New Course for Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2007

Southeast Asia’s premier multi-sport event, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2007, will take place on Sunday 2 December with a succession of new changes- a new swim course, changes to the bike course, a new start time, and wave starts.

Now in its fourteenth year, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon is supported by Thai Airways International and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Renowned as the “Race of Legends”, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon boasts possibly more world champions racing in past fields than any other race in the world short of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii. Pro triathletes who have participated at Laguna Phuket have won more than 50 world championships from every discipline in the sport of triathlon: Ironman, Olympic, 70.3, Duathlon and Xterra. The list of Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalists, World Cup, US Pro, Ironman, European and various national champions defies accurate count. Legendary triathletes who have raced at Laguna Phuket include Mark Allen (USA), Greg Welch (AUS), Simon Lessing (GBR), Mike Pigg (USA), Scott Molina (USA), Paula Newby-Fraser (USA), Karen Smyers (USA) and Michelle Jones (AUS).

The Triathlon, comprising a 1.8k swim, 55k cycle and 12k run features both the individual race, which offers a US$20,000 pro prize purse, and the Herbalife Corporate Challenge Team Relay. The first three teams to finish the Team Relay event will win US$1000, US$750 and US$500, respectively, as well as gifts from Herbalife.

The 1.8k swim course at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon is unique in that it comprises two bodies of water. The new swim start will be on the beach at the Laguna Beach Resort. Athletes will swim the first 1200 metres in the sea before sprinting 100 metres across the beach to swim the last 600 metres in a lagoon.

Minor changes have also been made to the 55k bike course, which leads competitors from Laguna Phuket to the north of the island past tropical jungles, rubber plantations, beach front and local villages. A rough part of the course has been eliminated and an extra stretch has been added in place.

The race start has been changed to 7am with two start waves. The first wave start will be open to all non-relay swimmers. The second wave start, scheduled for 07:10am, will be for all relay swimmers and any individuals who opt into this less-crowded wave.

Race entry is available online only. The entry fee includes the pre-race Pasta Party, Competitor's T-shirt and Race Kit. Closing date for entries is 31 October 2007, unless registration reaches capacity in which case it will close prior to that date. Early-bird registration fees are US$120 for the individual triathlon, available until 30 June 2007. To register visit www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com (opens in new window or tab)

See other recent news regarding: Phuket, Laguna Phuket, Triathlon