With a limited number of events on the calendar dedicated to the ironman and ironwoman races, Warilla-Barrack Point Surf Lifesaving Club has created it's own competition. 

The Summer Iron Classic will be held on December 1 and the club is expecting athletes from Sydney to the south coast to compete. 

Manuel Schuldt said all the club’s athletes are looking forward to the opportunity to compete in a brand new event at their home beach.

“We’ve created the event to try and offer kids from age nine right up through to opens a few more local carnivals,” Schuldt said. “It’s focused on the ironperson race, which for the juniors is the board, swim and run and the seniors will also include the surf ski. 

“The only ironperson races available for the kids are the Sydney Water series, but that’s a short course event. Then we’ve got the local Branch Championships, but apart from that, that’s it. 

“We’ll be having a specific ironperson race, it will be long course with an M-shaped course. We’re trying to get surf sports back on the map a little bit.”

The race has been scheduled for early December to ensure it provides competitors with race practice prior to the important Branch and State Championship meets in January and February, while also not interfering with Christmas and new year travel plans. 

“A lot of local carnivals are held in October and November and we wanted this to be an additional event, we didn’t want to compete with the Sydney Water Series.

“But we also wanted it before the branch, country and state carnivals in January and February, so this should allow a range of athletes to enter and help make some quality racing.”

Prize money is on offer for podium finishers in all age groups, with registrations closing on Saturday November 10.

Saturday December 1 8.30am at Warilla Beach.