My journey towards Ironman immortality

ANILA, Philippines - My story started four years ago at the finish line of Ironman Malaysia 2008 in Langkawi — a full-distance Ironman that involved a 3.8k open-sea swim, a 180k bike race and 42k run — all within a 17-hour cutoff. I trained for almost 20 weeks for that race, which took me 17 hours and six minutes to complete. Yes, I missed the cutoff by a painful six minutes! They gave me the finisher’s medal, but I was unable to earn the distinction of being called Ironman. Thus began an obsession that would take me four years to conquer.
For the uninitiated, the full Ironman is probably the most grueling endurance sport there is. It starts with a 3.8k swim, which is like swimming the length of EDSA from the Buendia intersection to Roxas Blvd, within a 2:15 period. Immediately after that, one has to mount a bike and ride for 180k. This is like biking from SM Mall of Asia to the foot of Baguio in La Union. The cutoff for this leg is about eight hours. If one does not make it to the cutoff, he will be pulled out of the course and the day ends for him. Finally, after the tough swim and long bike ride, one caps the race with a full 42k marathon. This is equivalent to running from La Union and heading back to Pampanga. In the Philippines, the only official Ironman race is a 70.3 miler, which is sometimes called a “half Ironman.”
It is an extremely painful and exhausting endeavor for sure, but that’s what makes it appealing. It is the challenge of pushing yourself to the extreme limits of physical — and oftentimes even psychological — capacity. Once you cross the finish line, the announcer calls out your name and shouts “You are an Ironman!” To hardcore triathletes, this is the ultimate confirmation that one is indeed a member of the rare breed of people who have completed the distance.
In Langkawi, I was totally devastated to learn that I had just missed the cutoff by a mere six minutes. This meant I had to carve out another 20 weeks of my life to train for another Ironman and go through the same agonizing experience to lay claim to the distinction of having conquered the extreme challenge.

Full story here..

AL :-

Interesting story about determination to reach for IRONMAN Status..

I salute you Greg..

No Sponsor, So This Year's Ironman Langkawi Cancelled

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- This year's Ironman Langkawi Malaysia Triathlon has been cancelled due sponsorship problem.

Its director, Datuk A. Chandrakumanan, said the organiser would try to hold the championship next year. The championship was to enter its 12th edition this year.

"The organiser, Syarikat Ironman Malaysia Sdn Bhd, needs RM3 million to hold the event.

"The company is not able to meet the rising cost so we asked the Youth and Sports Ministry to take over as the organiser but have not received positive feedback," he told Bernama.

The organiser had no choice but to cancel the event this year due to time constraint in looking for sponsors and in finding a slot in the World Ironman calendar, he added.

He said that the company would have to pay RM1 million to the ironman's rights holder, World Triathlon Cooperation (WTC), to organise the Langkawi Ironman.

"I will meet the Youth and Sports Ministry to ensure that the championship can be held next year," he said.

The Langkawi Ironman involves 3.8km of swimming, 180.2km of cycling and 42km of running. The championship is one of the qualifying rounds for the world ironman championship in Kona, Hawaii.

The Langkawi Ironman was supposed to be held in February this year.

-- BERNAMA

 

AL :-

More cancelled event. I think the organizer should be more active in finding sponsorship. Its not fair when money not coming it then organiser start asking government to take over. 

I love the event. However, when sponsorship is a problem better call it of.. 

Langkawi Ironman Postponed To May

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- The 12th edition of Ironman Langkawi triathlon championship has been postponed to May, the organiser said, citing financial constraints.

The event's director, A. Chandrakumanan said he had requested that the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) assist in the registration of athletes for the championship, which was to be held next month.

"I am aware that the postponement will affect the athletes' participation. I wouldn't want to disappoint those who are keen to take part, who have been asking me about this year's championship," he told Bernama.

Full story here.

AL :-

Well, hopefully some allocation can be made from Ministry of Youth to help the event. But not to the extend support all the cost.

Ironman Langkawi Hoping For Sports Ministry Bail Out

LANGKAWI, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- Plagued by financial difficulties, organizers of the Ironman Langkawi Malaysia Triathlon are hoping the Ministry of Youth and Sports will take over the event for 2011.

Ironman Langkawi's event director Datuk A. Chandrakumanan said discussions would be held with the ministry soon.

"An appeal letter will be forwarded to the ministry soon," he told Bernama when contacted on Sunday.

Chandrakumanan said the reason for the takeover request was due to lack of support and financial assistance for Ironman Malaysia Sdn Bhd, to organise such a mega event.

"Every year the cost of organizing the event which is into its 11th edition, requires at least RM3 million to cater for the overall expenditure which include prize money, food, transport, accommodation and staff," he said.

He hoped the ministry would consider the takeover proposal since the event had been a major championship that helped promote the country globally.

