Warilla-Barrack Point's Summer Iron Classic returns for second edition

After a successful inaugural running of the competition in 2018, the club is confident this year's event will be bigger and better, with a number of champions returning to defend their crowns.

With perfect weather conditions forecast for Saturday morning, event organiser Craig Burke said the racing will be fierce both in the water and on the sand.

"We're back for a second year, the young Warilla kids performed really well last year, so hopefully they can back it up," Burke said.

"Storm Balmain will be hard to beat in the under 12s, he's the current NSW board champion. Young Maddix Burke in the under 11s has been going really well lately and Ivy Miller has had a massive year in the under 13s."

The Summer Iron Classic is a unique fixture on the surf lifesaving calendar, with ironman and ironwoman the only events on the program.

Read more: Adelaide Strikers edge Sydney Thunder in North Dalton Park WBBL clash

Warilla-Barrack Point Surf Lifesaving Club established the event last year to provide athletes with the opportunity to practice their skills before the major events later in the season.

Burke said that will once again be the case this year, with a number of the state's top athletes making the trip to the Illawarra.

"Before Christmas, you want to get as much racing in as you can, it's hard now because there's not a lot of carnivals kids can go to.

"Wanda are bringing a crew of kids down, Swansea Belmont will come down as well. We have guys from Newport, the Morris twins will contest the under 15s, they're Australian champions."

The event will also feature opens races, with Warilla-Barrack Point junior Ben Carberry competing.

"Ben supports us a lot, he always comes and helps out the kids when he's visiting. The kids will learn a lot from him this week."

While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.