The Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship 2019 is taking place in Da Nang from 9 - 12 May, attracting a total of over 2,000 athletes from around 50 countries and territories worldwide. This event, in deed, offers a good opportunity for the city to advertise its image to international friends.

The outstanding athletes of the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship 2019 receiving mementoes from the Da Nang authorities

This year’s Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship serves as a qualifying race for the 2019 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France, on 7 and 8 September, with 50 qualifying slots available.

Under the event’s rule, today (12 May), participants was treated to a fast and scenic course that began with a 1.9–km ocean swim in front of the beautiful Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort & Spa, host hotel and race central. From there, athletes enjoyed a scenic two–loop 90–km bike course on smooth, well paved roads that run along Da Nang's pristine coastline and pass some of the city's key landmarks. The final 21–km out–and–back run course is flat and passes many of Da Nang's famous beach resorts before returning to the Hyatt for a stunning beach front finish.

In particular, some fascinating cultural activities were held successfully on the sidelines of the event in order to encourage visitors to extend their stay periods in the city.

On 10 May, a charity run, called Newborns Viet Nam Run Out, took place in the city. The 5 km race aimed to raise funds for Newborns Viet Nam in a bid to help to reduce the neonatal mortality in Viet Nam and other South East Asian countries.

On 11 May, another triathlon competition, entitled ‘Sunrise Sprint Viet Nam’ (or S2), was held, offering a 750m beach swim, 20km fast and flat bike course, and 5km run that features a stunning beach front finish. Besides, Ironkids Viet Nam was organised for domestic and foreign children aged between 5 and 14. Contestants aged from 5 - 10 participated in a 70m swim and a 1km run, whilst those from 11 - 14 completed at a 140m swim and a 2km run.

Over the past 5 years, the annual Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam has helped to advertise the image of Viet Nam on the world triathlon map, as well as make Da Nang a favourite rendezvous for international athletes worldwide.

Ironman Asia Pacific CEO Geoff Meyer remarked that VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam triathlon is one of the best competitions in the Asia-Pacific region over recent years.

Viet Nam is only the second country in Southeast Asia to host the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship after the Philippines in 2018.

Amongst the participants at the ongoing event are defending Ironman World Champions Craig Alexander and Patrick Lange, along with Ms Holly Lawrence, the 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion, and Ms Radka Kahlefeldt, the defending VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam Champion.

Ms Radka Kahlefeldt from the Czech Republic, said Viet Nam is one of her favourite countries. She had unforgettable moments during her stay full of fun, warmth and intimacy in Da Nang for VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam Champion 2018.

“I recommend you to come here with your family and friends to enjoy and explore beautiful Viet Nam after this year’s competition, especially to experience delicious food and warm welcome given by Da Nang”, said the Czech professional athlete.

Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship 2019 is much expected to prove greatly successful, hereby making Da Nang's image even more beautiful in the eyes of international friends.