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Published on November 28, 2007

Wellington is the first Briton to have won the Ironman title and the biggest surprise winner in the history of the Ironman World Championships.

In its 14th year, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon is supported by Thai Airways International, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Herbalife International (Thailand).

Billed the Race of Legends, the triathlon boasts possibly more world champions than any other race in the world, save the Ironman Triathlon World Championship, which will be held in Hawaii's Kona next year.

Defending Laguna Phuket Triathlon champion Reinaldo Colucci from Brazil will not be back this time as he is currently trying to qualify for next year's Olympics, while the reigning, two-time champion Samantha McGlone will also miss the event due to injuries sustained at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

Over 900 athletes have confirmed their participation for this year's Laguna Phuket Triathlon. The first wave for athletes will be flagged off at 7 am and the second wave for relay teams 10 minutes later. The race will be broadcast to more than 100 countries. The local Thai Channel 7 will telecast the race on January 1.

The race will comprise a 1.8km swim, 55km of biking and a 12km run. The prize money for both men and women in the Pro Triathletes division will be US$3,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 respectively, while the first men and women Thai triathlete to cross the finish line will receive Bt10,000 each.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

 The Nation