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Press Releases
2007
Italian and British Champions at 2007 Laguna Phuket Triathlon

For Immediate Release
2 December 2007
Phuket, Thailand
Italian and British Champions at 2007 Laguna Phuket Triathlon
The 2007 Laguna Phuket Triathlon saw one of the most exciting pro competitions in the history of
the race with 2007 Ironman World Champion Chrissie Welllington (GBR), 2007 Ironman 70.3
World Champion Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) and 2005 Ironman World Champion Faris Al-Sultan
(GER) in the field.
The race began at the beachfront of the Laguna Beach Resort with the first wave start taking
place at 7 am with hundreds of triathletes vying for an early lead in the first leg of the Triathlon.
The uniquely designed 1.8k swim crossed two bodies of water, through the Andaman Sea
followed by a beachside lagoon. First out of the water was Leonardo Ballerini (ITA) with a swim
time of 00:22:15, followed by Mathieu O’Halloran (CAN) in 00:22:36 and Faris Al-Sultan in
00:23:19.
First pro male off the 55k bike course through Phuket’s tropical countryside was Massimo Cigana
in 1:21:05, ahead of Richie Cunningham who came in second in 1:24:38, and Bryan Rhodes
(NZL) in 1:24:45.
Laguna Phuket Triathlon veteran Massimo Cigana from Italy secured the 2007 Laguna Phuket
Triathlon champion title and USD 3000 prize money in 2:31:46, followed by Richie Cunningham
(AUS) in 2:33:29 and Faris Al-Sultan in 2:34:30.
The first woman out of the water was Liz Blatchford (GBR) with a swim time of 00:23:38, followed
by Valentina Filipetto (ITA) in 00:24:47 and Mirinda Carfrae in 00:25:27.
The pro women race was a closer race with Belinda Granger (AUS) being the first pro woman off
the bike course in 1:28:39, followed by Mirinda Carfrae and Liz Blatchford in 1:29:36 and 1:30:57,
respectively.
Liz Blatchford came back in top form from a nine-month hiatus recovering after a spinal cord
operation and claimed the Pro Women’s championship in a total time of 2:42:24. Mirinda Carfrae
placed second in 2:44:28 followed by Laguna Phuket Triathlon veteran Belinda Granger (AUS) in
2:46:47.
The champion of the Herbalife Corporate Challenge Team Relay was the INUS Herbalife team,
comprising Kolatuch Kunaborimas, Ekkachai Tawonlumlerd, and Weerachai Seboonram,
winning in 2:42:46. Second place went to, Chayanin Chavein, Kittipong Tongkumnung and
Saman Gunan of the YHM2 Herbalife team in 2:46:46, followed by The Power of Herbalife team,
with Jettaphon Ampanmanee, Sudket Limlamai and Suwat Paiboon, finishing in 2:50:47.
The fastest Thai finisher was Pasayos Yongsakulchai in 3:08:36 while the first Thai woman to
finish was Natcha Pianprasobsuk, who also won last year, with a time of 3:24:27.
For complete race results please visit the Laguna Phuket Triathlon website at
www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com.
The 2008 Laguna Phuke Triathlon is scheduled to take place on 7 December.
Comprehensive Commercial Sponsorship and Partnership Programmes Now Available
(English + Thai language)
Click here for more information and images in PDF format
English language -> 
Thai language ->
Comprehensive Commercial Sponsorship and Partnership Programmes Now Available
For the Laguna Phuket
Triathlon 2008
7th December 2008
The Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2008 is the perfect opportunity for companies
to showcase their brand at "The Race of Legends"
A number of commercial sponsorship and partnership packages are Now Available! +66 2622 0605 - 7. Tailored to
suit differing needs the packages will enable companies to integrate their own marketing initiatives into an event of
international standing.
The Laguna Phuket Triathlon has attracted a stellar list of champions, with over 50 winners from Ironman; the
Olympic Games; the Commonwealth Games; 70.3; Duathlon; and Xterra entering during the 15 year history of the
event, it is known as "The Race of Legends".
