The Vietnam Triple Iron ultra-triathlon is an extraordinary endurance challenge featuring a 114km swim, a 5,400km bike ride, and a 1,266km run. This incredible event pushes athletes to their limits and beyond, requiring an unparalleled combination of physical strength, mental fortitude, and unwavering determination.
One athlete who has become synonymous with conquering such daunting feats is Thanh Vu. At 34 years old, she has already established herself as a familiar name in the world of ultra-endurance sports, both in Vietnam and internationally.
On October 15, Thanh Vu added another remarkable achievement to her list of accomplishments. She completed the Triple Deca Continuous triathlon, held in Desenzano del Garda, Italy, from September 1 to October 16. This event was a true test of human endurance, covering a total distance of 2,301km, equivalent to three times the length of Vietnam’s National Highway 1A – the longest road in the country.
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| Thanh Vu, focused and determined during the bike ride portion of the Triple Deca Continuous triathlon |
Thanh Vu’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. She completed the entire course in 1,044 hours, seven minutes, and 45 seconds, finishing well ahead of the 1,088-hour time limit. Her split times for each discipline were equally impressive: 95 hours 47 minutes for the swim, 535 hours 53 minutes 56 seconds for the bike ride, and an incredible 403 hours 35 minutes 23 seconds for the run.
Out of the 14 competitors who embarked on this journey, only eight made it to the finish line, further emphasizing the enormity of the challenge. In her Facebook post following the race, Thanh Vu poignantly reflected on the experience, noting that the greatest opponent we ever face is ourselves. The Triple Deca Continuous, she emphasized, is not merely a race but a battle of physical and mental strength.
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| Thanh Vu, embodying the spirit of endurance as she pushes through the Triple Deca Continuous |
Thanh Vu’s triumph at the Vietnam Triple Iron ultra-triathlon adds to her already impressive resume. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Vietnamese national to win the Deca Ultratriathlon World Championship in Switzerland. That achievement, in itself, was a testament to her incredible talent and dedication, as she swam 38 kilometers, cycled 1,800 kilometers, and ran 422 kilometers in a total time of 328 hours 27 minutes and 55 seconds.
Today, Thanh Vu continues to inspire and motivate others as a manager at an enterprise in Vietnam, sharing her unwavering spirit and passion with those around her.
Dragon boat racing on Cat Ba Island excites crowds
The annual dragon boat race on Cat Ba Island in the northern port city of Hai Phong made a big splash with festivalgoers on March 31, with participants enthusiastically racing in the dynamic competition.
