2023 SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon Proudly Supporting Cancer Council WA

Triathlon Western Australia is proud to support Cancer Council Western Australia as our charity partner for the 2023 SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon event.

As a community-funded organisation, Cancer Council WA rely on donations and support from West Australians to deliver their work across four main pillars of Advocacy, Prevention, Research and Support:

  • Advocacy: Working with the community to change laws and policies to reduce cancer risks and improve cancer care.
  • Prevention: Development of programs that encourage and empower people to lead healthier lifestyles to help reduce their cancer risk.
  • Research: Funding world-class research that targets cancer from every angle.
  • Support: Offering a range of services to ensure no West Australian has to face cancer alone. Every year Cancer Council WA helps over 32,000 people.

Participants will have the opportunity to make an optional donation to Cancer Council WA as part of the registration process. Alternatively, donations toward our fundraising target can be made directly through the Do It For Cancer website at www.doitforcancer.com.au/fundraisers/BFOT2023. Created by Cancer Council, Do It For Cancer is a community fundraising platform.

Triathlon WA hope to raise a total of $2000 for Cancer Council WA through these fundraising initiatives. Find out more about how your donation helps here.

We thank all participants for their support of this very important cause.

Busselton Festival of Triathlon Partners with Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group

As part of our goal to be more environmentally sustainable and connect with the local community, the SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon has partnered with the Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group for 2023!

Help Save a Tree & Donate Your Tee!
We’ve enjoyed the beauty of the Tuart Forest for many years as part of our bike course, so we’d like to give our participants the opportunity to help preserve it. To help reduce our impact on the environment we are offering participants the option to opt-out of receiving their Competitor T-Shirt.

If you choose this option, Triathlon Western Australia will donate the funds that would have been spent on your shirt to the Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group to help restore and conserve the iconic Forest and Ludlow Mill for the benefit of future generations, biodiversity, tourism, education and research.

This is absolutely optional, and you can still elect to receive your Competitor T-Shirt if you prefer.

Want the T-Shirt but also want to donate?
No worries, we’ll have a separate section in the registration portal that will let you donate an optional monetary amount. Alternatively, you can sign up as an annual member with the Group on their website for as little as $35.

We’re very excited to support this incredible organisation and their vital work in protecting the land we love!

And that’s a wrap! Busselton Festival of Triathlon 2022

SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon Event Wrap 2022

The SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon presented by Triathlon Western Australia took place over the weekend of 29 April – 1 May 2022. More than 1700 competitors flocked to the beautiful Busselton Foreshore to participate in the Festival’s events with pleasant racing conditions. The 21st edition of the Festival looked slightly different this year with the inaugural SunSmart Busselton 100, two new Foreshore events and a Fun Run added to the agenda. Athletes and spectators alike enjoyed festivities in the Event Village including entertainment, food trucks and the Health and Lifestyle Expo.

On Friday 29 April, the Keep on Running Fun Run saw participants of all ages race at twilight through the 500m, 1.6km and 5km courses. There was prize money up for grabs in the Open field of the 5km distance resulting in an intense competition and sprint finish. The male winner, Sam Mileham beat runner-up Kurt Wesley by less than one second. The first Open female to cross the 5km finish line in a blistering time of 18 minutes and 33 seconds was 22-year-old Lauren Hyde-Cooling.

As the sun rose over the stunning south-west town on Saturday 30 April, over 1200 Individual, Team and Aquabike competitors were getting ready to race in the first ever SunSmart Busselton 100. At 7:30am, the first triathletes jumped into the frosty water and swam 2km alongside the iconic Busselton Jetty, an excellent platform for spectators to watch their family and friends giving it their all. Next, the competitors raced 80km through the striking Tuart Forest and finished with an 18km run along the gorgeous Busselton foreshore.

The SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon’s marquee event was also the WA State Long Course Championship and the last race on the 2021/22 Triathlon WA season calendar.

Kurt Wesley (North Coast Tri Club) was the first athlete out of the water, followed closely by Guy Crawford (Fremantle Tri Club) and Nathan Saunders. James Martin (Bunbury Tri Club) had the fastest overall cycle time, but it was on the run course where the athletes were really put to the test.