Ironman Langkawi which normally attracts top class competitors from around the world is an event that comprises three grueling main disciplines - swimming 3.8km, cycling 180.2km and a 42km run.

The event also acts as a qualifying championship for the World Championships held in Kona, Hawaii every year.

Chandrakumanan said organising the event had largely contributed to the promotion of the country and the tourism industry, believed to be worth between RM20 to RM30 million in revenue.

He added that the 12th edition of the championships that was scheduled for Feb 27, may have to be postponed due to the financial difficulties.

-- BERNAMA

Anaklangkawi :-
I don't know this big event having financial problem. Taken over entirely by the Sports Ministry might not be a good thing. There's also event in Langkawi need to be look upon such as the International Yatch Competition.

What i do suggest, national event such as Ironman & other should be cramp together to cut cost. Then ask or instruct LADA to participate as the main organizer.. and ask also state sport exco to participate..

Jalan Penarak Ditutup Untuk Laluan Atlet Ironman Langkawi

LANGKAWI, 24 Feb (Bernama) -- Jalan Penarak dari Hotel Seaview ke simpang lampu isyarat ke Ayer Hangat akan ditutup mulai pukul 8 pagi hingga 12 tengah malam untuk penganjuran Kejohanan Ironman Langkawi 2010 edisi ke-11, di sini Sabtu ini. Ketua Bahagian Ketenteraman Awam/Trafik Langkawi, ASP Noh Idris berkata bagi kenderaan yang datang dari arah Ayer Hangat, pengguna perlu melencong ke jalan belakang Kompleks sukan untuk ke Jeti Kuah atau Pekan Kuah."Bas-bas dari Jeti Kuah dikehendaki melencong ke Jalan Persiaran Putra Tiga sebelum Jambatan Sungai Kuah untuk ke Pekan Kuah dan lain-lain destinasi," katanya. Laluan peserta Ironman bermula dari Dataran Lang, ke Jalan Penarak, Jalan Ayer Hangat, Ulu Melaka Simpang Yooi, Padang Matsirat, Jalan Kuala Muda, Jalan Temoyong, Bukit Malut, Bukit Tekoh, Sungai Menghulu, Padang Gaong, Lubuk Semilang dan berpatah balik ke Kuah melalui Jambatan Sungai Kuah. Katanya seramai 120 pegawai dan anggota termasuk 32 anggota tambahan akan bertugas sepanjang kejohanan itu berlangsung.

-- BERNAMA

Anaklangkawi :- Nasibla ada ironman.. harap LTDL mmg takdak la kat langkawi.. Meriah sikit..

Five Local Athletes For Ironman Langkawi 2010

LANGKAWI, Feb 22 (Bernama) - Five athletes from the Langkawi Recreation Club will be among competitors vying for the Ironman Langkawi 2010 title this year to be held on Feb 27.KRL president Datuk Mansor Ismail said they were Che Mansor Khamis, 48, Izham Che Abdul Hamid 34, Chee See Seng, 40, Cheah Kean Seng, 34, and Khazali Harun, 45.Meanwhile, race director, Datuk A. Chandrakumanan, said a total of 736 athletes from 41 countries had confirmed their participation, including defending champions Luke Mackenzie (men's category) and Belinda Granger (women's category), both from Australia.He said the participants included from Germany, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, United States of America, Italy, Argentina, Belgium, Australia, Canada and the Asean countries.The triathlon championship which involves swimming (3.8km), cycling (180km) and running (42.2km) offers prizes totalling USD50,000 (about RM170,500).-- BERNAMA

Anaklangkawi :-
Harap2 menangla..

Lebih 500 Atlet Sah Sertai Ironman Antarabangsa Langkawi 2010

LANGKAWI, 21 Dis (Bernama) -- Seramai 580 peserta dari 36 buah negara sudah mengesahkan penyertaan mereka setakat ini pada Kejohanan Ironman Langkawi Malaysia yang akan berlangsung pada 27 Feb ini. Pengarah kejohanan itu, A.Chandrakumanan berkata, antara peserta-peserta yang sudah pun mengesahkan penyertaan mereka ialah Amerika Syarikat, Itali, Argentina, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Afrika Selatan, Kanada dan negara-negara Asean.

"Bagi kejohanan kesebelas ini, kita mensasar 700 peserta mengambil bahagian dan tarikh tutup penyertaan ialah pada 16 Februari tahun depan," katanya kepada Bernama ketika dihubungi Isnin. Ironman Langkawi mengandungi tiga disiplin iaitu berenang 3.8 kilometer, berbasikal 180 kilometer dan larian sejauh 42 kilometer, menjadi antara pusingan kelayakan ke kejohanan dunia 2010 di Kona, Hawaii.

Anaklangkawi :- Langkawi adalah tempat terbaik utk segala macam event. Maka dicadangkan Kerajaan Negeri mahupun Pusat buatlah sbyk mungkin acara disini..
Yg untung org langkawi jugak..