Gala-launch--2012-Ironman-Asia-Pacific-Championship-Melbourne

Craig Alexander was among a bevy of Ironman athletes who attended the gala launch of the 2012 Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Melbourne today.

The Ironman world champion had his first look at the course this morning and was full of praise for organisers.

“I’ve had a chance to look at some of the course and am amazed at how these guys have managed to pull together it all together,' Alexander said during the press conference party.

“I’ve got 6 more weeks and you don’t turn up to a Championship event not in shape, so I plan on being in great shape on March 25."

The course includes a 3.8km swim in the Frankston Foreshore, a fast and smooth 180km bike on the EastLink Tollway and 42.2km Brooks run from Frankston to the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship finish line, located at the iconic St. Kilda Sea Baths.

To demonstrate the pace he'll be setting during the 42.2km marathon, Alexander competed in a treadmill ‘run off’ with 2010 Ironman world champion Mirinda Carfrae (pictured).

Other guests at the event included Belinda Granger, Pete Jacobs and former V8 Supercar driver Paul Dumbrell.

2012 Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Melbourne has a professional prize purse of USD $125,000. The event will take place on 25 March 2012.

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