Photos from the 25th anniversary Laguna Phuket Triathlon

Thanks to the beautiful (but tough) race course and the spectacular host resort, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon is the destination event that started destination events in the world of triathlon. While athletes enjoy the unique Thai scenery on race day, the rest of their race-cation allows them to take in the beautiful white sand beaches, warm inviting waters of the Adaman Sea and the welcoming Thai culture. Some photos from this year’s race:

The pro men get ready to start

The age group athletes went off in a rolling start

Getting through the inital break was a challenge, but things flattened out for the swimmers once they got into the water

After a 1.3 km swim in the Adaman Sea, the athletes finish the 1.8 km swim with a 500 m swim across the lagoon.

Diving in to the lagoon

Even Kona runner-up Bart Aernouts struggled on some of the steep climbs

The climbs on the course can get to as steep as 18%

Fredrik Croneborg used his course knowledge to ride clear

Annabel Luxford moves back to the front of the race after missing a turn early in the bike

Malaysia's Oliver Trott took the sprint title

They don't appreciate it as much during the race, but the run course through the resort is quite beautiful

Old rivals Jurgen Zack and Thomas Braun keep up their rivalry

A big chunk of the run course takes place on the resort golf course

Fredrik Croneborg lives just a few km from the resort and was thrilled fo get a "hometown" win

Annabel Luxford took her first women's title

The women's podium: Annabel Luxford, Dimity-Lee Duke and Anna Eberhardt.

The men's podium: Fredrik Croneborg, Bart Aernouts and Per Van Vlerken

A good time was had by all