Da Nang (VNA) - Vietnam will stage its first full-distance IRONMAN triathlon in the central coastal city of Da Nang on May 10, 2026, the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the IRONMAN Group announced on September 23.
Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi said the IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang, held annually for a decade, has become a beacon of endurance, ambition and community spirit. Participation has grown from a few hundred athletes in its early years to more than 3,500 in 2025, including almost 1,900 domestic competitors, a record that highlights Vietnam’s surging interest in endurance sports.
The 2026 IRONMAN event will present a significant challenge for athletes, featuring a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike ride, and a 42.2 km marathon. Da Nang is planning to enhance its infrastructure, staffing, and operations while strengthening partnerships with both domestic and international organisations to meet global standards. This race will also solidify Da Nang’s reputation as a sports destination, promote community fitness, and help build a sustainable sports ecosystem, as noted by Thi.
The course will feature a two-lap 3.8km ocean swim off East Sea Park, a two-lap 180km bike route starting on Vo Nguyen Giap coastal road, crossing Thuan Phuoc bridge, and extending to outlying areas, and a four-lap 42.2km run along the beachfront, cheered by local crowds, before finishing at East Sea Park.
Da Nang, a top Asian tourism hub, is renowned for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant urban lifestyle. The event features the city’s appeal, offering international athletes a taste of central Vietnam’s culture, cuisine, and hospitality.
Top performers at IRONMAN Vietnam 2026 will secure qualification slots for the 2026 IRONMAN World Championship. Registration opens on September 25, 2025, at ironman.com/races/im-vietnam./.
