Posted: July 3, 2007

Triathlon: Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Racing to Full Field!

The Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore triathlon has been the major ‘buzz’ amongst triathletes, runners, swimmers and cyclists in Singapore, and around Asia, since the announcement of the major international event just 12 months ago… World wide interest for the 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run phenomenon that is Ironman 70.3, and a course that literally and uniquely winds its way through Singapore’s CBD, (the first such city course in the world!) is now combining to produce a field that is set to fill within days at current entry trends; there's just under 100 entries remaining for the September 2nd race! In efforts to maximise both the competitor experience and overall athlete safety, and to also minimise the community impact for Singaporeans at large, organisers Hi-Tri Events has moved to finalise entries, capping the field at 1200 individual starters for the inaugural event. “This is the first time ever an Ironman type event has been set to ‘max’ out the field in Asia,” says Race Director, Graeme Hannan. “It's a credit to Singapore and the athletes here who have taken take on this awesome challenge, but we must have a safe race and very importantly, one which promises the maximum experience for our visiting and local athletes.” "Operations Director, Jeffrey Foo has established a sound and comprehensive safety program for the event, in conjunction with local authorities and the result is a great course that will challenge athletes in ways few thought possible, with an inshore swim, urban and freeway bike ride and parkland and pathway run - much of which is in shade. There's even an inside T2!." Based at Singapore's all new Marina Floating Platform, set to open at National Day Celebrations on August 9th, and the official hotel, the Ritz Carlton Millenia, Singapore and incorporating other local Singapore CBD landmarks, the event is aiming to provide the ultimate athlete experience, with great memories for all. And the ever growing entry for the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore (there's now more than 1100 entries from 43 countries from around the world), is on target to produce an event that will become the biggest Ironman brand event ever held in the region, and proof that Singapore is becoming a sports powerhouse in the area And while the field has swollen towards the maximum allowed, so to has the elite field, with the world's best athletes beating a path to Singapore and a chance of winning part of the biggest Ironman 70.3 prize purse outside the USA, courtesy of the unique Aviva Excellence Awards. So far the field contains numerous Ironman and Ironman 70.3 winners and podium place getters, including Switzerland's Ronnie Schildknecht and Mathias Hecht, Aussies, Luke Bell, Pete Jacobs, Jason Shortis and Josh Rix, Kiwi, Bryan Rhodes, Britain's Andrew Johns and Frenchman, Ben Sanson. Aussie women include Rebekah Keat, Mirinda Carfrae, Belinda Granger, Ali Fitch, plus Britain's Chrissie Wellington and Bella Commerford. And there's still more elite's who've committed to the all new Aviva Ironman 70.3 event! And while the Elite athletes fight out the richest prize purse outside the USA Ironman 70.3 races, the age groupers will go just as hard, chasing one of 75 slots to the Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championships, and a unique finisher's medal. Singapore will come alive triathlon of the Ironman 70.3 kind on September 2nd this year, and for local triathletes and some 300 volunteers so far, the day just can't come quickly enough! More information, entry and volunteer registration at www.ironman703singapore.com. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest