The historic former gold mining city of Ballarat in Victoria, Australia is the latest venue in the IRONMAN Asia Pacific family. Local government support has led to the confirmation of IRONMAN 70.3 Ballarat for the next three years.
Ballarat is the gateway to exploring Western Victoria, whilst offering the warmth and ease of a regional city. The city is just over 100km from the triathlon-mad city of Melbourne, will become the 13th IRONMAN 70.3 stop in the burgeoning Asia Pacific region. The inaugural event will be staged on Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Ballarat holds significant attraction both in his exalted history and, more recently, as a center for sport. It was transformed from a small sheep station to a major settlement when gold was discovered in 1851, with more than 20,000 migrants rushing to the region in what developed into a sustained high gold yielding area for decades. It was also claimed as the origin of democracy in Australia following the Eureka Rebellion and has developed as a stunning rural city.
The 1.9km Swim leg takes in the 1956 Olympic rowing course of Lake Wendouree. The 2 lap, 90km Bike course is steeped in history, encompassing the majestic Avenue of Honour and Arch of Victory. The final leg of IRONMAN 70.3 Ballarat is a 2 lap, 21km Run taking in the Steve Moneghetti Track, named after Ballarat’s famous marathon Olympian.
IRONMAN Asia Pacific CEO, Geoff Meyer said the new IRONMAN 70.3 Ballarat has the potential to be one of the best events in Australia.
“We expect IRONMAN 70.3 Ballarat to attract more than 1400 competitors and thousands of accompanying visitors to the area, providing a tremendous economic boost and tourism spotlight on the region,” says Mayer. “Sport and recreation is at the heart of every community and Ballarat has a long and proud history of producing champions and hosting world class events.”
A strong professional field, headed by multiple IRONMAN champion and event ambassador, Luke Bell, will be waging their own Eureka battle on a course that has been stamped with their approval.
“I grew up doing races as a kid in Ballarat and the Western Districts of Victoria, so Ballarat holds some pretty special memories for me,” says Bell.
A 19-time winner of IRONMAN 70.3 races around the world, Bell is determined to carve his name into the history books as the inaugural champion.
“I’m looking forward to going back and racing there, I was in my early teens when I raced in the Victorian Triathlon Series,” he said. “It’s great to have another event in Victoria and it’s these type of races with such a great community feel and support that I love to be involved with.”
The event will offer 30 Age Group qualifying spots for the 2015 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria.
Registration will open for entries on May 6th for Triathlon Australia members and on May 8th for general entries. Visit www.ironmanballarat.com for details.
Don’t forget to check out our Ironman 70.3 Series Race Map here on TriMapper.com
