The Race of Legends once again features a strong pro athlete line up, vying for USD 20,000 prize purse on Sunday 19 November in Phuket, Thailand. Headlining this year’s pro field are defending champions Michael Raelert (Germany) and Amelia Watkinson (New Zealand). Michael Raelert is a two time Ironman 70.3 World Champion. He has won the Laguna Phuket Triathlon twice and this year is aiming for a title hattrick in Phuket, something that has never been done before in the event’s 23 year history. The move is also an attempt to catch up with Massimo Cigana (Italy) who currently holds four-time LPT champion status. Amelia Watkinson has had a slow start to the season but has won her last two races, the Ironman 70.3 Philippines and Ironman 70.3 Bintan. She has spent some time recently training in Phuket which should have prepared her well to defend her title.
Other notable pros on the men’s side are Cigana’s fellow Italian Alberto Casadei, co-champion in 2014. Another pro to watch is Antony Costes from France, a rising talent on the international triathlon scene. Nicknamed “The Tiger”, Antony finished second at Laguna last year and will try to do one better this year. He recently won Ironman Spain in the world class time of 7:49:19h, the second fastest time over the Ironman distance in the world this year.
In the women’s field Phuket based Brit Imogen Simmonds is hoping to show her recent good form at her home race. In her first year as a pro Imo was slowed down by a broken collar bone early in the year but has hit form of late finishing fourth in a strong women’s field at Ironman 70.3 Vichy. She will try to improve on her fourth place at Laguna Phuket in 2016. Another contender in the women’s race will be Yvonne van Vlerken. Yvonne has been a top Iron distance athlete for a long time and her recent win at Challenge Almere in a time of 8:51:13 was the thirteenth time she broke the nine hour barrier, a world record.
24th Laguna Phuket Triathlon, comprising 1.8Km swim, 50Km bike and 12K run in Asia’s premier destination resort “Laguna Phuket” area as well as various scenic locations in Thalang District of Phuket Island, is scheduled this year for Sunday 19 November, and once again to be participated by thousands of athletes and spectators from around the world.
Celebrating Laguna Phuket’s 30th anniversary, this year’s LPT will also include an inaugural Laguna Phuket Tri Charity Fun Run. Scheduled for Saturday 18 November to feature 5Km and 10Km runs for everyone in the family, the Charity Fun Run aims at raising funds for its charity partner “Kao Project” to support hospitals in Thailand.
Registration for both events opens until 13 November (or until sold-out) at www.LagunaPhuketTri.com