Australian Defence Force athlete, Alex Stuart finished the race in an astonishing time of 03:28:05 to claim the WA State Champion title and Busselton 100 overall winner. Less than two minutes later, Wesley finished in second place, followed closely by Mark Radziejewski in third place.

Australian Capital Territory athlete, Tracy Clinch stole the show when she was crowned Busselton 100 overall female winner in an incredible time of 3:49:31. Appearing in her sixth Busselton Festival of Triathlon event, Felicity Sheedy-Ryan (UWA) used her experience to take out second place, two minutes behind Clinch. 2020 State Long Course Champion, Dimity Lee-Duke (Bunbury) followed closely in third position.

The fastest male Age Group athlete was Brett Johnson from Rockingham Triathlon Club who finished 6th overall in 03:34:53 and the fastest female Age Group athlete was Fiona Whelan who finished in just over four hours.

Sunday brought another fantastic day of racing with the first ever Busselton Foreshore Sprint (750m swim, 16km bike, 4km run) and Enticer (200m swim, 8km bike, 2km run) events. Over 250 children aged 7-15 years participated in the two SunSmart Kids Triathlons (short course: 100m swim, 2km cycle, 500m run and long course: 200m swim, 4km cycle, 1km run), making it a fun day out for the whole family!

Para triathlete David Bryant (Stadium Tri Club) put on an exceptional performance to win the Foreshore Sprint in 52 minutes and 14 seconds. Junior athletes Joshua Neervoort (Fremantle Tri Club) and Joshua Fletcher (North Coast Tri Club) were hot on Bryant’s heels, taking out second and third place respectively. The fastest overall female was Rebecca Kierath (Exceed Tri Club) with Stephanie White and Kimberley Hallett rounding out the podium.

Will Cramsie (North Coast Tri Club) was the fastest male athlete and Indie Arbuckle (Team XTR Tri Club) was the fastest female in the Foreshore Sprint distance.

Triathlon WA would like to thank the City of Busselton, SunSmart, Healthway, Tourism WA, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, event partners, supporters and volunteers for their contribution to a successful event. We look forward to another excellent event in 2023.

Three Year Partnership Confirmed with Tourism WA

Triathlon Western Australia (TWA) is excited to announce a new three year partnership with Tourism WA.

“The Festival, now in it’s 21st year, has become a feature of the South West Region and an important part of the triathlon racing season in WA. I am positive both the local community and athletes from all over the Australia will share my delight with the recent announcement from the McGowan Government” said Ashleigh Apps, Executive Director, TWA.

The 2022-24 events are expected to attract more than 1,000 competitors each year and thousands of out-of-region visitors, generating more than $2.3 million for the local economy annually.

The festival attracts some of the world’s toughest athletes to Western Australia to compete in the main attraction of the festival, the newly renamed ‘Busselton 100’ event.

The ‘Busselton 100’ event takes athletes on a challenging course which showcases some of the South West’s most picturesque locations, including a 2 kilometre swim starting alongside the longest timber piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, the Busselton Jetty, an 80km bike ride through the Tuart Forest and an 18km run along the stunning foreshore.

It also features a kids’ triathlon, a fun run, a sprint and beginner triathlon and a health and lifestyle expo.

The Busselton Festival of Triathlon will run from April 29 to May 1, 2022.

Mrs Apps stated “The Festival is rich in triathlon history, but encompasses community focused events to ensure the next generation of triathletes have an opportunity to achieve their goals. We are looking forward to delivering another action packed weekend of multi-sport events with special thanks to the support of the WA Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, which is supported by Royalties for Regions”.

– END –

To read the WA Government Media Statement, please click here

Star Physio and Podiatry – Preparation=Performance Workshop

Countdown to Busso!  How to maximise your chance of a great race through smart training, the right equipment and setup and management of niggles!!!