Gold, Silver and Bronze winners to have taken part in the triathlon include: Mark Allen, Greg Welch, Simon Lessing,
Mike Pigg, Norman Stadler, Peter Reid, Lori Bowden, Carol Montgomery, Paula Newby-Fraser, Karen Smyers and
Michelle Jones.
Taking place on Sunday 7th December 2008, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon is a truly picturesque event. The race
incorporates a 1.8km swim that starts in the sea and ends in a lagoon at the Laguna Beach Resort, a 55km bike ride
along the narrow winding roads north of Laguna Phuket, and a 12km flat run that takes in the sights in and around
the scenic Laguna Phuket resort.
There are also a number of parties for sponsors and participants to enjoy as part of the event, including the Pasta
Party, Awards Banquet and Pre-Awards Cocktail Party - the corporate hospitality on offer makes the Laguna Phuket
Triathlon an ideal event for companies to entertain guests and network at.
"The Laguna Phuket Triathlon attracts some of the world's most respected and successful triathletes", comments
Debbie Dionysius, Director of Destination Marketing, Laguna Phuket. "We are looking forward to working with Paul
Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd to create an unrivalled platform for companies to integrate their brand with an
internationally renowned event."
Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd is an independent marketing consultancy based in Bangkok, Thailand,
specialising in commercial sponsorship and partnership marketing, working with both rights holders and brands -
acting as a catalyst by bringing them together and maximising the relationship.
The Consultancy has packaged, sold and managed sponsorship & partnership opportunities for a wide range
of rights holders and worked with many of the world's leading brands to source and engage the right
sponsorships & partnerships for them to maximise.
A package of comprehensive Commercial Sponsorship and Partnership Programmes has been created
especially for the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2008. The packages on offer suit differing needs and enable
international and domestic companies in the region to integrate with this popular event.
For an English and/or Thai Commercial Sponsorship & Partnership Marketing Opportunities Executive Summary
please contact Anyarat Suriya on +66 8 5949 3691 or anyarat@email.com
Contacts
For further information
Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd.
198 Tanou Road, Bovernives,
Pranakorn,
Bangkok, 10200,
Thailand
Tel/Fax +66 2622 0605 – 7 |
Paul Poole – Managing Director
(English Speaking)
Tel +66 8 6563 3196 / paulpoole@email.com
Anyarat Suriya – Executive Marketing Assistant (Sponsorship)
(Thai/ English and Chinese ‘Mandarin’ Speaking)
Tel. +66 8 5949 3691 / anyarat@email.com |
Websites
http://www.paulpoole.co.th/lagunaphukettriathlon
For:
• Commercial Sponsorship and
Partnership Opportunities
http://www.lagunaphuket.com/triathlon
For:
• Event Information
Laguna Phuket Appoint
Leading Independent
Marketing Consultants (English + Thai language)
Click here for more information and images in PDF format
English language -> 
Thai language ->
Laguna Phuket Appoint
Leading Independent
Marketing Consultants
Sponsorship opportunities at Laguna
Phuket Triathlon
December 2008
Laguna Phuket has appointed leading independent marketing consultants Paul Poole
(South East Asia) Co., Ltd to maximise the sponsorship opportunities of the Laguna
Phuket Triathlon 2008
As one of Asia's finest luxury destinations, Laguna Phuket was launched in 1987 as the first integrated resort in Asia and occupies
600 acres of landscaped tropical grounds. It is located just a short 25-minute drive from the Phuket International Airport and 30
minutes from Patong Beach and Phuket Town.
Laguna Phuket features a calendar packed with sporting events and other activities with the Laguna Phuket Triathlon attracting
athletes from all over the world.
The appointment of Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd follows the company's successful work on the Laguna Phuket
International Marathon 2007, which the company has been re-appointed to represent in 2008.
"It's a fantastic time to be working with the Laguna Phuket Triathlon", comments Paul Poole, Managing Director of the
consultancy company. "Through our work, we will be aiming to maximise the sponsorship benefits for all Laguna Phuket
Triathlon sponsors and partners, and ensure the event is as successful as possible for the destination".
