The Coolangatta Gold will open a revamped Australian ironman and woman series, as it was announced Bulli will host a round on December 1.
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The two iconic surf lifesaving events have been brought together, with Kiama's Ali Day to defend both titles.
Day won the Coolangatta Gold last year for a record-breaking sixth time, earning the Illawarra Mercury sportsperson of the year award, before going on to claim the overall ironman series.
It continues the grand legacy of Illawarra greats like Darren and Dean Mercer.
The new series will also include changes in the qualifying process and a season-ending Ironman X round in January, with "obstacles and new craft elements" involved.
"I love the Coolie Gold, so I'm thrilled that it's included in the new look Nutri-Grain Series," Day said when the new format was announced.
"It gives athletes like myself who enjoy the long format, a chance to put points on the board straight off the bat.
"By bringing the Nutri-Grain Series directly back under SLSA and as a stand-alone series, has already raised the level of competition and I'm really looking forward to what the Nutri-Grain Series will bring and seeing who will come out on top."
I love the Coolie Gold, so I'm thrilled that it's included
- Ali Day
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