Vietnam Marks 10th Year of Ironman 70.3 Racing: Southeast Asia’s Largest Multisport Festival Race

• Estimated that over 3,500 athletes from more than 70 countries and territories will gather to celebrate the 10th anniversary of IRONMAN in Vietnam at the 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang – presented by Minh Long, once again making it the largest IRONMAN 70.3 multi-sport festival in Southeast Asia.

• Triathlon legends Mark Allen and Yee Sze Mun add prestige and historical significance to the weekend, igniting excitement among attendees.
• The 2025 edition marks the first race under the new branding as IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang, ushering in a bold new chapter and reaffirming Da Nang’s position as a premier destination for endurance sports in Asia.

Da Nang, Vietnam – May 9th, 2025 – The 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang – presented by Minh Long, officially opened today with a press conference and opening ceremony, kicking off a week-long celebrating endurance, community, and a decade of sporting excellence that welcomes more than 3,500 athletes from over 70 countries and territories. This edition celebrates a historic milestone, marking ten years of IRONMAN’s presence and growth in Vietnam – and stands as the largest IRONMAN 70.3 multi-sport festival in Southeast Asia.

Reflecting the spirit of this incredible journey, the theme “A Decade of TRIumph – Where Every Finish Line is a New Beginning” embodies the remarkable resilience, ambition, and global connection that has propelled Vietnam into a premier destination for endurance sports. Organized by Sunrise Events Vietnam (SEV) under the direction of the Da Nang People’s Committee and with strong support from the Department of Culture and Sports and other government agencies, the festival launches a historic three-day celebration of athletic excellence, vibrant community spirit, and cultural pride.

Adding to the electric atmosphere were appearances by triathlon legends Mark Allen, six-time IRONMAN World Champion and one of the sport’s most inspiring pioneers, and Yee Sze Mun, the 88-year-old Malaysian icon and Hall of Fame Inductee who continues to redefine the limits of age and endurance.

The Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa in Da Nang, Vietnam, will once again be the Venue Sponsor for the IRONMAN 70.3 event. With stunning views of the East Sea and lush tropical grounds near the athlete transition area, this location delivers a uniquely attractive beachfront finish. The Hyatt has provided a superb setting for the event over the past decade., combining with Da Nang’s natural beauty and rich culture to create an ideal backdrop, encouraging participants to engage with both the competition and local attractions.

One of the most inspiring milestones, as the celebrations unfold, comes from the host nation. From just 54 Vietnamese athletes at the inaugural event in 2015 to nearly 1,900 Vietnamese athletes competing this year – a remarkable 35-fold increase – the local triathlon community’s rise stands as a testament to Vietnam’s dynamic sporting spirit.

More than just a race, IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang’s decade-long journey has symbolized Vietnam’s resilience, ambition, and growing presence in endurance sports. This 10th anniversary is a celebration of past triumphs and a powerful reminder of the spirit that will continue to drive Vietnam’s triathlon community forward in the years to come.

As the journey evolves, the 2025 edition also marks a major technological leap for the event. For the first time ever at a triathlon in Vietnam, IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang will integrate Mixed Reality (MR) technology through a pioneering partnership with immersive tech company tagSpace.

This ground-breaking partnership brings a fully interactive digital layer to the event, designed to transform how athletes, spectators, and fans experience race day. By leveraging tagSpace’s cutting-edge Mixed Reality platform, participants can enjoy real-time navigation, enhanced access to information, and exclusive digital content — all through their smartphones.

By using the tagSpace app, attendees can explore location-based content at key zones — including the Expo, Transition Area, Start Line, and more — while enjoying smart navigation tools, live updates, and exclusive offers from partners and sponsors.

This forward-looking initiative reaffirms IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang’s commitment to redefining the athlete journey — not just physically and mentally, but now also digitally — making the event more connected, engaging, and future-ready than ever before.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang City People’s Committee, shared: “In 2025, Da Nang City proudly celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Liberation, marking a transformative journey — from a modest town into a leading center of economics, culture, and sports in the Central and Central Highlands regions, affirming its national and international position.

