Ironman brand owner World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) has announced today it will discontinue Ironman 70.3 Laguna Phuket in Thailand after the 2012 race takes place in December. In its release, WTC notes, ‘Although Ironman has enjoyed its partnership with Laguna Phuket, the race’s small scale and inability to grow, limits its viability as a long-term venue in the region.’
“The capacity of the 70.3 Laguna Phuket is only 800 athletes, and demand for our races in the region is such that we require venues that can in time grow to become important regional races,” said Steve Meckfessel, Managing Director of Global Race Operations for WTC.
“We hope our friends at Laguna Phuket can find a partner with more experience operating smaller races.”
Registration remains open for this year’s race, scheduled for 2 December, at ironmanphuket.com. The final 2012 event will award 35 qualifying slots to the 2013 Ironman World Championship 70.3, to be held at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada on 8 September 2013.
www.ironman.com
www.ironmanphuket.com
