The closing and awards ceremony for the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam 2024 took place at the Son Thuy Beach in Da Nang’s Ngu Hanh Son District on Sunday evening.

Due to large waves, the organisers changed the swimming route to ensure the safety of the athletes and the success of the race.

During the 4^th time returning to Da Nang, the race brought many emotions to the competing athletes as well as the cheering fans.

In the men's event, Fabien Celeste from France was crowned the champion with a record of 3 hours 56 mins 9 secs. He was followed by Chia Hao Chang from China and Robert Dendle from the USA who finished in 3 hours, 58 mins and 17 secs, and 3 hours 59 mins 6 secs, respectively.

In the women’s event, Ana Garcia Rodas from Guatemala took the first prize with a time of 4 hours, 23 mins and 7 secs.

Vietnamese athlete Nguyen Thi Kim Cuong who was champion of the 2024 national triathlon championship finished in the second place with a time of 4 hours 27 mins 59 secs. Meanwhile, the third prize went to Nguyen Tra My from Viet Nam who finished the race in 4 hours 34 mins 24 secs.

As the first person to cross the finish line, Fabien Celeste could not hide his joy. He said that the race brought him exciting and interesting experiences. Not only did he explore the beautiful roads and landscapes, and impressive bridges of the city, he had the opportunity to explore his own limits.

He hoped to have the opportunity to return to Da Nang to participate in the next races.

“This year's swimming conditions are very difficult due to large waves. However, the organisers do a good job of adjusting the swimming route, ensuring safety for contestants. Today is a difficult day and I am proud to overcome it,” said Fabien Celeste.

Athletes were given water during the race by vounteers

Athlete Fabien Celeste from France won the first prize in the men's event

In the women’s event, Ana Garcia Rodas from Guatemala took the first prize with a time of 4 hours, 23 mins and 7 secs.

Nguyen Thi Kim Cuong was the Vietnamese athlete with the best performance at the race with second place in the women's category.

Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Trong Thao gave awards to the top 3 male finishers

Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Trong Thao presented awards to the top 3 female finishers.

Reporting by PHI NONG, BAO LAM - Translating by M.DUNG, T.TUNG