DESARU COAST TO HOST THE XTERRA MALAYSIA SPECIAL EDITION 2018

Desaru Coast Hosts the World’s First Duathlon at the International Extreme Sports Event

XTERRA Malaysia Special Edition 2018, the world’s premier series of off-road extreme multisport competitions announces the world’s first duathlon in Malaysia, thanks to Desaru Coast who will play host to this Special Edition. The Special Edition format has two categories, duathlon, and trail running. For the first time in the world, this one-of-a-kind competition organized by Tough Gorilla, will make its debut in Malaysia.

XTERRA Malaysia Special Edition 2018 provides extreme sports athletes from across the region and Malaysia, a chance to compete in the stunning scenic landscape of Desaru Coast. The event will also carry out workshops by professional athletes and certified coaches. For athletes traveling with their families, the Special Edition offers a shorter 5km route for a lighter challenge off-road.

“We are very excited to be the venue host of XTERRA Malaysia Special Edition 2018. The natural landscape in Desaru Coast makes it a fitting venue for the world’s first duathlon and we look forward to welcome all extreme sportsmen and women in Malaysia and from all over the world." said Philip Whittaker, Chief Executive Officer – Integrated Theme Parks & Attractions (“ITPA”) and Chief Commercial Officer of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd.

The event will take place over a three-day period starting 28 September to 30 September 2018 and the majority of athletes’ will range between 25 to 45 years of age. This event will give the locals an international sporting experience as there will be participants from the Asia Pacific and other regions.

“We sincerely hope that visitors and participants will receive an unforgettable experience through the unique ambiance and race routes. Malaysia has continuously proven itself to be a suitable destination for internationally renowned sporting events such as Ironman and Oceanman, attracting thousands of athletes and participants from all over the world. These extreme multisport competitions cultivate strong sporting sentiments for the country over the years, we are honoured to be part of it once again, at Johor’s upcoming hidden gem, Desaru Coast,” said Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director General Tourism Malaysia.

In addition, international sporting events such as XTERRA will play an important role in helping boost the local economy through tourism from participants and spectators. This will promote Johor not just as a mere transit point for travellers but as an international tourist hub; eventually making the tourism sector a key contributor in the state’s economic development.

XTERRA Malaysia Special Edition 2018 is supported by The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia Major Events, Johor Tourism, Johor Sports Council and Desaru Coast as the venue sponsor. Located in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia, Desaru Coast is a multi-phase development that includes one of the world’s largest waterparks – the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, two championship golf courses, world-renowned hotels and resorts, a retail village and a Conference Centre. Desaru Coast hosts three international hotel brands under its wing, the Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast. Far from the saturated property and investment environments, the location is perfectly situated in the southern gateway to Malaysia which can be easily accessible by land, ferry and air for both domestic and international travelers.

From left, Azura Zainol Abidin, Managing Director Tough Gorilla, Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director General Tourism Malaysia and Philip Whittaker, Chief Executive Officer – Integrated Theme Parks & Attractions (“ITPA”) and Chief Commercial Officer of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd.

“We are honoured to organise such an event and would like to thank all our partners for having the confidence and trust in us with an event in such a scale. Execution and planning for events like this requires experience, hard work, dedication and to be able to cater to everyone’s needs. It is of utmost importance that we ensure that the event is carried out seamlessly and efficiently with success,” said Azura Zainol Abidin, Managing Director, Tough Gorilla.

For more information on the event, please visit XTERRA Malaysia Special Edition 2018 or log on to Desaru Coast and Desaru Coast Malaysia Facebook to find out more about the destination and its unique offerings.