RECORD ATTENDANCE IRONMAN MALAYSIA LAST CALL FOR TRIATHLETES TO TAKE ON PICTURESQUE LANGKAWI

RECORD ATTENDANCE IRONMAN MALAYSIA LAST CALL FOR TRIATHLETES TO TAKE ON PICTURESQUE LANGKAWI

KUALA LUMPUR / LANGKAWI (4 October 2019) : 2019 IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi, one of the country’s award-winning triathlon event is opening its doors to interested participants who are keen put their physical endurance to the test amidst the picturesque yet challenging backdrop of Langkawi.

IRONMAN Malaysia has been a staple of Asia’s sporting scene since 2000, collecting several accolades such as the Athlete Choice Awards for Overall Swim Experience (2018), as well as the Best Post-Race Celebration for three years in a row (2018, 2017, 2016). IRONMAN Malaysia was also accorded with the 2018 Best Triathlon Races in Asia by AsiaTri.com, as the event continues to strengthen its presence in Asia.

The athlete pool for IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi sees a total of 35% Malaysians, with 2,500 registered athletes and counting. This has placed Malaysia at the top as the country with the highest athlete count, as compared to the 12% of Malaysian participation in 2014. Which saw just over 1,400 athletes who took the start line.

A key selling point for 2019 IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi would be the venue of Langkawi Island itself.

The course starts out on the sandy white beach of Pantai Kok, and is swiftly followed by a two-loop bike course which heads out of Pantai Kok, towards the rolling hills of Datai and the fringes of Kuah town.

The participants will soon brace themselves for the final part of the event, which includes a multi-lap run course along the scenic route of the Langkawi International Airport, towards the finish line at the stunning Cenang beach.

If the beauty of Langkawi is not enough to whet the appetite of the participants, perhaps interested triathletes would be have their eyes on the prize for something bigger.

There is a total of 110 qualifying slots available for both the 2020 IRONMAN World Championships in Kailua-Kona in Hawaii and 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand through this IRONMAN qualifying event.

This year, female triathletes can enjoy more support as IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi is one of the select few events to receive additional 25 slots for the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, as part of Women for Tri. This initiative is a programme under the IRONMAN Foundation to welcome and empower new female triathletes to be a part of the sport’s continued growth in high-level competition.

With that, 2019 IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi would offer a total of 135 slots to the 2020 IRONMAN World Championship and the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.

This is the highest number of slots offered in a single venue, a testament to the pedigree of this event.

Local and foreign triathletes are also in for a treat as 2019 IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi is taking place during the festival of Deepavali - a festival of lights that brings about a splash of colours, plenty of mouth-watering delicacies and warm smiles that is certain to add to the allure of this event.

IRONMAN’s theme this year is dubbed ‘Ohana, which is the concept of extended family, honouring the family of people that are apart of each athlete’s IRONMAN journey, from the athletes themselves, to the volunteers, coaches, spectators, team mates, partners, as well as hosts. ‘Ohana share a special bond: they cooperate, support and remember one another.

Join the IRONMAN ‘Ohana :

Register now for IRONMAN Malaysia: http://bit.ly/IMMalaysiaRegNow2019

Register now for IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi: http://bit.ly/703LangkawiRegNow2019

For more information, log on to www.ironmanmalaysia.com

9 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN 2019 IRONMAN MALAYSIA / IRONMAN 70.3 LANGKAWI

⦁ “Swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles- BRAG FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. ” — John Collins, IRONMAN Founder

“Swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles – BRAG FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, said John Collins, the founder of IRONMAN. He is right in every sense. Competing in an IRONMAN is no mean feat. It takes patience, practice, dedication, physical and mental resolve from the day you sign up until you cross that hallowed finish line. Besides having immense sense of accomplishment, IRONMAN will put you on a pedestal of the ultra-fit community. It’s a nice feeling to have, trust us!

⦁ 50 qualifying slots available for 2020 IRONMAN World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

The IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii is the most iconic one-day sporting event in the world. With its white sandy beaches enveloping this island, it makes for the ideal testing ground for IRONMAN. With many qualifying slots available through IRONMAN MALAYSIA, a good outing could earn you a shot to compete at the iconic IRONMAN venue

⦁ 60 qualifying slots available for 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand

IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi offers another scenic IRONMAN destination where the 70.3 World Championship will take place at Taupo, New Zealand in November, 2020. One of the features of this race is a swim in one of the world’s largest fresh water lakes, a bike ride through the portrait-like New Zealand rural landscape and a run course in front of an equally tantalizing view of a lake, with thousands of locals cheering you on. It’s quite the experience.

⦁ If that’s not enough, there’s additional 25 slots available for top finishing female athletes to the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo

This is part of the Women for Tri, a programme under the IRONMAN Foundation to welcome and empower new female triathletes to be a part of the sport's continued growth in high-level competition. IRONMAN strongly believes on equal ground gender participation, but the sport wants to spur women from all walks of life to achieve their best physical prowess, and this is one of way of our appreciation. Do not miss out!

⦁ Most number of slots offered in a single venue, a total of 135 slots to the 2020 IRONMAN World Championship and the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.

IRONMAN has continued to grow every year, but the event in Malaysia has eclipsed every statistic by offering a whopping 135 slots to two World Championship events in 2020; IRONMAN World Championship & IRONAM 70.3 World Championship. Signing up will mean the start of an epic journey that will only begin in Langkawi and take you to various, iconic venues around the world. Your adventure is one sign-up away!

