The Ironman Langkawi Malaysia is an annual triathlon that usually takes place in November. It is a gruelling race that starts out with a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bicycle ride and a 26.2-mile marathon run. This triathlon is one of the world’s most recognized endurance events.
It began as a challenge for a group of American Navy Seals and was originally a combination of the Waikiki Rough Water swim, the Around Oahu Bike Race and the Honolulu Marathon. Each year there are a series of 28 events all over the world that qualify athletes for the Ford Ironman World Championship held every October in Kona, Hawaii.
Though the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners and operators of the Ironman, did not host any Malaysian races in 2011, this year it is expected that new partners and venues will result in an even more exciting event. Last year was the first time in 11 years that the world-famous event did not take place in Langkawi, although the WTC is optimistic that this year will see its return to Langkawi’s shores.
The Langkawi leg of the event is tough, not because of the course but the humid weather with temperatures reaching up to 43°C (or 110°C). The race starts out at Eagle Square (Dataran Lang) with a two-loop swim in Kuah Bay. Once out of the water, participants run up a short jetty to grab bikes and head to the other side of the island before heading back. Lastly, it is a four-loop run that ends back at the Eagle Square.
Source By Langkawi
Location START: Jalan Teluk Yu, Kampung Kok, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah ( IRONMAN Malaysia – Swim Start )
Location END : 2, Jalan Pantai Chenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah