Phuket to host world's best triathletes
Play
Phuket has been chosen to host the Long Distance Triathlon Series event under the International Triathlon Union (ITU) banner on November 9 and 10.
The weekend starts with a Sprint triathlon (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), Olympic distance triathlon (1.5km/ 40km/ 10km) and relay events on November 9 as part of the ITU Asian Cup, followed by the headline 2013 Phuket ITU Long Distance Triathlon Series event the following day (3km swim, 80km bike and 20km run). Over 300 athletes have already registered for each event.
There are elite and age group categories, with world ranking points available and prize money in excess of US$40,000 (about Bt1.2 million). The course will start and finish in the tourist hub of Patong, ensuring spectators can view the action up close.
Presented by the Absolute World Group, the event forms part of a series of CSR initiatives to mark the Group’s 15th anniversary.
“Triathlon in Thailand is growing in popularity. We are excited that Phuket is hosting a world-class ITU Long Distance Triathlon event. This is a great opportunity for Thai athletes and athletes from around Asia to compete shoulder to shoulder with top elite and age-groupers from around the world,” said Vijitr Sittinawin, president of the Triathlon Association of Thailand.
