Kids start at the IronKid Viet Nam, a prelude to the 2022 VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam in Đà Nẵng on Saturday. The main race will be held on Sunday (May 8). Photo courtesy VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam

ĐÀ NẴNG — More than 360 children entered the Ironkids Viet Nam race by starting aquathlon and triathlon events for age groups from 5 to 14, in one of the first sports activities of the 2022 VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam on Saturday (May 7).

The day also saw 340 sportsmen and women racing in the Sunrise Sprint Viet Nam, with Romeo Perthuis winning the men’s division while Alex Ryland taking the women’s medal.

The two sporting events, which preluded the 2022 VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam, marked the strong return of the largest sports event in Việt Nam after a two-day delay due to COVID-19.

The main race will begin in the early morning on Sunday (May 8).

A female triathlete checks the finish line of the 2022 VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam in Đà Nẵng. More than 2,500 athletes will be racing in the event, of which 1,100 are Vietnamese. Photo courtesy of 2022 VNG IRONMAN 70.3 Viet Nam

The race this year saw a record number of 1,100 Vietnamese athletes, making the first-ever crowd of Vietnamese triathletes and the continued development of the triathlon community in Việt Nam since the event was held first time in Đà Nẵng in 2015.

It also showed off their vital spirit, daring to face challenges and breaking their own limits of Vietnamese people through sports.

The 2022 VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam with the key theme ‘Embracing challenges’ has drawn 2,500 athletes in various events throughout the weekend.

Raymond Tan, Chief Financial Officer of VNG and an athlete participating in Ironman 70.3 distance, said: "Since our very first race in 2015, VNG has actively supported Ironman 70.3 to help lift community spirit, enhance sportsmanship, and inspire participants to cross their thresholds."

"Aligning with this year's theme: 'Embracing challenges,' VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam expects all participants to push forward while enjoying iconic routes and scenic views that Đà Nẵng city offers."

This edition, VNG Ironman70.3 Viet Nam presents the honour medal made from high-class Minh Long I ceramics with the theme ‘Glorious hugs’ symbolising a congratulatory hug from the teammates, family, friends and athletes.

The organisers have also introduced the unique finisher shirt made from recycled polyester. This product created by MUDE - High-Performance Sports Apparel carries the message of green living for the community and environment.

Representative of Sunrise Events Vietnam, Onslo Carrington, General Manager and Race Director, said: "Participating in this sporting event is not only for the pride of winning but also bringing more value. These tickets open up opportunities to conquer international races, develop domestic sports and contribute to tourism growth."

"By bringing national pride to the world through prestigious medals, this is an event where athletes express themselves with a love of sport, especially the triathlon, which has become more meaningful than ever."

By participating in the event, athletes will have the opportunity to conquer 70 slots to attend the Ironman 70.3 World Championship from October 28 to 29, 2022, in St. George, Utah, US.

In addition, there are 25 entries from the Women For Tri program to encourage and honour female athletes in the international arena.

A man tests a bike at the Ironman village of the VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam in the Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort&Spa. Photo courtesy of VNG IRONMAN 70.3 Viet Nam

The 6th edition of 2022 VNG Ironman 70.3 Viet Nam is organised by Sunrise Events Vietnam with the support from the Department of Culture & Sports of Đà Nẵng and the title sponsor, VNG.

The 2022 VNG Ironman 70.3 Việt Nam will offer 70 qualifying slots for the 2022 Ironman 70.3 World Championship held in St George, Utah, from October 28-29, including 25 qualifying slots for Women. — VNS