Up to 3,000 triathletes from 52 countries and territories, including a record-breaking 1,532 Vietnamese participants, are vying in the 2024 VinFast Ironman 70.3 Vietnam, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, in the central city of Da Nang from Friday to Sunday.

To complete the Ironman 70.3 challenge, athletes must conquer a 1.9km ocean swim, a 90km cycling leg, and a 21km run along a scenic coastal route, passing through Da Nang’s iconic landmarks.

The main Ironman 70.3 competition is scheduled for Sunday, with over 1,700 participants. 

Competitors will vie for 34 qualifying spots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand on December 14-15, along with reserved spots for the Top 5 female athletes in each age group at the 2024 Ironman World Championship race, to be held in Nice, France on September 22.

Besides contending with the demanding course, athletes face the challenge of Da Nang’s hot weather conditions, with a heat index peaking at 39 degrees Celsius. 

Volunteers spray water to cool down a triathlete at the 2024 VinFast Ironman 70.3 Vietnam in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, May 10, 2024. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Consequently, logistics, water supply, and medical support receive heightened attention along the race route.

According to Nguyen Trong Thao, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports, the Ironman 70.3 Vietnam competition serves as a cornerstone sports tourism event in the local annual calendar. 

“This event not only showcases sports prowess but also fosters cultural exchange and tourism, elevating Vietnam as a premier destination for sports and cultural gatherings,” Thao emphasized.

To enhance spectator engagement, the new swimming and running routes are designed to be spectator-friendly, featuring multiple loops. 

Triathletes compete at the 2024 VinFast Ironman 70.3 Vietnam in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, May 10, 2024. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Thao noted that the athletes’ route still traverses Ngo Quyen Street, which serves as the gateway to the busy Tien Sa Port, as in previous years. 

However, to prevent traffic congestion experienced last year, the organizing committee collaborated with authorities to notify Tien Sa Port and other transportation units well in advance about traffic restrictions.

“Information regarding the dates and times of traffic restrictions has been disseminated through coordinated efforts with transportation units and widely publicized in the media,” Thao stated. 

Additionally, during the event days, other activities include the Newborns Vietnam Run Out charity race, the short-distance Sunrise Sprint Vietnam race for beginners, and the Ironkids Vietnam race, which features aquathlon and triathlon events for children aged five to 15 years old.

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