Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore – The Lion Roars into Year Two!

The second edition of the acclaimed Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore triathlon is all set for some hot laps of Singapore on September 7th, and with the entry now open for individual entries, and there’s big news afoot for the event that was the first Ironman 70.3 race in Asia.

September is a big month in Singapore. It commences with the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore and it finishes with the world’s first ever Formula One Grand Prix, under lights!

So, in regard to triathlon, Singapore has gone all out in ‘08, with the Aviva Ironman 70.3 equalling the world’s best pay packet for pro athletes, with $50,000USD on offer to the elite field.

The best prize money in the world outside of the USA is sure to attract some stars and already defending champion, and Ironman Malaysia winner, Belinda Granger has booked her stay in Singapore for September!

Not lost on Belinda is the awesome similarity in conditions in Singapore, Kona and Florida!

Also a first for the new event is International television coverage with a deal inked to bring the race to a minimum of 160 countries worldwide.

For 2008 there’s a new swim course, revised bike course and changes to the run course all of which signal the intentions of Hi-Tri (Singapore), organisers of the Aviva Ironman 70.3 to go forward from the inaugural race, and aspiring to further improve the event for and even greater memories and a sensational experience for triathletes, local and international.

Backed by naming sponsor Aviva, the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore is looking to emulate the real Ironman experience in miniature. That’s half the distance, one third of the pain, but three times the enjoyment and in an action packed three-day program!

Race Course Refinements
Following lessons learned in year one, Race Director Graeme Hannan and Course Director, Jeffrey Foo have been hard at work.

The swim course has been physically shifted some kilometres closer to the CBD of Singapore itself and is situated in Singapore’s stunning east coast park lands, as an inshore ocean swim.

The ride will once again take competitors on a tour of ‘down town’ Singapore. It’s an absolutely unique view of one of the world’s major cities and gateway to Asia. And it is based on smooth tarmac, that means fast roads folks!

“The revised course presents participants with a great and doable challenge’, says Race Director, Graeme Hannan. “Course Director, Jeffrey Foo has been exploring some fantastic options with the local authorities and we hope soon to confirm and announce this revised course, which should prove fast, safe and ultra competitive.”

Meantime the run, currently based largely along the banks of the Singapore River, the Marina area, and in local parklands will also be revised to meld with the bike and swim locations while keeping the best assets of the 2007 inaugural event.

Already volunteer numbers and the event infrastructure look to surpass 2007 standards and the entry numbers are already approaching the halfway point of the field maximum, set at 1500.

All race information and secure online entry can be found at the comprehensive event site at /www.ironman703singapore.com.

A Great Program:
The Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore offers more than a great race in a spectacular location. There’s up to 26 weeks of training through the Aeromax International programs available to all as they enter the event to use where ever they live and this program is backed by many seminars, sessions and further programs in Singapore, to assist the local athletes.

Registration for the event is open now at /www.ironman703singapore.com; with race week registration opening Thursday before the event and closing Saturday morning.

A stunning and surprise Carbo party before the event, and a great presentation party are planned to follow the event and both are contained in the entry fee!

There’s also a unique Finisher’s medal, towel and a surprise event garment!

Triathlonphotos will cover the action, Power Bar will fuel the participants and many local and international sponsors and others will form a great Expo for pre-race perusal too.

Detailed information and an extensive FAQ of race facts is all assembled in the event website at www.ironman703singapore.com together with some great accommodation deals that range from six star luxury in the Ritz Carlton Singapore through to good three star comfort in a range of properties...

Making It Real – The Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Goes To Market:

Continuing from an innovative marketing program for the event in 2007, the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore this year once again features local athletes. Our swimmer for 2008 is Jong Thai Yann, known as Jong, our cyclist is Shem Leong, known as Shem and our runner is the determined Elvia Suryadi.

Despite shifting the swim, changing the cycle and revising the run, the new and improved course is still centred on the CBD of the sensational city of Singapore and our intrepid trio – the faces of the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore have joined with many of the local Singaporean athletes in currently tracking our course crew as we develop the exciting changes for the 2008 event!

The creative revolves around these three athletes, who are also featured in conjunction with three of Singapore’s most iconic landscapes.

Each pre-race newsletter features one of these athletes and the icon they are pictured with. You can sign on for the newsletter through the official website.

Eat, Drink And Be Merry
Singapore is famous for its cleanliness, safety, sensational shopping and the even more sensational food; representing pretty much anywhere in the world – which is good, because in 2007 representatives from some 50 countries raced here!!

A great tourism destination, there’s plenty to do after competition – so come for the race, stay for the holiday!

We wish you safe training, and hope to see you in Singapore

The Hi-Tri (Singapore) Team