Amidst this growth journey, IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang has played a pivotal role in showcasing the spirit of resilience, the drive to conquer, and global connectivity — values that reflect the very essence of Da Nang’s people. We are proud to continue our partnership with IRONMAN and remain committed to providing the strongest possible support to help the event grow into one of the most distinguished sporting competitions in the Asia-Pacific region.”

“IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang has not only established itself as a prestigious international sporting event but has also served as a bridge — connecting Da Nang’s vibrant, welcoming, and culturally rich identity to the world”, added Mr. Nguyen Trong Thao, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports. “We are proud to witness the remarkable growth of the Vietnamese triathlon community over the past decade, a testament to the positive impact of IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang in promoting community sports and inspiring healthier, more active lifestyles. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Organizing Committee to elevate the event’s profile and further affirm Da Nang’s position as a premier destination for sports tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.“

Mr. Ly Huy Sang, CEO of Minh Long I Co., Ltd, shared: “Heritage and endurance have always been at the heart of both Minh Long’s journey and IRONMAN Danang’s story. Over the past decade, Minh Long’s ceramic trophies and medals have proudly accompanied every moment of triumph, marking the efforts and indomitable spirit of countless triathletes. In 2025, as we commemorate Minh Long’s 55th anniversary, we are honored to take on a new milestone as the Presenting Sponsor of IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang. We remain committed to preserving and promoting enduring values, ensuring that Vietnam’s identity and aspirations continue to shine brightly on the global stage.“

Paul Martin, tagSpace’s founder and CEO said: “One of our core pillars at tagSpace is using new technologies to encourage people to get outdoors, active and healthy and our mantra is; Information, Exploration, Entertainmen. So combining these experiences for Ironman triathlon events is something our team is incredibly excited about.”

Rob Zamacoma, General Manager of Sunrise Events Vietnam, shared his enthusiasm for the anniversary and the future: “Celebrating ten years of IRONMAN in Vietnam is a truly momentous occasion. We are incredibly proud of the growth of this event and the passionate community it has fostered. With over 3,500 athletes participating, this year’s event stands once again as the largest IRONMAN 70.3 race in Southeast Asia, a testament to Vietnam’s rising stature in the global triathlon stage and the growth of the local triathlon community.”

“IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang is more than just a race — it embodies spirit, perseverance, and community,” said Ms. Karen Matthews, representative of IRONMAN Asia. “Over ten incredible years, this race has captured the hearts of athletes and supporters alike, setting Da Nang apart as a truly special destination within the global IRONMAN family. We are excited to continue this journey of growth, connection, and inspiration together.“

The 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang continues to offer athletes the chance to compete at the highest levels of the sport, with thirty coveted qualifying slots available for the prestigious 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain.The event will also welcome a strong contingent of over 160 All-World Athletes (AWA), further highlighting its international prestige and attracting some of the world’s most competitive triathletes.

Further reinforcing the festival’s multi-sport, multi-generational spirit, the weekend will feature the return of SUNRISE SPRINT Viet Nam – a welcoming entry point into the world of triathlon. With a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run, the SUNRISE SPRINT Viet Nam offers newcomers and aspiring triathletes a unique opportunity to challenge themselves and take their first steps into the endurance community.

Meanwhile, the youngest athletes will take center stage at IRONKIDS Viet Nam, with aquathlon and triathlon races designed for children aged 5 to 15. More than just a competition, IRONKIDS Viet Nam aims to inspire active, healthy lifestyles – nurturing the next generation of Vietnamese endurance athletes.

Adding a spirit of compassion and community, the athletic festivities officially open with the Newborns Vietnam Run Out – a meaningful charity fun run aimed at raising awareness and support for newborns in need of critical medical care.

Throughout the three-day celebration, the IRONMAN Village will serve as the vibrant heartbeat of the event – a lively hub where athletes, families, and fans come together. Visitors can explore premium products, enjoy interactive experiences from event partners, and discover the Sunrise Events Vietnam Store, featuring an exclusive collection of 10th-anniversary IRONMAN in Vietnam merchandise. This special lineup of apparel, accessories, and memorabilia commemorates a decade of perseverance, achievement, and community spirit.

Participants and spectators alike are warmly invited to join the celebration, experience the energy of the IRONMAN Village, and take home a meaningful keepsake honoring Vietnam’s incredible decade of IRONMAN triumphs.