IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong played host to the Australian Long Distance Championships and Australian Long Distance Aquabike Championships on Sunday 23 March, bringing together elite and age-group athletes for a thrilling day of racing.
Across the age group categories, 21 Australian champions were crowned in the Long Distance event, while 16 athletes claimed national titles in the Long Distance Aquabike Championships.
Among the standout performances was Beckworth Racing’s Tamara Spargo, who earned a silver medal in the 45-49 age group in the Australian Long Distance Championships, finishing third overall in her category.
“I’ve never had a podium at a 70.3 event, so I was chasing third,” Spargo said.
“I managed to get third, and under five hours, which I’ve never done before – so I’m very happy.”
Beckworth Racing had a strong presence at the event, with a club-record 80+ athletes competing in IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong. The hometown advantage provided plenty of motivation and support for the team.
“It was amazing. There were so many Beckworth people and so much support,” Spargo said.
“It’s great – it’s a hometown race, just ten minutes from home. Racing with hometown support is an amazing.”
In the elite men’s race, Jake Birtwhistle secured the Australian Elite Long Distance Championship title, finishing second overall behind Belgium’s Jelle Geens, who took line honours and the IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong title.
On the women’s side, Natalie Van Coevorden delivered a dominant performance, claiming both the Australian Long Distance title and the IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong crown.
For full results from IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong, click here.
For more information on 2025 Australian Championships, click here.
2025 Australian Long Distance Champions:
Elite Men |
Jake Birtwhistle |
Elite Women |
Natalie Van Coevorden |
18-24 Men |
Bailey Tuddenham |
18-24 Women |
Marnie Gray |
25-29 Men |
Glenn Strutt |
25-29 Women |
Emily Dunk |
30-34 Men |
Lachlan Wright |
30-34 Women |
Peta Faragher |
35-39 Men |
Mathew Phillips |
35-39 Women |
Sally Wood |
40-44 Men |
Aaron Bognar |
40-44 Women |
Johanna Clark |
45-49 Men |
Matt Sloan |
45-49 Women |
Suzanne Blackborrow |
50-54 Men |
Chris Bradford |
50-54 Women |
Samantha Zeps |
55-59 Men |
Peter Carne |
55-59 Women |
Kathryn Golding |
60-64 Men |
Marc Ware |
60-64 Women |
Sandra Cronin |
65-69 Men |
Grant Bailey |
65-69 Women |
Penny Tomkinson |
70-74 Men |
Ron Gillies |
2025 Australian Long Distance Aquabike Champions:
18-24 Women |
Zoe Azzopardi |
25-29 Men |
James Bedford |
25-29 Women |
Alice Potashnyk |
30-34 Men |
Matthew Sullivan |
35-39 Men |
Jesse Fisher |
35-39 Women |
Dominique Edwards |
40-44 Men |
Anthony Devlin |
40-44 Women |
Kendle Carr |
45-49 Men |
Hayden Armstrong |
45-49 Women |
Alison Sanders |
50-54 Women |
Dee Gray |
55-59 Men |
John Redenbach |
55-59 Women |
Fiona Souden |
60-64 Men |
Geoff Breese |
60-64 Women |
Sussan Frame |
75-79 Men |
Tinsley Janes |