World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) has launched the much-anticipated return of Ironman Malaysia to the destination island of Langkawi and Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya, in the Federal Administrative Capital of Malaysia.
Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya will be held on the weekend of 12-13 April 2014, and Ironman Malaysia on the island resort of Langkawi, takes place on Saturday 27 September 2014.
Malaysian Government official, Mr Zulkefli Haji Sharif, joined Ironman CEO Andrew Messick and Ironman Asia Pacific CEO Geoff Meyer at a special function at Kailua-Kona to launch the dual events.
Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), said it was a great privilege to have Ironman return to Malaysia… and that they are expecting great interest from international athletes.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Ironman back to Langkawi and Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya,” he said. “Ironman has had a long history with our country and we are looking forward in welcoming athletes from all over the world with our warm hospitality and offer them a unique cultural experience of Malaysia – Truly Asia.”
Geoff Meyer said the Ironman brand is delighted to be returning to Malaysia next year. “It has been three years since South East Asia hosted an Ironman event and the sport has grown significantly in that time.
“Ironman Malaysia and Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya will bring a brand new energy to the triathlon community in this part of the world and we look forward to delivering memorable race experiences in spectacular destinations for athletes from around the world.”
Putrajaya, a dynamic city situated 32km from Kuala Lumpur, symbolizes modern Malaysia. The ‘green and intelligent city’, a mix of the spectacular old and new, is the federal administrative centre of the country.
Athletes will race on a rolling fast Ironman 70.3 course in hot conditions amidst an iconic landscape that showcases Malaysia’s rich culture captured in a spectacular display of architecture.
Langkawi Island – the home of next year’s Ironman Malaysia – sets the stage for athletes from around the world to be taken on a truly Malaysian, tropical cultural experience. Athletes will be embraced by the local Kampung (village) communities as they embark on their personal Ironman journey amidst one of the most welcoming and beautiful destinations in South East Asia.
Ironman Malaysia is one of 32 qualifying races on the global Ironman circuit that culminate with the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii each October. Ironman Malaysia will offer 40 age group qualifying slots for Hawaii in 2015.
Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya is one of 60 events worldwide that qualify athletes for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya will offer 30 age group qualifying slots for the 2014 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Mont Tremblant, Canada on 7 September 2014.
Local event partner Malaysia Major Events is a division of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) under Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Created under the Prime Minister’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), Malaysia Major Events facilitates significant events that help contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth.
The organisation focuses on identifying and supporting major event bids for sports, arts, lifestyle and entertainment events. It also assists home grown and home hosted events as well as other cluster events that strengthen Malaysia’s global appeal as an international avenue for major events. As a conduit between the public and private sector, it is positioned as a one-stop shop that ‘facilitates and liaises with diverse event stakeholders to ensure seamless processes and successful events.’
Professional athletes will be competing for a total prize purse of US$40,000 for Ironman Malaysia and US$15,000 for Ironman70.3 Putrajaya. Online entries for both events will open on Thursday 7 November 2013 via the respective websites.
www.ironmanmalaysia.com
www.ironmanputrajaya.com
www.ironman.com
www.mymajorevents.com.my
