PHUKET'S growing reputation as an international sports venue for all ages was boosted by the debut of the Ironkids Phuket Triathlon in April - giving the paradise island increased appeal for sports-orientated families seeking an active holiday destination.
The inaugural Ironkids Phuket Triathlon saw more than 100 young athletes from around the region swim in a 50-metre Olympic-standard swimming pool at the new Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Centre, biking on closed, quiet shaded roads and finishing the last 500 metres of the run on the centre's spring-loaded athletics track.
Now a second Ironkids Phuket Triathlon is set to be staged on December 3 - sandwiched between the 17th Laguna Phuket Triathlon on November 27 and second Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship on December 4 - as part of a week-long Tri-Fest spectacular.
The Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest targets the active family market by offering two major triathlons of varied distances for adults and the IronKids race for children together with a line-up of smaller triathlon-related competitions, training camps with professional triathletes, social activities and retail options.
''It's a unique opportunity for active families to train, race and socialise together in a holiday sports atmosphere,'' said Debbie Dionysius, Vice President Destination Marketing, Laguna Phuket.
In June the island hosts the ''Run Paradise'' Laguna Phuket International Marathon, now in its sixth year, which includes a family walk and a children's 2-km run.
The second IronKids Phuket Triathlon on December 3 will again have children grouped according to three separate age divisions and in age-appropriate course distances.
The Ironkids event will be held the day before the second Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship, when some 800 professionals and age group contenders will race a 1.9km swim; 90km bike ride and 21.1km run to bring down the curtain on the Tri-Fest week.
The Tri-Fest begins on November 27 with the 17th Laguna Phuket Triathlon, dubbed ''The Race of Legends,'' for its enduring ability in attracting international triathlon stars to join the field of more than 800 triathletes on the 1.8km swim; 55km bike ride and 12km run.
The inaugural Ironkids Phuket Triathlon saw more than 100 young athletes from around the region swim in a 50-metre Olympic-standard swimming pool at the new Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Centre, biking on closed, quiet shaded roads and finishing the last 500 metres of the run on the centre's spring-loaded athletics track.
Now a second Ironkids Phuket Triathlon is set to be staged on December 3 - sandwiched between the 17th Laguna Phuket Triathlon on November 27 and second Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship on December 4 - as part of a week-long Tri-Fest spectacular.
The Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest targets the active family market by offering two major triathlons of varied distances for adults and the IronKids race for children together with a line-up of smaller triathlon-related competitions, training camps with professional triathletes, social activities and retail options.
''It's a unique opportunity for active families to train, race and socialise together in a holiday sports atmosphere,'' said Debbie Dionysius, Vice President Destination Marketing, Laguna Phuket.
In June the island hosts the ''Run Paradise'' Laguna Phuket International Marathon, now in its sixth year, which includes a family walk and a children's 2-km run.
The second IronKids Phuket Triathlon on December 3 will again have children grouped according to three separate age divisions and in age-appropriate course distances.
The Ironkids event will be held the day before the second Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship, when some 800 professionals and age group contenders will race a 1.9km swim; 90km bike ride and 21.1km run to bring down the curtain on the Tri-Fest week.
The Tri-Fest begins on November 27 with the 17th Laguna Phuket Triathlon, dubbed ''The Race of Legends,'' for its enduring ability in attracting international triathlon stars to join the field of more than 800 triathletes on the 1.8km swim; 55km bike ride and 12km run.