A number of commercial sponsorship and partnership packages are Now Available! +66 2622 0605 - 7. Tailored to suit differing
needs, the packages will enable companies to integrate their own marketing initiatives within this high profile event.
"Laguna Phuket is a destination with vision", comments Debbie Dionysius, Director of Destination Marketing, Laguna Phuket.
"We are grateful to find in Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd a company that shares this vision and one that has the drive and
dedication to make our triathlon sponsorships a success for both the sponsors and destination."
Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd is an independent marketing consultancy based in Bangkok, Thailand, specialising in
commercial sponsorship and partnership marketing, working with both rights holders and brands - acting as a catalyst by bringing
them together and maximising the relationship.
The Consultancy has packaged, sold and managed sponsorship and partnership opportunities for a wide range of rights
holders and worked with many of the world's leading brands to source and engage the right sponsorships and
partnerships for them to maximise.
A package of comprehensive Commercial Sponsorship and Partnership Programmes has been created especially for the
Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2008. The packages on offer suit differing needs and enable international and domestic
companies in the region to integrate with these popular events.
For an English and/or Thai Commercial Sponsorship & Partnership Marketing Opportunities Executive Summary please contact
Anyarat Suriya on +66 8 5949 3691 or anyarat@email.com
Contacts
For further information
Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd.
198 Tanou Road, Bovernives,
Pranakorn,
Bangkok, 10200,
Thailand
Tel/Fax +66 2622 0605 – 7 |
Paul Poole – Managing Director
(English Speaking)
Tel +66 8 6563 3196 / paulpoole@email.com
Anyarat Suriya – Executive Marketing Assistant (Sponsorship)
(Thai/ English and Chinese ‘Mandarin’ Speaking)
Tel. +66 8 5949 3691 / anyarat@email.com |
Websites
http://www.paulpoole.co.th/lagunaphukettriathlon
For:
• Commercial Sponsorship and
Partnership Opportunities
http://www.lagunaphuket.com/triathlon
For:
• Event Information
Entries to 2007 Laguna Phuket Triathlon Running Out
Entries to 2007 Laguna Phuket Triathlon Running Out
The 2007 Laguna Phuket Triathlon is anticipated to be another tremendous success as more
than 700 individual triathletes have already registered. Those interested in participating are
encouraged to sign-up fast as there are less than 50 entries still available. This will be the third
consecutive year the event has been sold-out.
Race entry is available online only. Closing date for entries is 31 October 2007, unless
registration reaches capacity before then. Once capacity has been reached a waitlist will be
started and additional slots awarded in case of cancellations.
Hailed as Southeast Asia’s premier multisport event, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, supported by
Thai Airways International, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Herbalife, is now in its
fourteenth year. This year’s race will take place at the Laguna Phuket resort on Sunday 2
December with race organisers expecting to welcome over 1400 competitors in three events that
day, the 18k swim, 55k bike and 12k run triathlon, the team relay, and the 6k Fun Run.
Starting 10 minutes after the main triathlon event will be the Herbalife Corporate Challenge Team
Relay. Herbalife is challenging companies and organizations to enter teams to compete against
Herbalife’s top athletes in the Team Relay. Teams must comprise three athletes – a swimmer,
cyclist and runner, all above the age of 18, either the same gender or any combination of
male/female.
Corporate relay team sponsorship packages are available from USD300 to USD1800 and include
race entry and awards banquet tickets for three persons, two nights’ accommodation at one of the
Laguna hotels, airport transfers and branding opportunities at the event.
This will be the second year that the relay teams will be competing for prize money, sponsored by
Herbalife. The top three winning teams will win USD1000, USD750 and USD500, respectively.
