Thailand has been for quite some time a popular destination among triathlon organizers and big-name triathletes. The country’s reputation for welcoming international events has now gone wild with 20 years of experience to show off.
Now that it’s once again becoming the home of the 2017 Foremost IRONMAN 70.3, Foremost IRONKIDS Thailand and the Sunrise Sprint that will take place on the last week of November, the Island’s tourism credentials are expected to experience a real boost.
“IRONMAN is a global triathlon brand that is famous for organizing world-class events, and we’re very proud the organizers will host Thailand’s only IRONMAN event in Phuket for the second year,” Mr. Norraphat Plodthong, Governor of Phuket, said.
“Approximately 1,500 triathletes from more than 60 countries will be taking part and it is events like this that really help the island economy and the local communities in which they take place.”
Why Phuket works?
One of the main reasons why Phuket Island has become the Triathlon mecca has to do with several advantages and potentials that this area holds including: established road infrastructure, amazing beaches and a perfect climate among others.
People know it as the perfect location in Asia to handle large number of triathletes who come and train from all around the world as well as a large number of volunteers and spectators who can also take the time to enjoy one of the world’s best vacation destinations.
“Phuket is well developed for triathlons and there is a lot of experience on the island in this area. The island’s reputation for hosting spectacular triathlons spreads far and wide, making it a popular destination with triathletes the world over,” Ms. Dittaya Curtz, Project Manager, Sunrise Events (Thailand), said.
Foremost IRONMAN 70.3 Thailand start/ finish times:
– 06:20 Male Pros/ Male Asian Elite
– 06:22 Female Pros/ Female Asian Elite
– 06:30 Rolling starts for Age-Groupers and Relay
– Swim Cut Off: Each participant gets 70 minutes to finish the 1.9 km swim segment
– Bike Cut Off: 5 hours and 30 minutes from the last rolling start release
– Finish Line Cut Off: The finish line closes in 8 hours and 30 minutes after the last rolling start
swim release.
The four-day competition starts on Saturday, November 25. The first race is the Foremost IRONKIDS Thailand. It will welcome around 300 kids from 6 years old to 14 years old. They will compete in different swim/ bike/ run distances. The event will take place at the Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort.
On, Sunday, November 26, the Foremost IRONMAN 70.3 Thailand will take place. It contains a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run. The Sunrise Sprint (750 m swim/ 20 km bike/ 5 km run) will take place at the same time.
