November 19, 2024
Excitement builds for
THE world’s first ironman event will return to Torquay next year with an intention of unearthing the next generation of iron athletes.
The Jim Wall Iron Classic will be held on January 5, 2025, at Torquay Beach.
Since 1962, the event has challenged all-round surf and water ability, with an endurance format including continuous efforts in swimming, board, ski paddling and running.
The Classic has become a coveted “hit out” for many of the country’s best athletes, with past winners including Nutri-Grain Iron Series champions Matt Bevilacqua and Harriet Brown.
Locals Terry Wall (Jim’s son), Zeb Walsh and former Torquay clubbies Archie Vernon and Grace Harris have also tasted the ultimate success.
Torquay SLSC competition manager Matt Henderson said more than 300 competitors were expected to partake in the 64th edition of the event.
It’s got a lot of prestige, and we are certainly looking to continue that on January 5."
“We’ve got another strong event program. There’ll be plenty of exciting teams’ relays and individual age group swim, board and ski races to compliment the Jim Wall.
“We continue to see great entry numbers from our youth age groups – a great indicator of the sport’s growth in Victoria. It’s just fantastic to see them test themselves against some of the sport’s best in front of a big crowd.
“The club can’t wait.”
The Jim Wall will be one of three local stops on the new World Ocean Series, formally the Summer of Surf.
“We’ve got the triple crown down in Victoria with the Jim Wall, Battle of the Bay, and a new event down at Lorne.
“There’ll be prize money up for grabs and vital ranking points for competitors looking to push themselves in the main event.”
The Jim Wall will be held the day after the Danger Ocean Swim Series, guaranteeing a bumper weekend of competition on the Surf Coast.
“Obviously Jan Juc SLSC’s Danger Swim Series is on the day before, so it’s going to be really exciting weekend.
“From a town perspective, it brings so many people together and helps to attract some fantastic competitors."
“Our local field will have the chance to mix it with competitors from more than 25 clubs from around the country in both events.”
Announcements about entries opening will be made via the Jim Wall Classic socials.
Read more about Jim Wall Classic.
Photo credit: Torquay juniors Archie Vernon and Grace Harris took out the coveted title earlier this year. Photo: PETER MARSHALL
