Bangkok, August 10, 2011 — As part of events celebrating the royal birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will organise the “3rd Queen’s Cup Hua Hin International Triathlon 2011” on August 28, 2011 from 06.30 hrs in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The Triathlon is being organised in cooperation with Hua Hin Municipality, the Cycling Club of Klai Kangwon Palace, Sport Bicycle Company Limited, Thai Yamaha Motor Company Limited, and various public and private sector groups.
Her Majesty’s birthday falls on August 12, when she will turn 79. Hence, the goal of the Triathlon is to allow people to show their respect by participating in this event whether as an athlete or spectator.
The event will also help promote domestic and international tourism, and contribute to the national objective of raising people’s income, creating jobs and enhancing interest in sports, especially among the young people.
The presence of some world-class triathlon athletes will help boost Hua Hin’s profile on the international stage, especially in view of efforts to include a triathlon as one of Hua Hin’s official annual events.
The Triathlon is open for individual and team competitions by both men and women. It includes a 40-kilometre cycle race, a 10-kilometre run and a 1.5- kilometre swim. Prizes will be awarded in various categories, including by age. There is an entry fee of 1,500 Baht/person.
There are four main categories of prizes:
1) Olympic Distance Triathlon (Individual) prizes ranging from 1,000 – 6,000 Baht
2) Olympic Distance Triathlon (Team) prizes ranging from 3,000 – 6,000 Baht
3) Olympic Distance Duathlon (Individual) prizes ranging from 1,000 – 6,000 Baht
4) Olympic Distance Duathlon (Team) prizes ranging from 3,000 – 6,000 Baht
he registration, parade and briefing for the triathletes will be held on August 27, 2011. The opening and closing ceremony (Awards and Queen’s Cup presentation) will be held on August 28, 2011 at the Suanson Pradipat Army Hall, Hua Hin District.
Mrs Pinnat Charoenphol, Director of the TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, said, “This is a unique event for both Hua Hin and Thailand, which is becoming increasingly popular as a sports destination.
“Hua Hin is already known for its natural and historic attractions. The triathlon, now its third year and growing in strength, will go a long way towards enhancing its appeal as a sports destination.”
Located about 200 kilometres south of Bangkok, Hua Hin is the country’s oldest beach resort, having been popularised by Thai royalty in the 1920s. A number of world-class golf courses, hotels and resorts, health and spa facilities have put Hua Hin even more into the international spotlight.
Hua Hin and its sister resort Cha-am are among the seven magnificent destinations on the east coast of Thailand.
In 2010, accommodation establishments in Hua Hin reported 1,043,907 guest arrivals, of which 714,605 were Thais. Amongst the foreigners, the top ten arrivals were from Finland (44,480), Norway (41,652), Sweden (37,657), Germany (34,947), United Kingdom (28,613), Denmark (20,767), Netherlands (17,848), Australia (11,133), Switzerland (10,066) and Russia (9,720).
Tourism earnings in 2010 totalled 10.58 billion Baht, up +15.15% over 2009.
To download the application form and get further information, please check out www.huahintriathlon.com
