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Published on August 4, 2007

Surrounded by unspoilt forests and sandy beaches but with a range of accommodation to suit most budgets, the quiet seaside town of Pranburi in Prachuap Khiri Khan has been picked as the ideal spot to host the first international triathlon in Thailand's central south.

The event takes place on October 20 at Evason Six Senses Resort & Spa.

Hemish Keith, managing director of Exotissimo Thailand says the primary goals are to promote tourism in the Kingdom and to create a long lasting quality race that will attract both professional and amateur competitors in the five age groups.

"Some athletes do regular exercises to keep fit and others do it for fun but most of them enjoy racing. We're aiming to make the triathlon a new lifestyle event in a new destination," he says.

Participating athletes are expected to come primarily from Thailand and neighbouring countries. With a course that will take in Sam Roi Yot National Park and the area's long beautiful beaches, the race promises to be scenic as well as challenging.

As in all triathlon events, the athletes will compete in swimming, biking and running but can choose between three types of race.

The Sprint Distance Triathlon is the shortest course and consists of a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre bike ride and a 5km run and is for individual entries only.

The Olympic Distance Individual Triathlon features a 1,500m swim, 40km of biking race and a 10km.

The Olympic Distance Relay, which is over the same distance, allows teams of two or three persons to complete one stage each, while teams of two can decide which stages each team member should complete.

The route will start at Evason Six Senses Resort & Spa with a swim in the gulf of Thailand, followed by the bike race close to Sam Roi Yot National Park and finishing with the run through fishing villages and along the Pranburi coast.

The winner receives a three-night stay in a two-bedroom pool suite villa at the deluxe Evason Hideaway resort. Awards will also be given to the first three finishers in each age group category.

Competitors will receive full professional support during the race and are invited to attend a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the resort's poolside in the evening.

"The international triathlon is one of the activities covered by our fiscal plan this year and we are hoping it will bring more tourists to the area," says Prachuap Khiri Khan's deputy governor Bongkan Limpapan.

"The event is being organised by a private company but the local administration will be involved in ensuring the comfort and safety of the participants by taking care of the roads and competition routes."

Part of the proceeds from the events will be donated to the Royal Project Foundation.

For more information and registration, visit www.pranburitriathlon.com.

Nattaporn Luangpipat

The Nation