Reputable for offering a scenic yet unforgiving course that will put your skills and preparation to the ultimate test, the IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi will be returning to the Jewel of Kedah Island on Saturday, 12 November 2016.
IRONMAN Malaysia is a truly global triathlon with Malaysian athletes making up only 17% of the 1,000 participants last year. The iconic event had also attracted 59 professional athletes from around the globe, including German female professional athlete, Diana Riesler, and male pro champion, Mike Aigroz from Switzerland.
With 2016 seeing the final edition of IRONMAN Malaysia, we are definitely looking forward to a bigger and better event.
2014 and 2015 IRONMAN Malaysia Female Pro Champion, Diana Riesler, said,
“IRONMAN Malaysia is one of my most favourite IRONMAN races in the world. The beauty and outstanding event caught me deeply. The scenery is stunning, the event is well organized and the race course is one of the most unique. I was fortunate enough to win two times in a row and every time it was fascinating while overtaking the beat of Langkawi’s nature. Everybody who wants to do a very special Ironman has to put IRONMAN Malaysia on their bucket list.”
The Race
Undoubtedly, IRONMAN Malaysia will adhere to the standard race format of an IRONMAN triathlon event where participants are to complete a total distance of 226km within 17 hours. In which, these athletes will undergo a 3.8km swim, 180km bike, and a 42.2km run.
IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi 2016 will take participants on a Malaysian cultural journey through tropical, hilly and demanding terrains, complemented by traditional kampungs (villages), mangrove clusters and rainforest vistas throughout the route.
The first section of the triathlon will see athletes embark on an ocean swim that starts from the picturesque white sandy beach of Pantai Kok with a two-loop triangle out and back course. Following, participants will go through a two-loop bike course that heads out of Pantai Kok onto a clockwise loop from towards the rolling hills of Datai and the fringes of Kuah Town. Returning from the bike course, athletes will experience a unique indoor air conditioned transition at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Center.
The last section of the race will feature a new 2 laps course that offers a scenic run beside the Langkawi International Airport towards the finish precinct at the magnificent beach front of The Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa at Cenang Beach. Athletes will be able to witness the beautiful backdrop of the sunset in this last segment of the race.
Two-Time IRONMAN Malaysia Champion Will Return for Third Consecutive Title Win
Having dominated the 2014 race with a timing of 09:26:38 and the 2015 race with a timing of 09:37:06, German female professional athlete, Diana Riesler, will return to take home her third consecutive title win.
Managing Director of IRONMAN Asia, Geoff Meyer, commented,
“We are very pleased that Diana Riesler has decided to return and defend her 2014 and 2015 title wins. She is a strong athlete, with an iron will and a passion for triathlon. She has a long and celebrated history with IRONMAN, and we wish her the best of luck this November.”
IRONKIDS Langkawi
The second edition of the IRONKIDS race will happen on Friday, 11 November 2016, a day before the IRONMAN triathlon. 300 participants aged 5 – 13 years old are expected to join in on this day where they will be completing either a 500m (for age 5 – 10) or 1km (for age 11 – 13) run through the famous IRONMAN Malaysia Finish Arch just like the Pros.
Each finisher will also receive a certificate along with a unique medal to wear out loud and proud.
The Last You’ll Ever See
IRONMAN Malaysia will see the end of the three year contracted term with Malaysia Major Events. As such, 2016 will be the final edition of IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi.
If you have ever wanted to race in Langkawi, now is your last chance.
