Phuket, Thailand – November 20, 2023 – The 29th Laguna Phuket Triathlon, Southeast Asia’s longest-running triathlon event, concluded on November 19, 2023, at the stunning integrated lifestyle destination of Laguna Phuket on Phuket Island. With over 1,000 Thai and international triathletes representing 30 countries, the event was a resounding success, showcasing Phuket’s potential as a world-class sports tourism destination.
The triathlon kicked off at 6:30 a.m. with the start of the main event, featuring elite men’s and women’s triathletes. Following this, sprint triathlon and duathlon participants took to the Andaman Sea at Bang Tao Beach for the swimming leg.
British Triathletes Conquer Thailand’s Longest-Running Triathlon Event
Triathletes faced a challenging course, conquering a 1.8-kilometer swim in the Andaman Sea and lagoon, a rigorous 55-kilometer cycling route navigating mountain trails, and a demanding 12-kilometer run within Laguna Phuket. All races concluded at Laguna Grove, with the cut-off time for each distance set at approximately 12:30 p.m.
In the men’s category, British triathlete Max Stapley made his Laguna Phuket Triathlon debut in grand style, claiming victory with an impressive time of 2 hours, 32 minutes, and 53 seconds. Max Studer from Switzerland secured the second position in 2 hours, 34 minutes, and 09 seconds, while Anthony Costes from France took third place with a time of 2 hours, 35 minutes, and 32 seconds.
In the women’s division, Kate Waugh from the United Kingdom emerged victorious, completing the challenging course in 2 hours, 46 minutes, and 04 seconds. Julie Derron from Switzerland claimed second place with a time of 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 45 seconds, while Sophie Malowiecki from Australia took third place in 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 12 seconds.
The competition also saw a strong showing from Thai triathletes. Eighteen-year-old Thanadol Wisarutsin, the youngest competitor and a member of the Thai national team, secured the Thai championship with an impressive time of 2 hours, 51 minutes, and 51 seconds. Meanwhile, Jaray Jearanai, an eleven-time Thai champion, completed the race in an impressive 2 hours, 53 minutes, and 33 seconds. Another notable participant was Tao-Somchai Khemglad, a fan favorite from the teenage era in the ’90s. Making his debut in the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, he impressed everyone with his successful completion of the challenge.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the triumphant triathletes of this year’s championship,” said Mr. Paul Wilson, Vice President and Deputy Managing Director of Laguna Phuket. “We also extend our deepest gratitude to all participants and partners who contributed to the success of the 29th Laguna Phuket Triathlon, showcasing a remarkable victory for Phuket, Thailand. This achievement reflects the unity and spirit of community collaboration, paving the way for the continued growth and success of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon in the years to come. We invite everyone to mark their calendars for the 30th edition, which promises to be grander than ever.”
The Laguna Phuket Triathlon is renowned worldwide as Southeast Asia’s longest-running and most successful triathlon event. Over the years, it has attracted a multitude of highly skilled triathletes from various corners of the globe. This year’s 29th edition was made possible through vital collaborations with several national heavyweights, including Phuket Province, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Sports Authority of Thailand under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and Thai Airways, among others.
