The event also features Team, Sprint and the inaugural Duathlon races
The 27th Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT) will kick off on Sunday 22 November, comprising of the unique race distance of 1.8K swim, 50K bike and 12K run. Held under enhanced safety and health conditions, the course layout will provide athletes with an unrivalled experience through the scenic backdrop of Phuket.
This year, Southeast Asia’s longest-standing triathlon race, will also feature Team and Sprint Triathlon events, and the inaugural Duathlon (4K run, 50K bike, 12K run) on the same day. Under an enhanced race setup, athletes will now finish together at Laguna Phuket’s very own Xana Beach Club.
The pre-race press conference was held on Saturday 21 November at the Angsana Convention & Exhibition Space (ACES), a part of Angsana Laguna Phuket. Graced by Pichet Panapong, Deputy Phuket Governor; Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, Tourism Authority of Thailand; Gongsak Yodmani, Governor for Sports Authority of Thailand; Paul Wilson, Senior Asst. Vice President of Group Golf and Destination Sales & Marketing – Laguna Resorts & Hotels; and also paneled by elite athletes; Jaray Jearanai (Thailand) who will defend his 9 consecutive-years status as Thai champion, Pareeya Sonsem (Thailand) whose expected to lead the Thai female challenge, Krzysztof Hadas (Poland) who finished in 3rd place at last year’s LPT and Lindsay Nickel (United States of America) who is expected to strongly challenge this year.
Elite athletes to watch on Sunday also include Alexander Dorovskikh (Russia), Inge Prasetyo (Indonesia), Sam Burns (Thailand), Pierre Lafayeedney (United Kingdom), Golatat Kunaborimas (Thailand) and Thai celebrity triathlete Yossavadee “Yo” Hassadeevichit.
Pichet Panapong, Deputy Phuket Governor, said “I’d like to congratulate Laguna Phuket Triathlon on coming to its 27th year of success as a race that helps promote Phuket as world’s leading sport tourism destination. This year has been extremely challenging for business across Phuket, due to the disruptions in international travel. Whilst we still have a long way to go in rebuilding our tourism sector, it is important we continue with events such as this, under enhanced safety and health conditions.”
Paul Wilson said “Laguna Phuket have always remained committed to delivering our Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2020. We would like to thank our partner GAA Events and all local authorities, for working together to ensure we can hold the event in a safe manner. We hope this year’s event can be a welcome boost to the local economy and provide everyone with some much needed positive energy and good feeling.”
As in previous years, athletes and participants in Laguna Phuket Triathlon during the race weekend are encouraged to donate to Laguna Phuket Foundation for its ongoing local charitable causes such as “Fully Booked!” Mobile Learning Centre, Community Learning Centre, Laguna Phuket Kindergarten, Children First Fund and many more.
(From Left) Krzysztof Hadas, Jaray Jearanai, Paul Wilson, Pichet Panapong, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Gongsak Yodmani, Pareeya Sonsem, and Lindsay Nickel joining the press conference.
