20th Laguna Phuket Triathlon to Take Place 24 November 2013

The 20th Laguna Phuket Triathlon will take place on Sunday 24 November, marking the beginning of Laguna Phuket’s week long Tri-Fest.

This year’s Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT) will celebrate its 20th anniversary while welcoming inaugural Challenge Laguna Phuket (CLP) on Sunday 1 December to its iconic multi-sports weeklong event Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest 2013.

During the proceeding seven days, Laguna Phuket will be a hive of activity, with athletes and guests taking part in social activities, training sessions and competitions at the destination resort.

On Sunday 1 December, athletes will race in the Challenge Laguna Phuket – a longer, more challenging triathlon, comprising a 1.9K Swim, 90.1K Bike ride and a 21.1K Run.

The days between the two spectacular events in Phuket will be filled with a Tri-Fest of training and social events held in and around the Laguna Phuket destination resort.

This triathlon carnival has proved a popular attraction for international athletes eager to sample the delights of Thailand while rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ruedi Wild and Radka Vodickova, last year’s Laguna Phuket Triathlon champions.

Ruedi Wild triumphed at Laguna Phuket last year in 2:29.22. Following Wild home were an elite field of seasoned athletes including Tim Meyer, Alberto Cassadei, Massimo Cigana, and Simon Agoston.

Belinda Granger competing in Laguna Lang Co Vietnam Triathlon earlier this year. Click to Enlarge. See more pictures from that event.

The 2012 women’s field top finishers were Radka Vodickova, Belinda Granger, Edith Niederfringer, Nickey Barnard, and Sarah Wheeler.

In the Challenge Laguna Phuket, 2012 Champion Melissa Hauschildt of Australia – has registered to return to defend her title. She’s set to face strong challenges from a field that will include Vodickova and Granger, who finished second and third respectively last year.

LPT and Challenge Laguna Phuket are once again set to see high-calibre fields of elite men’s pros taking on their tropical challenges.

Reigning World Champion Pete “PJ” Jacobs has confirmed he will race the inaugural Challenge Laguna Phuket half distance triathlon on 1 December – setting up an intriguing contest with fellow Australian Chris “Macca” McCormack, the defending title-holder, two-time World Champion, and Challenge Ambassador, for a slice of the race’s 25,000 Euro prize purse.

Italians Massimo Cigana and Alberto Casadei will try to make an impression on the two Australian champions in a filed that also features Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2012 champion Ruedi Wild from Switzerland.

The enduring appeal of Laguna Phuket Triathlon and the unique challenges of Challenge Laguna Phuket are attracting entries from leading international pro athlete personalities, as well as age groupers worldwide.

To date, a combined 1,500 athletes have signed up for the two main races. Registration for the 2013 half distance Challenge Laguna Phuket is open until 20 November and total of approximately 1,800 athletes are expected to sign up this year.

“The two Laguna Phuket’s triathlons are recognised as being organised at one of the best destinations,” said Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut “especially the 20-years-standing Laguna Phuket Triathlon which I consider the success of Laguna Phuket and the pride of Phuket Province.”

Mr. Suvadhana Sibunruang, TG’s Director Brand Management and Commercial Communications, said “Congratulations to Laguna Phuket and Phuket Province on the 20th anniversary of Laguna Phuket Triathlon! Thai Airways is pleased to offer 15kgs excess baggage allowance exclusively for athletes booking online at challengelagunaphuket.com”