⦁ Tri-cation – travel & race! Look for a race destination before travelling

This is slowly becoming a phenomenon for triathletes. Competing in an IRONMAN event is not as serious as it sounds, far from it in fact! With IRONMAN events held in gorgeous holiday destinations globally, you get to choose which course tests you physically and offers the most idyllic getaway afterwards.

⦁ A cultural exchange weekend with Malaysian hospitality and Deepavali celebrations (race is on Deepavali weekend)

Signing up for IRONMAN MALAYSIA means triathletes would get to experience Deepavali one of the major cultural festivals in the country. Known as the Festival of Lights, means the island of Langkawi will be made even more colourful during the IRONMAN weekend.With sumptuous Deepavali delicacies in tow for the festival, this is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

⦁ IRONKIDs – Featuring 2nd time Aquathlon and the open water swim for the first time at Meritus IRONMAN Finish Line

IRONKIDS would also get the opportunity to experience an open water swim like their adult counterparts, taking place at the IRONMAN finish line located at the scenic beach front of the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa. Kids who are aiming to fulfill their dreams of becoming a full-fledged IRONMAN should definitely begin their journey here.

⦁ Be part of the IRONMAN Ohana – the bond of family (immediate & extended) – IRONMAN’s theme this year.

‘OHANA is the IRONMAN theme this year, which means family. What is any sense of achievement without family? IRONMAN MALAYSIA is opening its door for you to sign up and bring your family along for an adventure of a lifetime.

About 2019 IRONMAN Malaysia & IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi

Date : 26 October 2019

Venue : Langkawi, Malaysia

About Langkawi :

Located within a cluster of tropical islands that attract visitors the world over, the race will take athletes on a truly Malaysian cultural journey through tropical, hilly and demanding terrain passing traditional kampungs (villages), mangrove clusters and rainforest vistas.

IRONMAN Malaysia has been accorded with :

⦁ ATHLETE CHOICE AWARDS - IRONMAN

⦁ Overall Swim Experience (2018)

⦁ Best Post-race Celebration (2018, 2017, 2016)

⦁ Will Attend Next Year (2018, 2017, 2016)

⦁ 2018 Best Triathlon Races in Asia Awards by AsiaTri.com

The Event Experience :

IRONMAN Malaysia (Full Distance) - Swim 3.8km, Bike 180km, Run 42.2km

The ocean swim starts from the picturesque white sandy beach of Pantai Kok with a two-loop triangle out and back course. A two-loop bike course heads out of Pantai Kok on to a clockwise loop from towards the rolling hills of Datai and the fringes of Kuah Town. Athletes will return from the bike into a unique indoor air conditioned transition at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Center (next to the airport). The 2.5 lap run course will be an amazing scenic run beside the Langkawi International Airport towards the finish line at the stunning Cenang beach.

IRONMAN World Championship Qualifying Race - There are 50 qualifying slots to the 2020 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi (Half Distance) – Swim 1.9km, Bike 90km, Run 21.1km

The ocean swim starts from the picturesque white sandy beach of Pantai Kok with a triangle out and back course. A one-loop bike course heads out of Pantai Kok on to a clockwise loop from towards the rolling hills of Datai and the fringes of Kuah Town. Athletes will return from the bike into an unique indoor air conditioned transition at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Center (next to the airport).The run course will be an amazing scenic run beside the Langkawi International Airport towards the finish line at the stunning Cenang beach.

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Qualifying Race - There are 60 qualifying slots to the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand.

IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi will also offer 25 additional qualifying slots for top finishing female athletes to the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship as part of Women for Tri, a programme of the IRONMAN Foundation, to welcome and empower new female triathletes to be a part of the sport's continued growth in high-level competition.

⦁ Register now for IRONMAN Malaysia: ⦁ http://bit.ly/IMMalaysiaRegNow2019

⦁ Register now for IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi:  http://bit.ly/703LangkawiRegNow2019

⦁ Social Media 

- https://www.facebook.com/IRONMANMalaysia/ 

- www.instagram.com/ironman_my

About The IRONMAN Group

As part of Wanda Sports Group, the IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series®, IRONKIDS®, ITU World Triathlon Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon and The Sun-Herald City2Surf® presented by Westpac, Ultra-Trail® World Tour events including Tarawera Ultra and Ultra-Trail Australia™, mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events, and other multisport races. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with more than 235 events across 55+ countries. For more information, visit www.ironman.com.

About Wanda Sports Group

Wanda Sports Group (Nasdaq: WSG) is a leading global sports events, media and marketing platform with a mission to unite people in sports and enable athletes and fans to live their passions and dreams. Through our businesses, including Infront and The IRONMAN Group, we have significant intellectual property rights, long-term relationships and broad execution capabilities, enabling us to deliver unrivalled sports event experiences, creating access to engaging content and building inclusive communities. We offer a comprehensive array of events, marketing and media services through three primary segments: Mass Participation, Spectator Sports and Digital, Production, Sports Solutions (DPSS). Our full-service platform creates value for our partners and clients as well as other stakeholders in the sports ecosystem, from rights owners, to brands and advertisers, and to fans and athletes.

Headquartered in Beijing, China, Wanda Sports Group has more than 60 offices and 1,600 employees around the world.