Half ironman boosts Busselton

by Lyndsey Wetton

May 7, 2008

BUSSELTON’S tourism received a boost over the first weekend of May, as the 2008 half ironman triathlon became the largest event of its type ever to be hosted in Western Australia.

The annual race saw 1700 competitors take part on May 3, including 950 individual entrants and 270 teams. This was 350 competitors up on last year.

Second time competitor Shane Clarke (36) of Spearwood completed the 1.9 km swim, 9.1 km run and 21.1 km cycle course in four hours 51 minutes and 21 seconds.

“The weather was great,” Mr Clarke said. “There was a phenomenal amount of support, it was fantastic.

“The only thing was that all the shops were closed on Sunday when all the people were in town.”

However, Busselton chamber of commerce boss Ray Macmillan said “some” of the important shops were open, and he did not see a problem with the closure of some shops.

“We are working on it,” Mr Macmillan said.

The only other setback of the day was a major single competitor crash. Female triathlete Selma Wiertsema came off her bike on a tight corner of the course and badly injured her face and teeth. According to TriathlonWA spokesman Phil Gregson, Ms Wiertsema will make a full recovery but will require extensive dental work.

Pete Jacobs, a professional from New South Wales won the half ironman – his fourth victory at Busselton - with a time of 3:50:01. Rebekah Keat won the women’s race in 4:14:17.