Posted: May 14, 2007

Triathlon: First Ironman 70.3 in Asia starts with a big city bang!

The Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore, the first ever Ironman 70.3 in Asia starts off with a bang, with both the bike and the run leg passing through the cityscape of Singapore, enabling participants and supporters to admire the breathtaking view of the unique urban architecture in downtown Central Business District and Singapore’s famous greenery. Following the 1.0kms swim at East Coast, competitors will enter the city via Benjamin Sheares Bridge in the bike leg. Iconic landmarks such as the National Stadium, Esplanade and Suntec City are just some of the sights for the participants during the race. Organizer of the event, Hi-Tri Events has worked closely with local authorities to ensure that the race is enjoyable yet safe for all. Jeffrey Foo, Operations Director says, “We have spent an immense amount of time designing the route and we are working very closely with the authorities to develop this final route. It will give true meaning to an urban Ironman race. We’re now only awaiting the final sign off on all safety aspects”. More than 800 triathletes from 40 countries around the world have signed up for the event on 2 September, and Hi-Tri is expecting more and indeed current entry trends show the field may well fill up before registration closes on 19 August. With the course a vital issue in why triathletes race in any of the 22 Ironman 70.3 races around the world, Singapore organisers believe the unique nature of this course, combined with Singapore's similarities in heat and humidity with Ironman and Ironman 70.3 world championships in Hawaii and Florida and it's special tourism qualities will attract more and more athletes. Whilst the cycle leg will finish at the all new floating platform at Marina, participants will continue with the 21 km half marathon run leg passing by more Singapore icons such as the Singapore Flyer, City Hall, and the Padang. Charles Anderson, Regional Managing Director of Aviva Asia Pte Ltd, and an Ironman himself, said: "We are very proud to be associated with this race. An Ironman is to triathletes what F1 is to car racing enthusiasts! This event will further boost the status of Singapore in world sports. Singapore’s sporting community will also benefit by holding such a world-class event. I hope athletes, volunteers and spectators will step up to support the all new event." The Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon is one of just 22 events held around the world to qualify triathletes to the Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championships. Singapore is the only country in Asia to have won a valuable qualifier status event bid, brought to the Republic through the efforts of Hi Tri principals, Graeme Hannan, Nick Munting, Adrian Mok and Jeffrey Foo, working with the WTC, the World Triathlon Corporation. The pro field will be racing for the second highest purse in the Ironman 70.3 series, with the prize money now boosted to $38,000 USD through the introduction of the Aviva Excellence Awards in Singapore. Top finishers in their respective categories in the Aviva Ironman 70.3, to a total of 75 participants will head on to Florida to compete in the Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championships there. All Aviva Ironman 70.3 event information and on-line entry is available at www.ironman703.singapore.com.