IRONMAN MALAYSIA 2018 ATTRACTS PUBLIC FIGURES

Aims to inspire many Malaysians to participate in triathlon

Petaling Jaya, 8 November 2018 – When one discipline is not enough, whether it is swimming, cycling or running, combine them into a multisport event and it became a triathlon. When triathletes huddle together to talk about their latest achievements or desired races, it would be impossible not to talk about the mother of all triathlons; IRONMAN.

John Collins, the founder of IRONMAN, once said “To join this very special club (of IRONMAN Finishers), the mantra is simple: Swim 2.4 miles (3.8km). Bike 112 miles (180km). Run 26.2 miles (42.2km). Brag for the rest of your life!”. IRONMAN is one of the long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. It is every triathlete’s dream to become an IRONMAN finisher, at least once in their lifetime.

This year marks the fifth year since IRONMAN made its return to Langkawi, Malaysia in 2014. From then, many Malaysians triathletes have shown interest in participating in the coveted race to earn that finisher medal. This year’s edition sees a surge of notable names in the gruelling race, with many local celebrities and corporate figures joining. This shows that endurance sports events are gaining the attention of many local athletes, as the growth of Malaysian participants has risen significantly and maturing towards endurance triathlons such as IRONMAN.

Throughout the years, the number of Malaysian participants began making headway at IRONMAN 70.3. Among the notable names that have participated in IRONMAN 70.3 in the past were former Minister for Youth and Sports, Khairy Jamaluddin, who participated in IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya in 2016, making him the first Minister to do so. The following year at IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi, Azlan Iskandar, national squash player, Engku Emran, the CEO of Enfiniti (M) Sdn Bhd and Nabil Jeffri, Malaysian racing driver who also qualified for 2018 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship at Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. However, he couldn’t take part in it due to conflicting schedule.

In the following years, Malaysians “graduated” from the IRONMAN 70.3 league and began preparing themselves for the demanding IRONMAN full distance. Many prominent Malaysian figures who have also earned their title as an IRONMAN Malaysia finisher in previous years, include Dato’ Razlan Razali, the CEO of Sepang International Circuit, Azran Osman-Rani, the CEO and Co-Founder of Naluri Hidup Sdn Bhd, as well as Sayuti Zahit, former National cyclist.

Seeing the surge of interest from celebrities and corporate figures over the years, IRONMAN became the talk of the town. One of the famous international celebrities that have participated in IRONMAN includes Gordon Ramsay, who participated and qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii in 2013.

This year, celebrities like Alif Satar, members of PASKAL team; Hairul Azreen, Ammar Alfian, Jasmine Suraya and the director of PASKAL The Movie, Adrian Teh, who is a multi-IRONMAN finisher himself will be taking part in IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi.

One of the many factors on why IRONMAN is winning the Malaysian hearts and garnering a lot of attention for the sports industry is because many Malaysians are becoming more health-conscious and would like to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In order to participate in IRONMAN, one must be consistent in training. This will not only help in building their stamina and discipline, it will also motivate them to perform better in their career. Furthermore, participating in IRONMAN also helps in nurturing a healthy lifestyle and promote sports as a way for a healthy lifestyle; to push our limits and motivate others.

“In my career, I have always challenged myself to step outside of my comfort zone. If I am not singing, I am either acting or hosting. So taking part in IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi, to me, is stepping out of my comfort zone, a whole new adventure, a dream that is finally coming true. I also hope to inspire others to take part in this sport and its vibrant positive community,” said Alif Satar. He is currently busy preparing himself for IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi this 17 November 2018.

Some noteworthy corporate figures will also compete this year as well, such as Tengku Zafrul, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director at CIMB BANK, Syahrunizam Samsudin, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd and Engku Emran Engku Zainal Abidin.

CG Lim, the Regional Director of Asia said, “IRONMAN athletes know how vigorous it can be but IRONMAN has taught them to be disciplined, focused and performance-driven. With these attributes, most of the IRONMAN finishers have become sought-after by job recruiters.”

IRONMAN is THE sports for any athlete that wants to push their limits, people start in stages to reach to that level (marathons, cycling etc), seeing the increasing trend of local celebrities signing up for this and training with their heart out, put the Malaysian’s interest for sports to a whole new level.

For more information, visitwww.IRONMANMalaysia.com