It’s been a busy week for Ironman – as it announced today that the tropical destination of Kenting, Taiwan, has been selected to host the third Ironman triathlon in Asia. The inaugural Ironman Taiwan triathlon will take place on 12 April 2015.
(The new Ironman Taiwan event follows hot on the heels of Ironman’s acquisition of Tritlon Spain SL, ‘owner and organizer of Challenge Barcelona and Half Challenge Barcelona.’ These races will now be operated as Ironman Barcelona and Ironman 70.3 Barcelona and will be held on 5 October 2014 and 18 May 2014, respectively.)
Ironman Taiwan will be hosted throughout the stunning Kenting region. Kenting has not only become a major triathlon destination in Taiwan but also provides a vacation paradise for families and couples alike. Kenting will welcome athletes for its first Ironman race with full support from the government and the local community.
The Ironman Taiwan event will complement Ironman 70.3 Taiwan, which was first established in 2010. With the growing popularity of Ironman 70.3 Taiwan, local and international triathletes will now enjoy the additional option of a full distance Ironman branded race.
“Ironman 70.3 Taiwan has been very successful and we are thrilled to expand the Ironman brand in Asia by adding another long distance race to the region,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer for Ironman. “As we continue to grow globally, we want to find destination locations where there is a strong triathlete base – and Kenting is the perfect addition to our race calendar.”
Renny Ling, the CEO of Taiwan Triathlon Co Ltd, said he was honoured and delighted to bring the Ironman series into Taiwan: “Taiwanese triathletes have yearned for an Ironman race for years. It’s a historic moment for us to launch Ironman Taiwan. We would like to welcome triathlon-lovers from all around the world and will show you the beauty and strength of this island.”
Athletes will begin with a 3.8K swim in the famous waters of Kenting Beach. They will then experience a mix of hills and flat stretches on the 180K bike leg before a 42.2K run that will take them along the coastline and through the popular Kenting markets.
One of more than 35 events in the global Ironman Series, Ironman Taiwan will have a US$25,000 professional prize purse and will be a P-2000 race. Additionally, the race will offer 25 age group qualifying slots for the 2015 Ironman World Championship taking place on 10 October 2015 in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i.
General registration will open on Tuesday 1 July 2014.
