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Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest added to the Challenge Family

20th Anniversary - November 24 to December 1, 2013.

Challenge Family today announced a partnership with Asia’s longest running triathlon and in doing so, revealed its commitment to developing a series of half and full distance events throughout the region.

Laguna Phuket Triathlon in Thailand has the longest tradition in triathlon in Asia attracting the sport’s legends and age groupers alike to the stunning tropical island for two decades. In 2013 it will celebrate its 20th anniversary with the launch of the Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest from 24 November – 1 December. This week-long celebration of sport will incorporate the iconic Laguna Phuket Triathlon and half distance Challenge Laguna Phuket with a host of sporting and social activities in between.

Debbie Dionysius, assistant vice president of destination marketing, Laguna Phuket, said she was delighted that Phuket will host the first Challenge Family triathlon in Asia. “We feel it’s fitting that our popular and iconic race should be the debut Asian Challenge event, and we’re confident in the potential of our Challenge partnership to further expand its global popularity among professional athletes and age groupers alike,” she said. “The launch of the Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest represents an exciting new chapter for both our long-established destination distance race and our half iron distance triathlon, one that is sure to ignite the passion of our triathletes who come here to race from all over the world. We look forward with enthusiasm to Challenge Laguna Phuket 2013 and to being the launch pad for a new era of triathlon in Asia.”

In Phuket for the launch of the Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest, two-time world champion, Chris McCormack said the synergy between Challenge and Laguna Phuket Triathlon was clear. “Challenge Roth is the oldest race in Europe, Challenge Penticton the oldest in North America and now we have Challenge Laguna Phuket, the oldest race in Asia – that speaks volumes to me about the importance Challenge Family places on the legacy of our sport,” he said. “This approach echoes exactly how I feel. Our legacy is the foundation of this sport and Challenge is the organisation that has proven time and again that they respect the sport and its athletes. The partnerships we are building will ensure the sport retains its soul and provide an exciting future.”

A key element of the Challenge Family’s expansion into Asia is the appointment of Murphy Reinschreiber to the Challenge Family team. With over 20 years of experience of delivering triathlons in Asia, Reinschreiber is tasked with overseeing the development of Challenge Family races within the region.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved with Laguna Phuket for every step of its triathlon journey, including its move to Challenge,” he said. “The values that have endeared the Laguna Phuket races and Challenge Roth to their participants over the years will be apparent at all Challenge races in Asia. The lesson I’ve learned working in Asia is that triathletes expect high quality event experiences that extend beyond the start and finish lines. Challenge races will meet these expectations – our DNA from Roth and Phuket assures it.”

Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer, said expansion into Asia was the next logical step for the organisation and he was delighted to partner with the team at Laguna Phuket Triathlon who share Challenge’s athletes’ experience first philosophy. “Now Challenge has established itself as the top long-distance race series in Europe, Asia is a top priority. We expect to develop a full series of half and full distance events in Asia over the next few years. We think that our brand of triathlon is right for Asia as we have a long-term perspective that allows us to contribute to the development of the sport in our host countries and engage our local communities. We’re very much looking forward to starting this journey with Laguna Phuket Triathlon.”

The Challenge Laguna Phuket course features a 1.9km swim off a stunning white sands beach with both sea water and freshwater sections in two different bodies of water with a 100m sprint in between. The 90km bike combines steep hilly sections with typical lush Thai scenery while the predominantly flat 21km run leads athletes through some of the island’s most luxurious resorts before finishing at Laguna Grove. The Challenge Family global series of long distance triathlons currently features 15 races throughout Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia.

Challenge Laguna Phuket

Laguna Phuket Triathlon in Thailand has the longest tradition in triathlon in Asia attracting the sport’s legends and age groupers alike to the stunning tropical island for two decades. In 2013 it will celebrate its 20th anniversary with the launch of the Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest from 24 November – 1 December. This week-long celebration of sport will incorporate the iconic Laguna Phuket Triathlon and half distance Challenge Laguna Phuket with a host of sporting and social activities in between.

Swim Course

The swim course comprises two bodies of water. Starting on the beach between the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket hotel and the Outrigger Phuket Beach Resort, athletes swim 1.28 km in the sea before sprinting 100 meters across the beach to swim the last 620 meters in a tropical fresh water lagoon finishing at Laguna Grove where the transition area is located. Wetsuits are not allowed.

Bike Course

The bike course takes athletes towards the village of Thalang located on the main north-south highway 402 which cyclists will cross by dismounting to traverse a ramp and pedestrian bridge. Once on the east side of the 402 highway athletes will continue on a partial out and back course with two coastal loops on narrow, winding roads before returning to the cross the 402 pedestrian bridge again to return to Laguna Phuket. The course includes some short but very steep hilly sections on a quiet coastal road in the Island’s north east. Athletes should consider 24-28 tooth rear cassettes to ease the difficulty of hill climbs. Some of the road surfaces may be rough and athletes should use durable tires.

Run Course

The run course is flat and leads athletes north through the Laguna Phuket resort complex and onto the award-winning Laguna Phuket Golf Course, through the Banyan Tree resort, along the beach road before looping back to finish at Laguna Grove. Athletes will experience tarmacked, grassy and gravel surfaces on the run.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of in Phuket is probably more relaxed than at other races. For most athletes it is the last race of the season and many use it as a family get away. There is a large number of athletes who participate every year so it almost has the feel of a reunion party. Talking about the party. This is what everyone coming to Phuket is looking forward to, the Awards Party. It is most likely to craziest, wildest party in triathlon and it keeps getting better each year. Being the end of the season not only the age groupers but also the pros are prepared to let their hair down.