IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi are set to make their long-awaited return to the idyllic shores of Langkawi Island, with more than 1,500 triathletes having confirmed their participation across the two race distances for November 5.
IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi are among the first international events to make a return to Langkawi after two years of postponement.
As Malaysians mull their year-end holiday destinations, IRONMAN Malaysia comes at the ideal time to not only promote the event, but also highlight the historic sun-kissed island to fellow revellers.
Langkawi Tourism Association Chief Executive Officer Zainudin Kadir said the island is hoping to generate RM55 million from the IRONMAN Malaysia this year.
“The IRONMAN Malaysia generated RM50 million when it was held before the pandemic. We are confident of surpassing that figure this year and are targeting to generate RM55 million.
“We are expecting at least 30,000 to 40,000 people to descend to Langkawi for the event. It’s a massive boost for the local tourism industry, from the hotels to the F&B and transportation sector. Seeing that 90% of the island revenue depends on tourism, the return of sport events like IRONMAN comes at the perfect time,” said Zainudin.
The IRONMAN Malaysia route starts off at Pantai Kok where triathletes are released via a rolling swim start to complete the 3.8km or 1.9km swim leg with a 200m run to the first transition near the Danna Langkawi luxury resort.
They next get on their bikes to head out of Pantai Kok towards Jalan Teluk Yu around the rolling hills of Datai towards the southern part of the island.
The final leg of this event, which is the run, will showcase the best Malaysia has to offer as athletes pass through the scenic ocean run of Cenang Beach.
The Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa will serve as the final destination where the triathletes cross the finish line after a day-long, non-stop excursion.
Athletes have more than one reason to be happy at the finish line at the Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, where the Race Pack collection and Expo will also be located.
“IRONMAN Malaysia has a great history. The Langkawi courses provide scenic beauty and rewarding challenge. We have been waiting a long time to return to Langkawi, and I’m sure the participants are looking forward to test themselves in this breath-taking setting,” said IRONMAN Asia Managing Director Jeff Edwards
IRONMAN Asia Regional Director CG Lim said the event will play a key role in not only ending the year on a high, but boosting the local tourism economy.
“Many local traders have benefited greatly when we last hosted the event in Langkawi back in 2019. We are honoured to stage this event in such a location, while boosting the local economy in various ways. We welcome not only the participants, but also their families and friends to be a part of this,” said Lim.
The IRONMAN Malaysia offers up to 55 qualifying slots to the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, while there are 30 slots available for IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi participants to the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Lahti, Finland.
This event is supported by its Premier & Technical partners in Asia including Active, Breitling 1884, Fulgaz, Qatar Airways, Roka, Santini, VinFast and Wahoo.
For more information on this event, please visit https://www.ironman.com/im-malaysia
Dato’ Alexander Isaac, member of the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA), said the IRONMAN community contributes massively to the local economy.
“The local economy benefits greatly, as the triathletes will arrive a week before the event, and they usually stay on a week after. They bring their families along too, who usually tour the island sightseeing.
“All sectors will benefit directly and indirectly from this, as the spending creates a chain reaction,” he said.