Registration Still Open for Challenge Laguna Phuket

Registration is still open for the 2013 half distance Challenge Laguna Phuket in Thailand.

The Sunday, 1 December 2013, race will be the first of a Challenge Family series to be staged on the paradise tropical island a week after the legendary 20th Anniversary Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT).

The days between the two 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.

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

A fantastic spokesperson for the event, Belinda Granger has been one of the greatest supporters and an active ambassador for the Laguna Phuket race. She has been coming to Phuket for the LPT and now the Challenge Laguna Phuket since 2000, having missed the event only once in that period.

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

“Without a doubt Laguna Phuket is my favourite race destination in the world,” said Belinda. “There are many reasons why I continue to return year after year - the race, the food, the people, the weather, the accommodation, the sticky rice and mango.... my list could go on and on.....”

“This really is one of the most amazing race experiences out there. I have watched the race grow in size and in expertise over the years making it one of the best and most exciting races of the year.

It has a bit of everything- it’s certainly not an easy race, but that’s why I love it - the hills and the weather make it so challenging.

“The best thing about the race is that you don't just go there for the race itself – it’s the entire race experience that keeps me coming back. Getting to stay in the Laguna Phuket resort and experiencing all that it has to offer post-race is perfect, especially for families. There is just so much to see and do.

“Make sure that if you do head over to this year's race that you have a few days after the race to explore and enjoy everything that Phuket has to offer....you won't be disappointed!”

And yet another appeal of Laguna Phuket is the equally important business of the Awards Party - hosted by race announcer Whit Raymond, these parties have become the stuff of legend among the international triathlon community and last year’s was no exception!

Inaugural Challenge Laguna Phuket

This year, Laguna Phuket 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.

Two-time world champion and Challenge Family ambassador, Chris “Macca” 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.”

Laguna Phuket’s reputation is well-deserved. LPT, an established fixture on the global triathlon calendar, is dubbed “The Race of Legends” for its consistent ability to attract the world’s best professional triathletes.