Athletes turn out in force at Pattaya Triathlon weekend
Athletes from Australia and Ireland took top honours at the Toyota Pattaya Triathlon Tour Series 2017, held along the city’s shoreline, Jomtien Beach and Sukhumvit Road on Sunday, May 29.
Brad Kahlefeldt from New South Wales in Australia was the overall winner in the men’s division, completing the full standard triathlon course (1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run) in a time of 02:05:55. Kahlefeldt trailed after the swim and bike disciplines but a strong performance in the running event saw him cross the line 3 minutes ahead of Bahrain based Fredrik Croneborg, while fellow Aussie Mitchell Robins place third.
Ireland’s Eimear Mullan, who lives and trains in Phuket, was crowned female champion after completing the course in 02:21:05, with the Australian duo of Dimity-Lee Duke and Kerry Morris coming in second and third respectively.
“I am so happy to have been able to race and to win the Pattaya triathlon as this was my first race since 2015 due to injury,” a clearly delighted Mullan said afterwards.”
The Pattaya Triathlon 2017 was just one of many events held as part of the Thailand Tri-league series. As well as the full standard triathlons, these multi sport festivals include sprint triathlons, open water swim races and short course (5km & 10km) charity breakfast runs. Thai cultural shows, food outlets, music and sporting goods expos are also part & parcel of the Tri-league series.
One person who certainly enjoyed the weekend in Pattaya was up-and-coming Australia triathlon competitor Elle Brookes, who finished first in the female (18-29) age category and who commented later: “Toyota Tri-League Series Pattaya is one of the best races I have done. The crew, staff and organisers were first class. Beautiful swim, then off on the bike with a little bit of rain, then head out on the run for a very hilly challenging course. I can’t wait for next year!”
A total amount of 900,000 baht in prize money was on offer over the course of the 2 days with the male and female triathlon race winners receiving 50,000 baht each, while runners-up and third placed finishers were awarded 40,000 and 30,000 baht respectively.
For more information about Thailand Tri-League events, visit webpage: www.thailandtrileague.com.
