An official press conference was held at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Bangkok to announce the landmark occasion, set to celebrate its 30th year, will take place on Sunday, Nov 17 with a total prize fund of US$20,000 (B671,000) up for grabs.
Held across the famous Laguna Phuket destination race course, athletes will have the choice of entering four different categories: the Elite Individual Triathlon class sees a 50-kilometre bike ride, a 12km run and a 1.8km swim; the Sprint Triathlon consists of a 20km bike ride, a 6km run and a 0.5km swim; and the inaugural edition of the Duathlon is comprised of a 4km and a 12km run and a 50km bike ride, purposefully designed as such to afford athletes the chance to experience the race’s signature cycling route.
There is also the team relay option which allows three athletes to compete in the separate components of the Elite Individual Triathlon class, all at the same distance. Applications for all four categories is now open.
A 6km family fun run has also been confirmed to take place on Saturday, Nov 16, while an Open Water Swim presented by TriHub to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the event will take place the same day.
Thursday’s press release was overseen by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, who was joined by representatives from Laguna Phuket as well as celebrated international triathlete Jurgen Zack of Phuket-based Z-Coaching.
There will be a specific focus on robust sustainability measures, organisers confirmed, aligning with Laguna Phuket Triathlon’s mission. “Environmental responsibility is part of Laguna Phuket’s long-term commitment,” a spokesperson said. “Laguna Phuket Triathlon will therefore adopt environmentally friendly practices. From reducing single-use plastics, promoting waste separation and supporting local conservation efforts, the goal is to ensure that the triathlon not only delivers an outstanding experience for participants but also helps preserve Phuket’s natural beauty for future generations.”
The event is expected to feature an impressive line-up of world-class triathletes, led by 2003 champion and 2004 runner-up Simon Thompson, as well as Yvonne Van Vlerken, who finished third in the women’s category in 2017.
Twelve Pro Male athletes include Richard Varga, Charlie Quin, Joel Wooldridge, Gaetan Fetaud, Max Stapley, Tom Bishop, Tayler Ried, Jonas Schomburg, Per Van Vlerken, Antony Costes, Guy Crawford and Massimo Cigana, and seven Pro Female athletes include: Kate Bevilaqua, Kate Waugh, Sian Rainsley, Nicole Van Der Kaay, Milan Agnew, Cassie Heaslip and Dimity Lee Duke.
A wide range of luxurious accommodation and modern facilities at hotels and resorts located near the race venue will be available with selected special rates, including at Angsana Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket, Cassia Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, HOMM Suites Laguna and SAii Laguna Phuket by booking with the code LPT2024 at Accommodation – Laguna Phuket Triathlon.