Phuket to host November Ironman 70.3

PHUKET: Phuket is to host the next Ironman 70.3 triathlon on November 27 with a US$15,000 professional prize purse, Ironman Asia announced yesterday.

The ‘Foremost Ironman 70.3 Thailand’ comprises a 1.9km rectangular swim that will start and end at Xana Beach Club Laguna Phuket, a 90km bike ride through the Laguna Phuket property and on to the Sarasin Bridge, and then back to Xana Beach Club for a final two-loop scenic 21km run ending back at the beach club.

A junior version of the event, ‘Foremost IRONKIDS Thailand’, for young athletes 6-14 years old, is also to be held at the Xana Beach Club, the day before the main event, on November 26.

Up to 30 of the athletes will qualify for age group slots for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The event has already attracted a thousand athletes from 56 countries, including over 20 professional triathletes, led by IRONMAN 70.3 World and Asia Pacific champion Tim Reed.

Ironman Asia managing director Geoff Meyer says that the race is evidence of the growing interest and development of the famous Ironman events throughout the region.

“Thailand has had a long history with the Ironman competition and we are looking forward to improve the event beyond what we could do back in 2012, when the last race was held here,” Mr Meyer said.

“Phuket is ready to welcome athletes and spectators to this prestigious international event,” said Vice Governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul yesterday.

The Foremost IRONMAN 70.3 Thailand is produced and organized by Sunrise Events Inc. in partnership with Friesland Campina’s Foremost brand as the title sponsor and made possible through the support of a number of sponsors and partners, including the Sports Tourism of Thailand (SAT), Phuket’s government offices, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Angsana Laguna Phuket, Bollox Energy Gel and Timex.

The Phuket Gazette, PGTV and The Nation are the proud national media partners in the event.

For more details, visit ironman.com/thailand70.3.

— Kongleaphy Keam