Australia. It is one of the longest running IRONMAN events in the world and has become an integral part of the community on the small New South Wales mid-north coast town of Port Macquarie. From its origins in Foster in 1985 the race was introduced to bring an event similar to the infamous Hawaii Ironman to our shores. The race boasts an impressive list of past winners including names such as McCormack, Bell, Wellington, Hauschildt and is now an iconic global event attracting a world-class field year after year.
Comrades you have done the work and it’s now time to execute your race – honestly the hard work is over. Ironman Australia is one of the most unique courses on the calendar. A one lap swim in Hastings River includes a small break from swimming as you hop out of the water for a breather for the infamous weir crossing before jumping back in to swim to the turn around. Swimming back to land once again it’s in and out across the weir before hitting dry land and up into transition to find your bike. 2 laps of the bike is the time to fuel up, hydrate and mentally prepare to tackle Matthew Flinders Drive – the most talked about part of the ironman Australia course 250m of a 7% climb equating to about 45 seconds of hard work. Top tip – pick your gear at the bottom and grind it up, whatever you do don’t succumb to the red carpet. It’s there for decoration – not for you to walk up. You are doing an Ironman after all – no one said it would be easy. After tackling this hill twice its time to get your head down and focus on fuelling for the run. The run takes you along the beautiful Hastings River bustling with energy from locals it is a motivating place to be as you finish of your race.
This year we will see 16 pro men including our very own Nathan Shearer lining up to take out the title of Ironman Australia. But with defending champion David Dellow in the mix. Add in Belgian Marino Vanhoenacker who is making his Ironaman Australia debut - it is set to be a hot race. In the women’s field 9 ladies will start including defending champion Laura Siddall who is in hot form winning Ironman New Zealand and snagging two 2nd places across the half distance in 2018. But with Aussie favourite Annabel Luxford looking to add Ironman Australia Champion to her resumé the ladies race will be one to watch.
Good luck out there comrades – stick to your guns (or race plan), grin and bear it. It won’t be easy but it will be worth it! Make sure you stop by and see us at the expo and if you’re out racing around in our gear you’re already a champ and we’ll crack a cold one for you at the finish. Remember nothing comes for free.