Renowned as the “Race of Legends”, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon boasts possibly more world
champions racing in past fields than any other race in the world short of the Ironman Triathlon
World Championship in Hawaii. Pro triathletes who have participated at Laguna Phuket have won
more than 50 world championships from every discipline in the sport of triathlon: Ironman,
Olympic, 70.3, Duathlon and Xterra. The list of Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalists,
World Cup, US Pro, Ironman, European and various national champions defies accurate count.
Legendary triathletes who have raced at Laguna Phuket include Mark Allen (USA), Greg Welch
(AUS), Simon Lessing (GBR), Mike Pigg (USA), Scott Molina (USA), Peter Reid (CAN), Paula
Newby-Fraser (USA), Karen Smyers (USA) and Michelle Jones (AUS). Pro triathletes racing in
this year’s triathlon will be competing for the USD20,000 pro prize purse.
The 6K Fun Run expects to attract some 500 athletes. The Fun Run is limited to runners 12
years of age and over (as of 2 December 2007). Trophies will be awarded to the top three male
and top 3 female finishers overall. All finishers will receive a t-shirt and finisher's medal.
Registration deadline for the Fun Run is 15 November unless registration reaches capacity in
which it will be closed.
For registration in the races or for further information, please contact the race office at +66 76
324060 or visit www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com.
Kona Revenge at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2007
“Kona Revenge” at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2007
2007 Hawaii Ironman World Champion Chrissie Wellington, the biggest surprise winner ever and
the first Brit to win in the history of the Ironman World Championships, and Samantha McGlone,
who came in a close second to Chrissie in Hawaii on 13 October, will be battling it out on the race
course at the 2007 Laguna Phuket Triathlon on 2 December.
The Triathlon will be Samantha’s chance to avenge herself against Chrissie, who won Hawaii in
the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile rurn with a time of 9:08:45. Chrissie has been a
professional triathlete for just over a year, had only entered one Ironman race before Hawaii, the
2007 Ironman Korea, and won the title on 26 August. Samantha was a rookie at the Hawaii
Ironman as well, and finished in 9:14:04. Samantha is the 2006 Ironman 70.3 World Champion
as well as being the reigning two-time champion of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon.
Samantha will have a bit of an advantage on Chrissie at this year’s Triathlon being a two year
veteran of the race, while this will be Chrissie’s first time at Laguna Phuket. However, changes in
the race course may help provide leverage for Chrissie. The new swim start, which has been
changed to 7am, will be on the beach at Laguna Beach Resort and will have two wave starts. The
first wave start will be open to all non-relay team swimmers. The second wave start, scheduled
for 7:10am, will be for all relay team swimmers and any individuals who opt into this less crowded
wave.
Minor changes have also been made to the 55k bike course, which leads competitors from
Laguna Phuket to the north of the island over the tough Naithon hills, past tropical jungles, rubber
plantations, beach front and local villages.
2006 Laguna Phuket Triathlon champion Reinaldo Colucci has had a strong year with recent wins
at the Ironman 70.3 Singapore, the Triathlon de l'Alpe d'Huez 2007 and the Mekong River ITU
Asian Cup, as well as placing second at the Ironman Brazil. He is currently trying to qualify for the
Olympics in 2008, representing the Brazil Triathlon Federation, which may make him unable to
return to the Laguna Phuket Triathlon to defend his title this year as other Olympic qualifying
races may take place at the same time.
Other professionals who will be competing for the USD 20,000 pro prize purse at the 2007
Laguna Phuket Triathlon include Massimo Cigana (ITA), 2005 Ironman World Champion Faris Al-
Sultan (GER) and Mirinda Carfrae (AUS).
Apart from a tremendously exciting pro race, race organisers also anticipate one of the largest
fields ever at the 2007 Laguna Phuket Triathlon as this year is the third consecutive year that
entries to the individual race have completely sold-out.
For further information on the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2007 please visit
www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com.
