Swarm Of 1,800 Participants Descend On 2024 Ironman Malaysia, Ironman 70.3 In Langkawi

LANGKAWI, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- A huge response of 1,800 aspiring triathletes from more than 50 countries will undergo the ultimate test of endurance at the 2024 Ironman Malaysia and Ironman 70.3 Championships in the alluring backdrop of Langkawi this Saturday.

Ironman Group Asia regional director C.G. Lim said this year's competition also sees the participation of the most number of professional athletes, with a total of 60 participants compared to previous years.

“This year, the response from professional triathletes, Ironkids and groups for Ironman 70.3 was incredible. Actually, there are many who want to participate in this tournament but are unsure that they can become an Ironman finisher over the full course of swimming, cycling and running, so this is one of the platforms to give exposure to them.

“This year, we have also improved from the safety aspects, especially for the swimming discipline, where more than nine security agencies are involved to ensure that no incidents occur at this year's tournament,” he said at a press conference here today.

Ironman Malaysia involves three triathlon disciplines of swimming for 3.8 kilometres (km), cycling for 180 km and running for 42.2 km while Ironman 70.3 (or Half Ironman) has a 1.9-km swim, cycling for 90 km and running for 21.1 km (half marathon).

Meanwhile, Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, 31, who is also the former Minister of Youth and Sports, is among those participating in Ironman Malaysia.

He said this is the first participation for him and he is determined to finish in a good time though just finishing the course is already a feat.

“Previously, I only participated in Ironman 70.3 but this time I really want to challenge myself by (going the full distance) in Ironman Malaysia... I don’t have a strong physique but I want to prove that with discipline and desire, I too can be an Ironman (finisher).

“I train morning and night physically and mentally in preparation to face any situation later but at the same time, I don’t neglect the essential work of serving in Parliament and Muar, the permanent area which I look after,” he said.

-- BERNAMA