Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 14 September 2016 – IRONMAN® Malaysia, Langkawi returns to the Jewel of Kedah Island on 12 November, 2016. Last year’s race saw German female professional athlete Diana Riesler bag her second consecutive IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi win.
Having finished the 2015 race with a time of 09:37:06, and the 2014 race in 09:26:38, the German pro returns to take home her third consecutive title win.
On her return for the third consecutive IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi, she said “I’m very excited to be coming back to Langkawi to defend my 2014 and 2015 title wins. IRONMAN Malaysia is one of my most favourite IRONMAN races in the world. I have been fortunate enough to race this location in the past and every time it was fascinating, taking in the beauty of Langkawi’s nature during the race.
On the Tropical IRONMAN Adventure, she said “the beauty and outstanding event touched me deeply. The scenery is stunning, the event is well organized and the race course is one of the most unique I have raced. Everybody who wants to do a very special IRONMAN has to put IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi on their bucket list.”
“We are very pleased that Diana Riesler has decided to return and defend her 2014 and 2015 title wins. She is a strong athlete, with an iron will and a passion for triathlon. She has a long and celebrated history with IRONMAN, and we wish her the best of luck this November,” said Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of IRONMAN Asia.
The second annual IRONKIDS race will take place on November 11, with organizers expecting up to 300 participants aged 5 – 13 years old racing in two age and distance categories – 500m (age 5-10) and 1km (ages 11-13) – on Cenang beach. Sports enthusiasts will have a chance to check out the latest sports and lifestyle offerings at the IRONMAN expo at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre, which will also host Pro Athlete sharing sessions and athlete briefing sessions.
The Langkawi race returned to Malaysia after IRONMAN set up a new office there in 2014 following a 3 year hiatus from the previous licensee. IRONMAN Malaysia will see the end of the three year contracted term with Malaysia Major Events (MME). The event has definitely put Malaysia back on the global calendar. Last year’s race brought in 59 professional athletes from around the world, including Riesler and male pro champion Mike Aigroz of Switzerland. Malaysian athletes made up 17% of the close to 1000 participants. The people of Langkawi have benefited greatly from the event from the aspect of both tourism and personal involvement. IRONMAN appreciate the support from MME, the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and the people of Langkawi for making IRONMAN Malaysia a great success over the past few years.
IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi will take place on Saturday 12 November, 2016.
For more information, visit www.IRONMANMalaysia.com.