Herbalife Corporate Challenge Team Relay
Herbalife Challenges Businesses to Enter the 2007 Laguna Phuket
Triathlon Corporate Challenge Team Relay
Herbalife International (Thailand) Ltd is once again challenging companies to sponsor teams to
compete against their team in the Herbalife Corporate Challenge Team Relay at the 2007 Laguna
Phuket Triathlon. Renowned as Southeast Asia’s premier multi-sport event, this year’s Laguna
Phuket Triathlon expects to welcome over 1200 competitors in all the races which will take place
on 2 December at the resort.
Last year’s event saw young and aspiring pro triathlete Reinaldo Colucci (BRA) end the decadelong
Australian domination of the pro men’s championship title and also set a course record of
2:30:58. The Herbalife Corporate Challenge Team Relay was won by the Raj Pracha Samasai
Foundation team. Second place went to the Herbalife Liftoff team, followed by the Phuket Hash
House Harriers team. The winning teams of the Corporate Challenge Team Relay each won
USD1000, USD750 and USD500, respectively. This will be the second year that the relay teams
will be competing for prize money, courtesy of Herbalife.
Corporate teams must comprise three athletes – a swimmer, cyclist and runner, all above the age
of 18, either the same gender or any combination of male/female. Participants must be fit and
trained for the disciplines and distances required, as they will be competing over a gruelling 1.8k
swim, 55k bike and 12k run course.
The 1.8k swim course at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon is unique in that it comprises two bodies of
water. The new swim start will be on the beach at the Laguna Beach Resort. Athletes will swim
the first 1200 metres in the sea before sprinting 100 metres across the beach to swim the last 600
metres in a lagoon.
Minor changes have also been made to the 55k bike course, which leads competitors from
Laguna Phuket to the north of the island past tropical jungles, rubber plantations, beach front and
local villages.
The race start has been changed to 7am with two start waves. The first wave start will be open to
all non-relay swimmers. The second wave start, scheduled for 07:10am, will be for all relay
swimmers and any individuals who opt into this less-crowded wave.
Corporate relay team sponsorship packages are available from USD300 to USD1800 depending
on inclusions which range from race entry and awards banquet tickets for three persons to
accommodation at one of the Laguna hotels, airport transfers and even branding opportunities at
the event.
Registration is available online only at www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com. Race organisers are
limiting the number of teams competing in the Herbalife Corporate Challenge Team Relay to 50
teams, over half of which have already registered. For further information, please contact the race
office at +66 76 324 060.
New Course for the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2007
- Southeast Asia’s premier multi-sport event, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2007, will take place on Sunday 2 December with a succession of new changes—a new swim course, changes to the bike course, a new start time, and wave starts.
Now in its fourteenth year, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon is supported by Thai Airways International and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Renowned as the “Race of Legends”, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon boasts possibly more world champions racing in past fields than any other race in the world short of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii. Pro triathletes who have participated at Laguna Phuket have won more than 50 world championships from every discipline in the sport of triathlon: Ironman, Olympic, 70.3, Duathlon and Xterra. The list of Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalists, World Cup, US Pro, Ironman, European and various national champions defies accurate count. Legendary triathletes who have raced at Laguna Phuket include Mark Allen (USA), Greg Welch (AUS), Simon Lessing (GBR), Mike Pigg (USA), Scott Molina (USA), Paula Newby-Fraser (USA), Karen Smyers (USA) and Michelle Jones (AUS).
The Triathlon, comprising a 1.8k swim, 55k cycle and 12k run features both the individual race, which offers a USD20,000 pro prize purse, and the Herbalife Corporate Challenge Team Relay. The first three teams to finish the Team Relay event will win USD1000, USD750 and USD500, respectively, as well as gifts from Herbalife.
The 1.8k swim course at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon is unique in that it comprises two bodies of water. The new swim start will be on the beach at the Laguna Beach Resort. Athletes will swim the first 1200 metres in the sea before sprinting 100 metres across the beach to swim the last 600 metres in a lagoon.
Minor changes have also been made to the 55k bike course, which leads competitors from Laguna Phuket to the north of the island past tropical jungles, rubber plantations, beach front and local villages. A rough part of the course has been eliminated and an extra stretch has been added in place.
