The VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam 2024, the largest triathlon race in the country, officially kicked off in Da Nang on Friday morning.

Delegates cutting the ribbon to kick off the triathlon race

In his speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the sporting event, Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Trong Thao said that the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam was the most notable and anticipated sporting event of the year, with the participation of thousands of athletes from around the world. Da Nang is very proud to continue to be the host location for this year’s event.

Notably, this year marks the 9^th anniversary of IRONMAN 70.3 in the city, aiming to celebrate a decade of the event being successfully held on the world IRONMAN map.

Mr. Thao added that to ensure the success of the sporting event, the municipal Department of Public Security has developed a plan to ensure security and order during the event.

Specifically, the police force get involved in traffic coordination, security and order along racetrack, as well as managing accommodation activities for athletes and visitors.

Road users and vehicles will be banned from travelling on one lane along the race route:  Bathing area at the Son Thuy Beach - Truong Sa Street - Vo Nguyen Giap Street - Hoang Sa Street - Le Van Luong Street - Le Duc Tho Street - Thuan Phuoc Bridge - Nguyen Tat Thanh Street - turn around at the end of Nguyen Tat Thanh Street - Thuan Phuoc Bridge - Le Duc Tho Street - Hoang Sa Street - Vo Nguyen Giap Street - Truong Sa Street - turn around at the end of Truong Sa Street - finish line at Son Thuy Beach.

Mr. Thao remarked that VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam 2024 was not only a sports competition, but also a festival expressing the spirit of solidarity and friendship with international friends, demonstrating the friendliness and gentleness of Da Nang people in particular and Vietnamese people in general.

“The event also contributes to promoting the movement of sports in general, and the movement of triathlon in particular in Da Nang. Typically, many triathlon clubs have been set up in Da Nang and many other localities in recent years” he said.

The VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam 2024 promises to be dramatic and exciting. IN PHOTOS: Athletes competing in the ocean swimming event at the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam 2023 competition.

Co-organised by the Sunrise Events Vietnam (SEV) and the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, this year’s event takes place at the Son Thuy Beach in Ngu Hanh Son District, attracting nearly 3,000 athletes from 52 countries worldwide.

In particular, about 500 runners joined the Newborns Viet Nam Runout charity race slated on May 10, whilst 645 children aged between 5 and 15 have registered to race in the IRONKIDS on May 11. There is the SUNRISE SPRINT Vietnam for beginners.

The main competition of the IRONMAN 70.3 will take place on May 12 with the participation of more than 1,700 athletes.

Professional athletes will challenge in the men’s and women’s 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run on May 12 morning from the departure at the beach of the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa.

The racetrack stretching along the coast and passing through famous landmarks provides a good opportunity for participating athletes to explore the beauty of the city.

In addition, within the framework of the race, the IRONMAN village will introduce sports products and services, providing an interesting shopping experience for athletes, residents and visitors.

According to Mr. Onslo Carrington, General Director of Sunrise Events Vietnam, the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam is the largest triathlon race in the country. It brings opportunities for athletes from all over the world to come to Viet Nam.

In this year's sporting event, the organisers hope to see all athletes move forward and enjoy the race on beautiful, iconic roads of Da Nang.

In particular, with the diversity of competition categories, each family will have the opportunity to participate in 4 competitions, making the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam event more attractive. This is a competition for all families, all ages and all athletic levels.

“The VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam opens up opportunities for athletes to conquer international arenas. It is significantly contributing to the journey of developing domestic sports and promoting national tourism growth. Notably, the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam inspires athletes to conquer their own limits and break personal records" Mr. Onslo Carrington emphasised.

At the end of the competition, top 34 athletes with the best results will have qualifying slots to attend the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship slated on December 14 and 15 in Taupō, New Zealand.

In addition, the top 5 female athletes in each age group category will win tickets to the IRONMA2024 world championship in France.

Reporting by PHI NONG - Translating by M.DUNG