Christoper Frederick Mascarenhas-Keyes crosses the finish line in the men’s division of the 7th Vinfast IRONMAN 70.3 Việt Nam on May 7. He won the race with a time of 4hr, 15min and 12sec in the scorching heat. Photos courtesy of Sunrise Việt Nam

{ "id": "-iCeh6zUVz", "type": "myToolImages", "data": { "data": "" } }

ĐÀ NẴNG  - Christoper Frederick Mascarenhas-Keyes won the men’s division at the 7th Vinfast IRONMAN 70.3 Việt Nam, with a total time in 4hr, 15min and 12sec in the scorching heat day yesterday.

Krisztina Vaczi completed her performance in 5hr, 2min and 5sec to win the women’s title.

Mascarenhas-Keyes, who finished the 1.9km swim in 29min, slower than Michel Cassinides, managed the best time in the two-loop 90km bike with 2hr, 16min and 8sec, and 21.1km in 1hr, 25min and 40sec to top the podium. 

Alexay Vshivtsev finished second in 4hr, 19min and 35sec, 4min later than the next top finisher.

Michel Cassinides came third with 4hr, 22min and 39sec. 

Bianca Marcon took second place in the women’s race as she clocked in a time of 5hr, 3min and 24sec, ahead of Linsey Nickel, who ranked third with a time of 5hr, 5min and 32sec. 

More than 3,000 athletes from 62 countries and territories, including 1,200 Vietnamese, had a big challenge as temperatures topped 35 degrees Celsius yesterday.

The VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Việt Nam is a week-long event which Sunrise Events Vietnam organised. It featured the Sunrise Sprint, IRONKIDS, and Newborns Việt Nam Run Out with the support of the city of Đà Nẵng and the new Naming Right Partner, VinFast.

The race organisers said 307 children also joined the Ironkids Việt Nam, and 250 other runners took part in the charity Newborns Việt Nam Runout on Friday and Saturday.

Mark Vysotin showed determination from the beginning of the race, leading the male pack during the swim and bike sections.

However, it was Mascarenhas-Keyes emerged as the winner. He displayed unwavering determination, strategic prowess, and physical strength in delivering his victory, crossing the finish line in a time of 4hr, 15min and 12sec, leaving spectators in awe of his athleticism and tenacity given the temperature.

Mascarenhas-Keyes finished more than 4min ahead of the second-place finisher Alexey Vshivtsev, and defending champion Michael Cassinides, only finished third to round out the podium.

“It was a tough race because the swim was quite choppy, though the bike course was fast and flat and the aid stations were quite regular so you could keep the water in and get some fluids,” said Mascarenhas-Keyes, The VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Việt Nam Male Winner.

“It's an amazing feeling because you've put a lot of hard work into it – the icing on the cake is the performance.”

Top Vietnamese female, Nguyễn Trà My, who was crowned champion of BIM Group 5150 Phú Quốc last year, finished in fourth place in her debut IRONMAN 70.3. This powerful performance is a testament to Vietnamese athletes striving for greater success in triathlons and multi-sports.

Krisztina Vaczi from Italy celebrates after completing her performance in the 7th Vinfast IRONMAN 70.3 Việt Nam. She finished in 5hr, 2min and 5sec to win the women’s title.

Lê Việt Phương, the Race Director of the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Việt Nam, said: “I am glad to stand here today after the successful conclusion of the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Việt Nam. It has been a remarkable event filled with extraordinary athletic achievements and an incredible display of sportsmanship. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, organisers, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event a resounding success. Your dedication and hard work have truly made a difference."

Nguyễn Minh Phương, deputy CEO, External Relations of VinFast, said: “We hope that the inspiring images of Ironman racers giving their all to accelerate towards the finish line, coupled with VinFast's commitment to driving the Electric Vehicle industry forward, will encourage people worldwide to join us. Together, we can push beyond limits, embrace a green and healthy lifestyle, and work towards a sustainable future."

Following the success of this event, Sunrise Events Vietnam is excited to launch the BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phú Quốc on November 19, expanding the IRONMAN triathlon platform in Việt Nam.

The event also drew 2,200 volunteers and 7,500 visitors coming to Đà Nẵng during the three-day race with the motto 'Boundless Together'.

The 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam offers 30 age group qualifying slots to the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship on August 26-27th in Lahti, Finland, according to the event organisers. — VNS