Triathlon

Nguyễn Trà My of Việt Nam crosses the finish line of the BIM Group 5150 Triathlon event which was organised for the first time on Việt Nam's Phú Quốc Island. Photos of Sunrise Events Vietnam

PHÚ QUỐC — Matan Nemenoff of Israel and Nguyễn Trà My of Việt Nam won the first BIM Group 5150 Triathlon, which wrapped up on the weekend on the island of Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang Province.

Nemenoff finished first in the men's category with a time of 2hr 10min 35sec after a 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run.

He was followed by Takanori Ayusawa from Japan and Lê Nhật Tài of the hosts.

Athletes compete in the 40km bike split during the 5150 Triathlon. The tournament attracts hundreds of competitors of different nationalities.

Ayusawa started the run in first but dropped out of the lead position around the 4km mark but hung on for second in 2:12.14. 

Meanwhile, Tài was third at 2:13.14. His bike split of 59.38min, over 40km per hour, was the fastest on the day.

“I trained hard for this race and am thrilled my race plan worked out," said Nemeoff, who dedicated his prize winnings to Newborns Vietnam.

"I want to thank Sunrise Events Vietnam for raising the bar once again and putting on a great event. It was not just a race but also a weekend festival promoting a great lifestyle with family and friends. My family and I had an amazing experience - my eight-year-old joined the IRONKIDS - and we cannot wait to come back next year to this amazing race destination,” he said.

The women’s race was less dramatic as rising star My held a comfortable lead after the swim and bike and ran her way to a female course record and top 10 overall in a time of 2:28.14.

Hilary Rea from the US finished second, and 15th overall, in 2:30.23. Her run split of 45:31 was fastest among females. Rounding out the podium in a time of 2:34.27 was Alex Wilkinson, a Việt Nam-based athlete from Great Britain.

“Participating in a multi-sport event with many individuals from abroad, I was nervous at first. But with a well-prepared plan, I was able to focus and achieve the expected results," My said. "By joining many triathlon events, I discovered I could go further with this exciting sport while discovering the best version of myself in each competition both physically and mentally.”  

A 1.5km swim is the first of three events in Phú Quốc's 5150 Triathlon Series.

The first internationally renowned 5150 Triathlon Series attracted more than 600 participants from 35 countries in a multi-sport weekend festival with events catering to different ages and ability levels. 

“This event proves that Phú Quốc and Kiên Giang are not just a resort paradise but also a first choice for organising large-scale international events in tourism, culture, and sports of regional and international standards," said Nguyễn Văn Sáu, Director of the Department of Culture and Sport of Kiên Giang Province. "We believe organising this event annually will contribute to and elevate the spirit of fitness and training among the local community.”

General Manager of Sunrise Events Vietnam Onslo Carrington added, “I want to congratulate all the athletes who raced with us this weekend in this beautiful setting. The positive feedback from the participants and their supporters make us even more excited to return and grow this event into the largest and most popular 5150 Triathlon series in Asia.” VNS