More than 1,200 athletes and 2,000 visitors from approximately 30 countries are expected to attend the popular event on Nov 19, organisers said in a press release on Sept 20.
Staged at Laguna Grove, Southeast Asia’s longest-running triathlon includes a 1.8-kilometre swim in the Andaman Sea and lagoon, a 55km bike ride through Phuket’s rolling countryside and villages, and a 12km run through the landscaped grounds of Laguna Phuket.
A Sprint option is also available (comprising a 0.5km swim, 20km bike ride and 6km run), and a Duathlon (4km run, 5km bike ride and 12km run) is perfect for families or friends. The entire event will be expertly managed by a professional team and brought to life by commentator Whit Raymond.
As the 29th edition of this iconic event approaches, there are several new and exciting features being unveiled to ensure an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Cash Prizes for Aspiring Pros
Laguna Phuket Triathlon is breaking the barriers between amateurs and professionals. For the first time ever, all Thai and non-Thai athletes who aspire to compete with the pros can now vie for cash prizes. To join this elite league of competitors, simply select the “Elite Category” during the registration process, rather than the age group category.
New Pre and Post Race Experiences
Alongside with the official Bike Practice Session and Clinic that take place on Nov 17, this year the athletes will have the chance to kickstart their journey with an Open Water Practice Swim on Saturday Nov 18, hosted by TriHub at 7:00am.
The 29th Laguna Phuket Triathlon is fully supported by leading organisations, including Phuket Province, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Sports Authority of Thailand (under the Ministry of Tourism & Sports) and Thai Airways, among others. The event reaffirms Phuket’s position as a premier sporting destination in Asia, said organisers, boasting international standards, modern infrastructure and breathtaking natural beauty. Most importantly, this charitable event also supports Children First Fun (CFF) in Phuket.
“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon. This year’s event promises to be an intensive experience; participants will traverse the exquisite scenery of the Andaman Sea, pristine lakes and natural trails, all while enjoying comfortable accommodation within Laguna Phuket. We look forward to welcoming professional and amateur triathletes to this exceptional event, which is the perfect way to kickstart Phuket’s high season,” said Mr. Paul Wilson, Vice President and Deputy Managing Director of Laguna Phuket.
Over the years, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon has attracted top triathletes including Michael Raelert from Germany, a four-time Iron Man champion, Massimo Cicana, the Italian triathlon champion, Ruedi Wild from Switzerland, who competed in the 2012 Olympics, Emma Pallant-Browne from the UK, who has over 20 Iron Man 70.3 victories, Inge Prasetyo from Indonesia, a silver medalist in the SEA Games, and Jaray Jearanai, a member of the Thai national triathlon team, along with many other athletes and celebrities. The event was even named one of the “10 Best Triathlons in the World.”
An exciting array of pre-event activities started on Sept 17 with a Bicycle Clinic by Psychosport, followed by an Open Water Swim by TriHub and a Lifestyle Night Market on Sept 18. A yoga and breakfast were hosted at Open Kitchen on Sept 20 and a Four-Man Muay Thai Championship with top fighters was staged on Sept 21.
Registration for the Laguna Phuket Triathlon is open until Nov 2023 at www.lagunaphukettri.com