Erica Hawley is bracing for her maiden appearance in a long-distance triathlon when she competes at the Ironman 70.3 La Quinta in California tomorrow.

After an eventful season, which saw her take part in seven international races, the Olympian is looking to finish her season in style.

Hawley is taking a shot at a race consisting of 1.9-kilometre swim on Lake Cahuilla, a 90km bike ride around the Thermal Raceway and a 21.1km run to finish things off at Silver Rock Resort Golf Course.

The Bermudian will be part of a stellar field of top athletes in the world contending for a combined professional prize purse of $40,000. A chance to qualify for the Ironman World Championships is also on offer, with two slots each available for men and women.