IRONMAN Vietnam to Bring Excitement of Full Distance Triathlon Racing to South-East Asian Holiday Destination

September 25, 2025

DA NANG, Vietnam / TAMPA, Fla. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – IRONMAN has today announced that the first-ever full distance IRONMAN^® triathlon in Vietnam is set to take place in 2026, with the IRONMAN Vietnam race to take place in the coastal city of Da Nang next May.

The IRONMAN Vietnam triathlon will take place in Da Nang on Sunday 10 May 2026, welcoming athletes from across Vietnam and around the world to the tourism hotspot.

The new event will run alongside the ever-popular IRONMAN^® 70.3^® Da Nang triathlon, which has been a highlight of the local event calendar since 2015. The introduction of the IRONMAN Vietnam triathlon will provide returning athletes who are stepping up the distance with a new challenge while offering first-time travellers to the holiday hotspot a race experience they won’t forget.

Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, said that the launch of the IRONMAN Vietnam triathlon was exciting for athletes and the local community.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing a full distance IRONMAN triathlon to Vietnam for the first time in 2026. Da Nang has been an incredible host venue for IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon racing since 2015 and it’s a great step forward for both our athletes from around the world and the local community who have been so welcoming over the years to launch this new event. We look forward to working closely with our partners in Vietnam to bring athletes and their supporters to this incredible destination next May.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang City People’s Committee said that the announcement was an important milestone for the city.

“Da Nang is honored to have been selected as the host city for Vietnam’s first-ever full distance IRONMAN triathlon event in 2026. This marks a significant milestone in the city’s international integration efforts and reaffirms our capability to host world-class events. We will prepare infrastructure and operational resources and coordinate closely with all stakeholders to ensure a successful event. Through this, we continue to promote Da Nang as a modern, dynamic, and appealing destination to our international friends.”

Mr. Nguyen Trong Thao, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that the event will play an important role in developing a sustainable endurance sport ecosystem in the region.

“Da Nang’s selection as the host city for Vietnam’s first full-distance IRONMAN triathlon in 2026 represents a significant achievement for the city’s culture, sports, and tourism sectors. Over the past decade, the IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang triathlon has played a vital role in promoting community sports, encouraging healthy living, and enhancing the international reputation of Da Nang and Vietnam.

“We are dedicated to implementing concrete programs, including specialized training for event personnel, standardizing infrastructure and facilities, and improving inter-agency coordination to ensure that the race meets the highest operational standards. We believe that successfully hosting the IRONMAN triathlon will be crucial in developing a sustainable endurance sports ecosystem in Da Nang, creating lasting benefits for the community and the local tourism industry.”

Bang Trinh, Co-founder and Chairman of Sunrise Events Vietnam said that the organization was looking forward to welcoming athletes taking on the IRONMAN triathlon to a city that had been heavily involved in the sport for a decade now.

“When we brought IRONMAN 70.3 to Vietnam in 2015, the vision was always bigger. I believed then – and still do – that Vietnam has everything it takes to host a full-distance IRONMAN triathlon and become a true hub for world-class racing. But building a strong, local endurance community doesn’t happen overnight. Over the past decade, we’ve seen incredible growth: Vietnamese athletes qualifying for World Championships, families cheering at finish lines, and partners who share our belief in sport as a force for transformation. Now, with a vibrant community and a world-class venue in Da Nang, we’re proud to take the next step. The launch of the IRONMAN Vietnam triathlon in 2026 is not just a race – it’s a statement that Vietnam is ready to compete, connect, and lead on the global stage.”

Rob Zamacoma, General Manager of Sunrise Events Vietnam said that this new race was exciting for the local endurance sport community.

“Bringing the full-distance IRONMAN to Vietnam is the result of years of steady growth, collaboration, and trust. From our partners at The IRONMAN Group to local authorities and corporate sponsors, this moment reflects the combined effort of a dedicated ecosystem. We’ve worked hard to ensure Da Nang is ready – not just to host a world-class race, but to deliver an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike. We’re honored to help bring this next chapter of IRONMAN triathlon to life in Vietnam.”

The 2026 IRONMAN Vietnam triathlon will offer an unforgettable race experience for athletes from around the world, a perfect blend of challenging competition and breathtaking scenery along Vietnam’s spectacular coastline.

Race day begins with a two lap 3.8km swim in crystal-clear coastal waters at Bien Dong Park. The rolling start and triangle course will allow athletes to settle into their rhythm while enjoying the pristine ocean environment. There will be an Aussie exit after the first 1.9km before heading back to follow the same course for lap two.

The two-lap 180km bike course heads along the stunning Vo Nguyen Giap coastline with endless ocean views, before athletes power across the impressive Thuan Phuoc Bridge, and experience the peaceful contrast of Vietnam’s emerald paddy fields.

The 42.2km run takes athletes on four loops along the beachfront, where passionate local crowds will create an electric atmosphere. The out-and-back course provides coastal breezes and ocean views to make every step memorable before crossing the finish line in Bien Dong Park.

Da Nang is one of Asia’s top travel destinations, nestled between pristine beaches and cultural landmarks, offering a race setting where modern vibrance meets timeless heritage. Athletes will have the opportunity to soak in central Vietnam’s rich traditions, world-famous cuisine, and warm hospitality.

Athletes racing at the IRONMAN Vietnam triathlon will have the opportunity to secure themselves a place on the start line of the 2026 IRONMAN World Championship^® triathlon, with qualification slots on offer.

Entries for the 2026 IRONMAN Vietnam triathlon open on 25 September, 2025.

For more information visit: https://www.ironman.com/races/im-vietnam

###

About The IRONMAN Group

The IRONMAN Group is the world’s largest operator of participation sports with a portfolio of brands, events, media, partners, merchandise, and digital platforms operating in over 50 countries worldwide. A global portfolio consisting of hundreds of events includes the IRONMAN^® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN^® 70.3^® Triathlon Series, 5150^® Triathlon Series, IRONKIDS^®, premier running events including the Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Running Series, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and City2Surf^®, the UTMB^® World Series of trail running, the Epic Series™ of mountain biking including the Absa Cape Epic^®, and a collection of road cycling and other multisport races. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN^® brand and its first event in 1978, millions of athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE^® by crossing finish lines around the world. From its beginnings as a single race among friends in Hawai’i, The IRONMAN Group has become a global sensation and collection of high-growth lifestyle brands that inspire people to unlock their potential in life. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group.