The race start has been changed to 7am with two start waves. The first wave start will be open to all non-relay swimmers. The second wave start, scheduled for 07:10am, will be for all relay swimmers and any individuals who opt into this less-crowded wave.
Race entry is available online only. The entry fee includes the pre-race Pasta Party, Competitor's T-shirt and Race Kit. Closing date for entries is 31 October 2007, unless registration reaches capacity in which case it will close prior to that date. Early-bird registration fees are USD120 for the individual triathlon, available until 30 June 2007. For more information or to register, please visit www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com
2006
Brazil Ends Australian Domination of Laguna Phuket Triathlon with New Course Record
- Brazil’s 21 year-old Reinaldo Colucci ended the decade-long Australian domination of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon pro men’s championship title and set a course record of 2:30:58.
Since 1997 the event, comprising a 1.8k swim, 55k cycle and 12k run, has been won by Australian triathletes including Greg Bennett, Craig Alexander, Simon Thompson and Greg Welch. This was Colucci’s first time competing in the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, finishing 3.21 minutes ahead of second place winner Terenzo Bozzone from New Zealand.
The grueling race began at the beachfront of Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket at 08:00 am where 825 athletes vied for an early lead in the first leg of the triathlon. The uniquely designed 1.8k swim crossed two bodies of water, firstly through the Andaman Sea followed by a beachside lagoon. First out of the water was pro athlete Leonardo Ballerini from Italy with a swim time of 00:22:25, followed by Thai national team swimmer Arcom Auchitoran representing the Raj Pracha Samasai Foundation team in 00:23:26 and pro female Laura Bennett (USA) in 00:23:55.
First off the 55k bike was Reinaldo Colucci (BRA) in 01:21:57 ahead of Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), who came in a close second in 01:22:27, and Massimo Cigana (ITA) in 01:23:08.
Colucci and Bozzone battled it out during the 12k run until Colucci secured a comfortable lead to win 3.21 minutes ahead of Bozzone and take home US$3,000 in prize money. Terenzo Bozzone claimed second place in 02:33:39, followed by Massimo Cigana, who placed fifth in 2005, in third place with a total time of 02:35:31.
Laguna Phuket defending champion Samantha McGlone (CAN) once again claimed the Pro Women’s championship in 02:48:34, followed by newcomer Leanda Cave (GBR) in 02:50:35 and Laura Bennett (USA) in 02:54:02.
The champion of the Herbalife Corporate Challenge Team Relay was the Raj Pracha Samasai Foundation team comprising Arcom Auchitoran, Saree Reangsiri and Veerachai Sriboonram who won in 02:35:51. Second place went to Jetpon Ampanmanee, Stephan Gratziani and Suvat Paiboon of the Herbalife Liftoff team in 02:50:37, followed by the Phuket Hash House Harriers team, comprising Lee Howard, Kergkong Siriwan and Eakaruk Pantip in 03:03:06.
The fastest Thai finisher was Chadarak Chaikamjorn in 03:01:57 while the first Thai woman to finish was Natcha Pianprasobsuk in 03:45:43.
For complete race results please visit the Laguna Phuket Triathlon website at www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com
2006 Laguna Phuket Triathlon Set to Run
 - Race organizers of the 2006 Laguna Phuket Triathlon are all set to welcome some 1,400 athletes from 40 different countries. This year’s race, to take place on 3 December 2006, will see the largest field ever to compete at Laguna Phuket.
Defending champions Greg Bennett (AUS) and Samantha McGlone (CAN) will be back competing for the USD 20,000 pro prize purse against several other pros, including Massimo Cigana (ITA), Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), Laura Bennett (USA), and newcomer Leanda Cave (GBR).
Both Bennett and McGlone, who were newcomers to the event last year and took home the prize purse, are anticipating returning to Phuket. “I have been looking forward to returning to Phuket all season,” says McGlone. “It is one of my favorite races. Thailand is such a beautiful country and the people are fantastic. I just love racing here.” McGlone has had an extraordinary season and comes to the 2006 Laguna Phuket Triathlon fresh from winning the inaugural Ironman 70.3 world championships in Clearwater, Florida.