WHEN: Thursday 10th March, 6.00pm

WHERE: Star Physio West Perth, 3rd Floor, 31 Outram St West Perth 
Free street parking and secure bike parking available upstairs

TWA in conjunction with its physiotherapy partner Star Physio, presents an evening lecture and Q&A with three of Western Australia’s most highly regarded triathlon physiotherapists, James Lewin and Dan Davis who are also sports scientists and Julie Pham, who has the dual qualification of podiatrist! Check out here for more info on your presenters!

The Star Physio Team will share their expertise and thoughts in what to do and what not to do in the lead up to the Busselton 100, in particular, what to do if you get pain or an injury. You might be surprised how often it is safe to train through or around an injury to still achieve your goals – but only once assessed and diagnosed by an expert.

While we encourage all to attend for the full experience, we will also stream the content online for those unable to join us in person or if we exceed our COVID limited capacity. Be sure to book early!

Other key topics

-Training volume, intensity, recovery, and injury risk

-Running shoes and technique – what is the evidence

-Bikefit in triathlon – sustainability v’s power v’s aero – how to balance it

-Tapering principles

As we remind triathletes, “Not all physiotherapists are the same”!

The presentation will be followed by a Q & A session where triathletes are welcome to ask specific questions of these experts with our aim to be all done in just over 1 hour so that everyone can get their valuable recovery sleep!

REGISTRATION

We have two options available for this workshop, attend in person, places will be strictly limited so get in early! Or register to attend online and further information and links will be sent prior to the event.

James Lewin is a former professional triathlete and TWA Long Course State Champion at Busselton. He is an APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist who also holds an exercise science degree. He has published and presented research into injury management through bikefit and is an experienced triathlon coach. James’ experience as an elite athlete, coach, physio and bikefit professional gives him a unique skillset working with triathletes of all levels.

Dan Davis is an elite runner and triathlete with a passion for injury prevention and management. He is passionate about being at the leading edge of care for athletes through with dual qualifications of physio and exercise physiology and is rapidly earning a reputation as one of the go-to triathlon physios in Western Australia. His expertise using the Gebiomized pressure analysis and management system for saddle, foot and arm support is unrivalled in Australia.

Julie Pham is a Physiotherapist and Sports Podiatrist, a unique blend of skills in particular when dealing with lower limb, foot and ankle pain and injuries. Julie works closely with leading footwear manufacturers and shops in WA to assist athletes with correct footwear prescription for comfort and performance. Julie is also an elite triathlete, and in 2022 will be heading to Kona for the Ironman World Championships.

James, Dan, and Julie work as part of the amazing team of experts at Star Physio who continue to be involved in education and cutting-edge research into injury prevention, management, and performance. 

For a taste of what to expect, have a look at some videos taken from a previous year’s lecture here-

Gym work v’s big gear work on the bike with Merv

Acute muscle injuries with James Debenham

Which bikefit option to choose with Damian

Or visit Star Physio’s website for more information and lectures.

We welcome back KODA Nutrition!

We are very excited that KODA Nutrition (formally Shotz Sports Nutrition) are back as the Official Nutrition Partner for 2022.

In perfect timing and coinciding with this partnership sees the launch of Darryl Griffiths (CEO and Founder of KODA Nutrition) audiobook, Sweat. Think. Go Faster.

Over the past 25 years Darryl has provided nutrition and hydration strategies to thousands of professional and amateur athletes which lead to the development of KODA products.

KODA Nutrition will be on course throughout the event providing nutrition (Energy Gels) and Hydration (Electrolytes) to support all participants.

KODA Nutrition products offer the very best in Hydration and Fuelling for the athlete and have been made with one goal in mind, to cross the line as fast as you can with minimal stomach problems.

  • KODA Electrolyte Tablets are a sports drink without the sugar, effectively separating your hydration from your fuel source.
  • KODA Energy Gels are great tasting, high energy, fast working and are gentle on the stomach. Designed to enter the bloodstream at lightning speed to help active muscles energised and your mind on the job.

With a customised approach, KODA can tailor hydration and fuel for your needs and provide information so you can realise your true potential.

For more information on how to customise your nutrition, download Sweat. Think. Go Faster an audiobook written and narrated by CEO and Founder of KODA Nutrition, Darryl Griffiths.  

