Langkawi’s Island Paradise Set to Host the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The pinnacle of endurance sports in the Asia-Pacific region is set to unfold as Langkawi, Malaysia, welcomes the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship on the 7th of October, 2023. Known for its pristine beaches and lush landscapes, Langkawi emerges as the ultimate destination for professional triathletes. This event is made possible with the invaluable support of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
Langkawi Island, with its breathtaking vistas and challenging terrain, promises to provide the perfect setting for this significant event. After a hiatus of several years, Langkawi is thrilled to welcome back professional athletes, marking their return to Malaysian shores since 2019. The event has already garnered significant attention, with over 1,200 triathletes, representing global talent and enthusiasts alike, ready to embrace the challenge.
Professional athletes will compete for a remarkable prize purse of USD $75,000, testing their mettle in a grueling 1.9km swim, 90km ride, and 21.1km run. Additionally, the event offers athletes the golden opportunity to secure their spot in the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, to be held in Taupō, New Zealand. An exciting prospect awaits with a total of 40 age-group qualifying slots up for grabs, enhancing the competitive spirit.
Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, expressed his excitement, saying, “Langkawi has always held a special place in the hearts of athletes due to its scenic beauty and challenging course. With the addition of the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship, this event promises to be truly remarkable. We eagerly await the arrival of athletes, both professional and amateur, to this stunning location.”
CG Lim, Regional Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, added, “Hosting the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship for the first time in Malaysia is a testament to the country’s commitment to promoting the sport of triathlon. This event not only showcases the incredible talent of the triathlon community but also highlights the exceptional natural beauty of Langkawi Island. We extend our gratitude to the local authorities and communities for their unwavering support.”
“MyCEB, representing the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), is thrilled to announce our inaugural support for this year’s prestigious IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship. Since its inception in 1978, this iconic world championship triathlon event, organized by the esteemed IRONMAN Group with over 230 events spanning 57 countries, has chosen Malaysia, particularly the beautiful island of Langkawi, as its host for the seventh time. This enduring partnership stands as a proud testament to Malaysia’s allure as an ideal destination for extreme sports, which has also brought about positive transformations within the island and its vibrant community. In line with this, MyCEB anticipates the warm welcome of 4,760 local and international attendees, contributing a substantial RM15 million to Malaysia’s International Sporting Events Industry,” said Mr. Zain Azrai Rashid, Acting Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB.
The event kicks off at Pantai Kok, where triathletes embark on a rolling swim start, covering a 3.8km swim leg for IRONMAN Malaysia competitors or a 1.9km swim leg for IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi. A short dash leads to the first transition near the Danna Langkawi luxury resort.
The bike course traverses Pantai Kok towards Jalan Teluk Yu, meandering through the rolling hills of Datai toward the southern part of the island and the fringes of Kuah town.
The second transition takes place in the newly renovated Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), an air-conditioned indoor venue, marking the start of the final leg. The run course showcases the best Malaysia has to offer as athletes pass through the scenic route of the Langkawi International Airport, concluding at the stunning Cenang beach.
The Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa will be the ultimate destination where triathletes cross the coveted IRONMAN finisher arch after a day-long, non-stop excursion.
Qualifying slots await the top performers: 20 for the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, for male athletes, and 50 for Nice, France, for female athletes.
Langkawi Island, known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, promises an unforgettable experience for participants and their families. Beyond the race, visitors can explore the island’s rich heritage, indulge in its delicious cuisine, and bask in its warm hospitality. From pristine beaches to lush rainforests and iconic landmarks, Langkawi offers something for everyone.
As anticipation builds for IRONMAN Malaysia and the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship Langkawi, athletes are encouraged to secure their spots and register for the event.
Entries for the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship Langkawi and IRONMAN Malaysia are still available on ironman.com/im703-langkawi and ironman.com/im-malaysia respectively.