Greg Bennett suffered some injuries earlier in the year, making it one of his toughest years, but he has recovered magnificently with wins at the 2006 Life Time Fitness Grand Slam series in New York and Los Angeles, and a 3rd place in Chicago, putting him in the lead for the Grand Slam series, which will culminate in Minneapolis next year.
“The entire experience at Laguna Phuket is fantastic, “ says Bennett. “ Massages on the beach, the swim course, bike course, run course, the finish, the after party, the other athletes. It truly is the best triathlon experience in the world.”
The 2006 Laguna Phuket Triathlon route will be similar to past years, starting the 1.8k swim at the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket beachfront, swimming in the sea for 1.2k and crossing the beach to swim in a lagoon for the last 600 metres. The 55k bike course will introduce some new changes, including rerouting the course to pass the beachfront at Naiyang National Park, and for the first time ever, the 12k run course will pass through Laguna Phuket’s award-winning golf course.
Now in its thirteenth year, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, sponsored by Thai Airways International, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Herbalife International (Thailand) Limited, and CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets, is considered Southeast Asia’s premier triathlon event and is also an Australian Ironman Qualifier, awarding twenty-five qualifying slots to the top age group athletes.
For further information and updates on the 2006 Laguna Phuket Triathlon, please visit www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com or contact Tel. 66 76 324 060
Defending Champions Return to 2006 Laguna Phuket Triathlon

- The 2005 Thai Airways Laguna Phuket Triathlon champions, Greg Bennett from Australia and young Canadian Samantha McGlone have confirmed that they will return to Phuket on 3 December 2006 to defend their titles. Both Bennett and McGlone, who were newcomers to Phuket last year, thoroughly enjoyed their experience and warm Thai welcome, and are looking forward to racing in Phuket again this year.
For the first time in the history of the event, registration was closed prior to the 2005 race with a record number of triathletes from over 30 countries entered. The race office is anticipating another sell-out this year after receiving a tremendous amount of positive feedback from athletes, sponsors and spectators following the 2005 race.
Event Director, Paula Himel, attributes the overwhelming success to a number of factors. “The popularity of triathlon in Southeast Asia and around the world has taken off, and continues to do so. I believe this continued growth, and the fact that we offer a unique and fun event in such a spectacular setting, makes this a race that the pros and amateurs from all over the world truly look forward to every year.”
As in past years, the 2006 course will comprise a 1.8km swim, a 55km cycle and a 12km run which for the first time will wind its way around the award-winning Laguna Phuket golf course. The Laguna Phuket Triathlon offers a US$20,000 Pro Prize Purse and 25 guaranteed entries into the 2007 Ironman Australia to the highest place finishers in each age group.
Once again, a 6km Fun Run will be held on race day, set to begin once the triathletes have transitioned to the bike course.
Online registration will begin on 1 May and all five Laguna Phuket hotels will offer discounted room rates.
In addition to offering a spectacular race course, Laguna Phuket also offers a list of leisure activities suitable for travel companions including spa treatments, golf, water sports, kid's clubs, local day trips and much more. The Laguna Phuket Triathlon is a magnificent race and an experience of beauty, tranquility and excitement. This truly is a race you will never forget.
For online registration or further information and updates, please visit
www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com, or contact Paula Himel, Event Director
TEL: +66 76 324 060; FAX: +66 76 324 061

Press Kit
Race of Legends
Laguna Phuket Triathlon History
Laguna Phuket History
Laguna Company background
Laguna FactSheet
Awards List

Media Contacts
Laguna Phuket Destination Marketing
• Naravadee Swangridht (Ms.)
Public Relations & Advertising Manager
Tel: +66 (0)76 324 060; Fax: +66 (0)76 324 061
Email
• Nattira Anakasiri (Ms.)
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +66 (0)76 324 060; Fax: +66 (0)76 324 061
Email
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