This audiobook is a thorough and investigative approach to the often confusing and complex world of sports nutrition narrated in a way that is very easy to understand.

Sweat. Think. Go Faster will improve your performance. 

The Stars Align For TWA & Star Physio

Triathlon WA and the SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon are over the moon to announce that Star Physio has come on board as the events Official Physio, Bike Fit & Massage Partner for 2022.

Star Physio’s physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and rehabilitation gurus are well trained in their respective fields to help patients recover from injuries and gain optimum health, and will be delivering post event massages for all Busselton 100 participants.

In addition to physiotherapy, massage, Pilates and rehabilitation, Star Physio offers “Bikefit”. This involves professionally fitting a bicycle to its rider using the assessment and intervention skills of a physiotherapist with specific expertise in cycling and its biomechanics. Make sure you head down to get yours aligned ready to race!

Star Physio has three convenient clinic locations – Hay Street Mall in Perth CBD, Mosman Park and West Perth.

Star Physio will be delivering expert physio and injury management content for all TWA members, a coaches conference and a club-based support program. More information is coming soon so watch this space!

Introducing the Busselton AquaBike!

You asked and we listened!!

Introducing the Busselton AquaBike! Take on the Busselton 100 minus the run… well minus the 18km run, you still have a 350m stretch to get to the finish line and say cheese for the camera!

Entry includes:

Personalised Race Bib
Competitor Bag
AquaBike Finisher Medal
Competitor T-Shirt

Healthway turns 30!

Healthway celebrates 30 years of promoting healthy lifestyles
Thursday, 2 December 2021

Healthway is the State Government’s only health promotion agency
Since 1991, it has funded more than 5,600 organisations with $455 million in grants
Healthway celebrates its 30-year anniversary today, reflecting on its work promoting and facilitating good health and encouraging healthy lifestyles in the Western Australian community.

Since opening its doors in 1991, Healthway has supported more than 5,600 organisations with $455 million in grants and we’ve been lucky enough to be one of them!

Established by the WA Government as part of the Tobacco Control Act (1990), Healthway was initially set up to provide alternative funds for sports and arts events that were supported by manufacturers and wholesalers of tobacco products.

It was also tasked with promoting good health by supporting research, sporting, arts, community and youth programs that promoted healthy lifestyles.

Healthway’s grants programs have now expanded to target additional priority health issues such as increasing healthy eating and physical activity, reducing harm from alcohol, and improving mental health.

Other major achievements Healthway has contributed to include major policy change in public health such as smoke-free areas, reducing the promotion of unhealthy brands in sport, creating community events and activities that promote positive health, and internationally recognised health and research projects that impact on policy and practice.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Roger Cook:

“In its 30-year history, Healthway has found innovative and effective ways to address the major health challenges of our times, from smoking in the 1990s, through to mental health.

“Healthway’s model of working with organisations it funds empowers people to take control of their health by ensuring the environments they live, work, learn and play in all support good health.

“I’d like to congratulate all the Healthway-funded organisations, staff, board and committees who have been involved in creating a healthy WA.

“I look forward to continuing this work with you.”

Minister’s office – 6552 6500

FinisherPIX are back as the Official Photographers of the Busselton 100!

FinisherPix, the Official Photographers of the Busselton 100, is giving you the chance to order your photos & save!

We’ve teamed up with FinisherPix again to make sure you get snapped at that finish line! Don’t forget to smile 😀 When registering for the Busselton 100, Busselton Foreshore & Kids Triathlon, there will be an option to add on a discounted finisher pic. You’ll be sent an email after the event to download your photos! You can add merchandise or opt ins to your existing registration at any time, so if you’ve already registered – don’t stress! You can still access this offer.

For ONLY AUD$35.00 for the Busselton 100 & $25.00 for the Foreshore & Kids Tri, you can receive the FinisherPix Photo Pack in Digital Format! The FinisherPix Photo Pack includes ALL photos we identify of you in all digital formats (Basic digital image, Digital images with Finish Time, Digital images in certificate format.)

For more information and to review the terms and conditions of this service please visit our website at www.finisherpix.com

State long course SunSmart Busselton 100 Triathlon