Warming up for Laguna Tri-Fest

PHUKET: Challenge Laguna Phuket’s Tri-Fest event will see hundreds of international athletes come to the island for the legendary Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT), to be held on November 22, and the Challenge Laguna Phuket on November 29.

The event was presented to organizers, sponsors and media last month at a conference chaired by Santi Pawai, director of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ Phuket Office; Nohn Suvachananonda, general manager of Sport Spot Thailand; and Event Director Prapa Hemmin.

The Laguna Phuket Triathlon and Challenge Laguna Phuket are linked by a Tri-Fest of training and social activities held at Laguna Phuket during the week between the two races.

“The enduring appeal of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon and the unique challenges of Challenge Laguna Phuket are attracting entries from leading international pro-athlete personalities, as well as age groupers worldwide,” said Ms Prapa.

“To date, a combined 1,300 athletes have signed up for the two main races. Registration for both races is open until November 15, and a total of approximately 1,500 athletes are expected to sign up this year.”

With hundreds of athletes, each with three to five followers, family members, friends, partners, media, sponsors or supporters travelling together to Phuket from around the world, the event is projected to generate more than 93 million baht in tourism revenue.

As is the annual tradition, athletes are being asked to raise funds through donations and sponsorships for the resort’s long-established ‘Laguna Phuket Foundation’ to operate its various charitable programs.

Over the years, millions of baht have been raised for projects, such as renovations for local schools, survival swim courses, a Community Learning Center, Seedlings Phuket and a mobile learning center.