Over 1,800 athletes expected in Langkawi for IRONMAN^® Malaysia and IRONMAN^® 70.3^® Langkawi on November 11, 2017

Fredrik Croneborg and Diana Riesler  will lead the world’s best triathletes in racing at IRONMAN^® Malaysia in Langkawi, Malaysia on 11 November 2017. 

Croneborg who won his first IRONMAN race in Malaysia last year with a time of 8h 39min 12sec – will return to Langkawi, with hopes of taking the trophy home again. The 36 year-old Swedish triathlete shared his excitement to be back to Langkawi this year.

“IRONMAN Malaysia is my favourite race. I’ve raced all around the world but Malaysia is where I perform at my best and if feels special because I got my first IRONMAN win here,” said Croneborg.

“Langkawi is also one of the nicest destination for holidays and I will keep coming back, even after my racing career. Starting as a defending champion, it’s impossible to improve my ranking, but I feel better prepared this year. I hope I can improve my timing from last year and hopefully retain my title.” continued Croneborg.

In the professional female category, Diana Riesler from Germany will fan favourite for crossing the finish line first at Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa after winning the three previous editions since 2014.

“IRONMAN Langkawi was my first ever IRONMAN race in 2008 as an amateur and I promised myself to come back to race again here as a professional. I returned in 2014 as a professional athlete and bagged my first IRONMAN win,” said Riesler.

“The tropical climate and the hospitality of local supporters make it really special. I’m excited to race in Langkawi again and fight for another win on November 11.” Riesler continued.

“We are delighted to have our two defending champions Fredrik Croneborg and Diana Riesler back to Langkawi this year. They are both exceptional triathletes and an inspiration for all the age-group athletes who will be racing here on 11 November.” said Geoff Meyer, Asia Managing Director for IRONMAN.

“The amazing response from the IRONMAN community shows that Langkawi is one of the preferred locations to race and we are looking forward to another great race this year.” continued Meyer.

The full list of professional triathletes racing at IRONMAN Malaysia can be downloaded here

This year’s event in Langkawi will host over 1,800 athletes between IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN^® 70.3^® Langkawi. More than 70% of registered athletes are coming from over 50 different countries. The Top 4 countries are Japan, Singapore, Australia and Philippines.

The 2017 IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi will be an age group race only offering 30 qualifying slots for the 2018 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. 2017 IRONMAN Malaysia will offer a $25,000 USD professional prize purse and 50 age-group qualifying slots for the 2018 IRONMAN^® World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States of America.

IRONKIDS race will be held on November 10, for kids aged between 4 and 17, taking part in 3 distances; 500m, 1km and 1.5km dash along Cenang Beach, sharing the IRONMAN finisher’s arch with kids able to experience the same finish line as their heroes at the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa.

Meanwhile, IRONMAN Sports and Lifestyle Expo will take place from November 8-12 at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), featuring booths by sports and lifestyle exhibitors as well as the IRONMAN official merchandise.

The 2017 IRONMAN Malaysia Langkawi is supported by Malaysia Major Events (MME), a division of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia; Kedah State, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), and Naturally Langkawi.

For more information on the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit www.ironman.com.