Summer Shines on Ironman Western Australia

Karen Doane previews this weekend's Ironman Western Australia event

Summer in the southern hemisphere is just days away and that means one thing in Western Australia: its time for Ironman! Now in its fourth year, the normally sleepy seaside town of Busselton is buzzing with nearly 1,000 athletes from 32 countries all wanting the same thing ... to cross the magical Ironman finish line. An elite few will aim to get there faster than any other man or woman ever, and with good reason.

For the first time, race organizers are offering US$50,000 to any man or woman who beats the current Ironman world best. That means 7:50:27 for the men, 8:50:53 for the women. With a course described as "flat and fast," combined with weather forecasts set on "idyllic," this may just be the year and the place it happens.

Vying for that $50,000 bonus is two-time Ironman WA winner and the fastest Ironman finisher ever on Australian soil, Jason Shortis. Known for his running prowess thanks to consistent sub-2:45 marathons, Shortis was just 15 minutes shy of the fastest finish ever last year.

But Shortis won’t get to the finish line without formidable challenges as a strong men’s field has turned up from around Oz and the globe hoping to be the fastest man on the western shores of Australia. Last year’s runner up and 2005 Ironman Western Australia winner, Australia’s Dr. Mitch Anderson, deferred his Hawaii Ironman aspirations to focus on this year’s race in Busselton. New Caledonia’s Patrick Vernay, who won Ironman Australia this April, knows what it takes to beat Shortis, so this will certainly mix things up on race day. And don’t forget South Africa’s Raynard Tissink, who has won five Ironman titles and continues on his quest to win an Ironman on every continent (Australia still eluding him). No doubt this year’s Ironman WA is on his “must do” list for 2007.

For the women, there will be a new champion this year and the talent assembled will keep the chase for the title interesting. NSW’s Charlotte Paul came second here in 2005 and has been tipped by Paula Newby-Fraser as “one to watch.” Paul will undoubtedly push hard for the title that has eluded her for three years. She’ll be challenged by UK’s Bella Comerford, the highly successful triathlete with four Ironman Florida titles on her resume in addition to a win at Ironman UK. Joanne King and Belinda Harrison have also quietly arrived to race, but will no doubt be forces to reckon with this Sunday.

Another hotly contested race within the race is between competitors from Western Australia, who will compete for the Mark Batten Trophy. Mark Batten is a triathlon legend in WA, being the first person to finish 200 triathlons and the reason the half-Ironman came to WA over 17 years ago.

A record 995 athletes have registered for Sunday’s event and more than half are hoping to qualify for one of the 35 Ford Ironman World Championship slots. Then there are others who have decided to “race for a reason.” The reason? To donate and benefit the John Maclean Foundation, the official charity of Ironman Western Australia, which is dedicated to help young Australians who use wheelchairs.

Additionally, over 1,000 volunteers have signed up to help out with this year’s race. Busselton school children have hand-made posters all around town encouraging the athletes, many of whom they’ve “adopted” for race week, and have undoubtedly made those here without family and friends feel extra special.

Sunday’s 6:00am start should be met with blue skies, light winds and great expectations as this has all the ingredients for the best Ironman Western Australia yet!

Stay tuned to Ironman.com for reports from Busselton throughout the week and live coverage on race day.

You can reach Karen Doane at Karen@ironman.com