The VinFast Ironman 70.3 Vietnam challenges athletes to conquer three grueling disciplines: a 1.9km ocean swim, a 90km bike ride, and a 21km run. This year’s event, held in the coastal city of Da Nang, Vietnam, promises to be a scorcher, with temperatures soaring to 39 degrees Celsius.
Over 1,700 participants will take on the main Ironman 70.3 competition on Sunday, vying for 34 qualifying spots at the upcoming Ironman 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand. The top 5 female athletes in each age group will also secure their place at the 2024 Ironman World Championship in Nice, France.
The race route presents a unique set of challenges, with athletes not only pushing their physical limits but also battling the extreme heat. To ensure the safety of the competitors, logistics, water supply, and medical support have been meticulously planned and heightened along the course.
Volunteers combat the heat by spraying water on a triathlete during the 2024 VinFast Ironman 70.3 Vietnam. The race takes place in Da Nang, known for its hot weather conditions. Source: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre |
Nguyen Trong Thao, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports, underlines the significance of the event: “The Ironman 70.3 Vietnam is a cornerstone of our sports tourism calendar. It showcases not just athletic excellence but also fosters cultural exchange and promotes Vietnam as a premier destination for international sports and cultural events.”
To enhance the spectator experience, the swimming and running routes have been redesigned with multiple loops, offering more opportunities for spectators to cheer on the athletes.
Triathletes push themselves to the limit during the 2024 VinFast Ironman 70.3 Vietnam. Source: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre |
Thao also noted that the race route includes Ngo Quyen Street, leading to the busy Tien Sa Port, as in previous years. However, to avoid last year’s traffic congestion, the organizing committee worked closely with authorities to implement traffic restrictions, ensuring smooth travel for all involved.
“We’ve taken proactive measures to inform Tien Sa Port and other transportation units about the necessary restrictions,” Thao stated, adding that the information has been widely disseminated through various media outlets.
The event also features additional activities, including the Newborns Vietnam Run Out charity race, the Sunrise Sprint Vietnam for beginners, and the Ironkids Vietnam race, encouraging children aged five to 15 to participate in aquathlon and triathlon events.
Central region to host diverse activities to celebrate New Year 2019
NDO – Cities and provinces in Vietnam’s central region will host a wide range of activities in celebration of New Year 2019.