A master of not one but three sports, triathletes are the gold standard of resilience, operating in a league of their own. The Ironman 70.3 is a keystone event in the triathlon calendar. Sometimes called the Half Ironman, it serves as an ideal training ground for seasoned triathletes and the perfect launchpad for first-timers. “Each year, we see about 20 per cent first-time athletes racing in the event,” says CG Lim, regional director of The IRONMAN Group, Malaysia.
The upcoming Ironman 70.3 is set to take place at the Desaru Coast on 25 May 2025. Lim provides a brief rundown of the race, which begins as early as 5am. Participants will be led to the swim start, where they will complete a 1.2-mile (1.9km) swim, followed by a 56-mile (90km) bike course, before finishing the race with a 13.1-mile (21km) run. The total 70.3-mile distance of the race is the source of its iconic name. By comparison, a full Ironman covers a total of 140.6 miles. All athletes will have up to eight and a half hours to complete the race.
“What truly sets Desaru Coast apart is how the race activates the entire destination,” says Karina Ridzuan, director of business services, Destination Resorts and Hotels Sdn. Bhd. While the Desaru Coast is a dream destination for travellers, beyond its scenic views and clear blue waters, it is also a prime location for international festivals and events such as the Ironman 70.3. “Athletes and supporters alike are invited to experience the full hospitality of our integrated destination, including the high-energy social hub of market vendors, interactive games, workshops, and wellness activities curated by Pasar Seloka at Riverside Festival Village,” Ridzuan continues.
This also includes revelling in the full luxury of the resorts at Desaru Coast. With its state-of-the-art fitness facilities, the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is offering an exclusive stay package this year for athletes and supporters to not only relax and recover in style, but to also enjoy the on-site training spaces designed for athletes to prepare for the race.
“Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas offers a rare combination of factors that makes it ideal for athletes: expansive coastal terrain perfect for cycling and running, a serene and distraction-free environment for recovery, and a curated wellness programme that supports both physical and mental performance,” says Farah C. Jaber, area general manager of Minor Hotels, Malaysia.
The resort takes its approach to luxury a step further by truly embracing the spirit of athletic excellence. Guests can enjoy daily superfood breakfasts crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, take part in guided yoga and stretching sessions, receive technical support for bicycle repairs, and take full advantage of the convenient proximity to Ironman clinics—all designed to assist guests in making the most of their stay with ultimate ease and comfort.
“This initiative aligns with our ongoing commitment to wellness-driven travel,” Jaber says. “Today’s athletes are seeking destinations that cater to both high-performance training and meaningful recovery—and we’re proud to offer a luxury experience that does exactly that, in a setting that inspires balance, focus, and rejuvenation.”
