FORTY-seven Busselton Triathlon Club members will compete at this year’s SunSmart Ironman 70.3, which kicks off at Busselton Foreshore this Sunday, May 1.
It’s the largest amount of members to participate in the half Ironman to date.
Busselton Triathlon Club marketing and communications officer Amanda Whiteland said intense training was required to be able to complete in the event.
“Preparation for a half Ironman usually involves between 10 to 15 hours training per week, for approximately 12 weeks,” Ms Whiteland said. “Most athletes try to do three swims, three rides and three runs per week.”
One of those athletes is Kat Rafferty, who will be competing in her fifth 70.3 in Busselton.
Ms Rafferty said she first became interested in the Ironman when she went running with a friend and saw a group of people training for it.
“I thought I could probably ride a bike and we could find a swimmer silly enough to join us, and it started from there,” she said. “A few of my cycling friends encouraged me to learn to swim and soon enough I was competing in my first 70.3 in Mandurah.”
Ms Rafferty said it is great being a part of the Busselton Triathlon Club.
“We have such a wonderful supportive group in Busselton Tri Club, making it enjoyable to train, socialise and compete,” she said. “I love being able to share my passion with others and newcomers who have the same fears as me.”
Fellow member Trish Vickery did her first triathlon, an Ironman 70.3 (Half Ironman), in Busselton in 2014.
Ms Vickery has since competed in five races, including the World Championships in Canada and Austria.
Husband-wife duo Catherine and Dan Talbot are also participating.
Mr Talbot said he has raced in seven half Ironmans so far.
“My preferred bike is a penny farthing, followed closely by my Harley,” he said. “I'm competing with my wife Catherine who also rides a Triumph.”
“We're looking forward to packing the bicycles away for a while and putting some kilometers on our motorcycles (just as soon as we've ridden our pennies to Kalgoorlie, that is).”
Joining the Busselton Triathlon Club participants is five times World Champion Craig Alexander, and more than 3000 competitors.
They will swim 1.9km, ride 90.1km, and run 21.1km on Sunday.
Information on the SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon can be found at www.busseltonfestivaloftriathlon.com.au.
