Langkawi limbers up to host IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship

The region’s leading professional triathletes are set to descend on Langkawi, Malaysia for the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship on 7 October 2023. Langkawi, known for its pristine beaches and lush landscapes, will become the epicentre of endurance sports in the Asia-Pacific region as it welcomes the return of IRONMAN Malaysia alongside the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship in Langkawi. The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) will support the event which will involve over 1,200 triathletes. Professional athletes will go head-to-head for a prize purse of $75,000, with some of the top triathletes from across the region to take on the 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run. Additionally, the event will provide athletes with the opportunity to secure their spot in the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, which will be held in Taupō, New Zealand. A total of 40 age-group qualifying slots will be up for grabs, adding another layer of excitement to the competition. Jeff Edwards, managing director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, said: “Langkawi has always been a favourite among athletes due to its scenic beauty and challenging course. We are thrilled to be back.” 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 will not only showcase the incredible talent of the triathlon community but also highlight the exceptional natural beauty of Langkawi Island. We’re grateful to the local authorities and communities for their support in making this event possible.” “MyCEB anticipates the warm welcome of 4,760 local and international attendees, contributing a substantial RM15m (US$3.21m) to Malaysia’s International Sporting Events Industry,” said Mr Zain Azrai Rashid, acting chief executive officer of MyCEB. The event is set to begin at Pantai Kok where triathletes are released via a rolling swim start to complete the 3.8km swim leg for IRONMAN Malaysia competitors or 1.9km swim leg for IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi, with a short dash to the first transition near the Danna Langkawi luxury resort. The bike course heads out of Pantai Kok towards Jalan Teluk Yu around the rolling hills of Datai towards the southern part of the island and the fringes of Kuah town. The second transition is in a unique air-conditioned indoor venue, the newly renovated Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) which marks the start of the final leg of the race. The running course showcases the best Malaysia has to offer as athletes pass through the scenic route of the Langkawi International Airport, towards the finish line at Cenang beach. The Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa will serve as the final destination where the triathletes will cross the coveted IRONMAN finishing arch.