VISIT SAMOA THE ACTION CAPITAL OF THE PACIFIC THIS SUMMER AND DISCOVER YOUR INNER WARRIOR AT THE FIRST EVER SAMOA HALF IRON TRIATHLON ON 10 AUGUST 2013

Samoa is shaping up to become the Action Capital of the Pacific during the Southern Hemisphere winter months where sport-lovers can push themselves to the limit with a variety of sporting competitions, namely the inaugural ‘Samoa Half Iron Man’ Competition, on 10 August 2013 Samoa’s first long distance triathlon. Visitors are encouraged to get involved in all events and put their fitness levels to the test against the might of the Polynesians.

The Half Iron Man course runs across the main island of Upolu, a diverse landscape dotted with a lush green mountainous interior. Visitors are encouraged to come and find their inner warrior for the inaugural Samoa Half Iron triathlon. The 2km swim course will take place in Apia Harbour with the 90km ride passing through the villages to the east on the north coast of Upolu taking in some of the island’s most magnificent scenery. The 21km run is the final leg and takes in two circuits of the historic Apia Harbour. www.samoahalfironman.com

The event is the pinnacle of Samoa’s sporting summer calendar of ocean swims and multisport races. The Triathlon series is already well underway in Samoa with its fourth race taking place on 22 June 2013 providing a perfect warm up to the upcoming Samoa Half Iron Man. The Triathlon features both a long and sprint course, with the fifth race taking place on 20 July 2013 featuring an Olympic distance event with a 1km swim, 30km bike ride and a 4km run. In addition to the adult events, there is also the Tamatoa Kids Triathlon for budding athletes.

The Samoa Swim series 2013 is another perfect way to limber up muscles with some last minute training. The event runs from 31 July until 02 August 2013 and features three great swims in three days. Over this time, swimmers will cross the clear deep waters of the South Coast Tafatafa Lagoon, through the fish and coral at Falefa Falls with the final leg across the Mulivai Lagoon ending at Maninoa Beach. For experienced open water swimmers who still have the energy after the gruelling three days, there is the Pacific Open Water Challenge on 06-07 August 2013 with a 10km race around the Aggie Greys Resort Course on the first day followed by a gruelling 5km loop race around Apia Harbour on the second day.  www.swimseries.com

Find your inner warrior and come and test your strength against some of the best. For more information visit the events section on www.samoa.travel

-ENDS-

For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Tel: +44 208 877 4512

E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

Notes to editors:

Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific

The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails.

Interested in a Press Visit to experience the Samoa Half Iron Man yourself? Contact Samoa Tourism Authority's London Press Office for more information.