Ironman fever hits Colombo

Sri Lankans, from its tribal groups to its differently- abled, are seeking to showcase to the world their competitiveness and ability to become the next Ironman. The mega Ironman 70.3 Colombo competition, the first ever in South Asia, will see over 3000 athletes and their families from 63 countries participate in a triathlon on February 25 at the Galle Face.

The event has 870 overseas participants expected to generate a revenue totalling over US$3 million which is a direct economic impact to the country during the period of the triathlon, organisers stated at a media briefing held in Colombo at the Shangri-La Hotel on Tuesday.

Ironman is a sporting event that involves running, swimming and cycling with the average age of participants at 39 years but its oldest participant was 81 years and the youngest, a 19 year old.

The Pro Am Serendib marketing portfolio reached more than 30, 000 Ironman registrants, many of which often travel to multiple events each year.

Sri Lankan swimming champion Julian Bolling also a Director of Pro Am Serendib, said that this event aims to bring communities together.

He noted that Sri Lanka has some unity teams created with athletes from the North, South and East while there are multi- ple visually impaired athletes, and a tribal person by the name of Punchi Banda.

The top 30 participants would have an opportunity to qualify for a slot to the 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in South Africa this year.

Sri Lanka To u r i s m Promotion Bureau Managing Director Sutheash Balasubramaniam noted that since Sri Lanka has lost its time “we need to catch up and look at non- orthodox and non- tradi- tional ways of promoting Sri Lanka.”

He pointed out that during this period of the triathlon the hotels, restaurants and retailers should come alive as it could help all stakeholders to benefit to take this to greater heights.

The MD also noted that they were likely to host another 70.3 event next year as well by taking it to the provinces covering the cultural triangle, the south or even to Passikudah.