Triathlon 

AN GIANG — Around 2,600 people are taking part across four sporting and community events this weekend on Phú Quốc Island in An Giang Province, with the fourth BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc opening ceremony kicking off on November 13 and race day on November 15. 

Hailing from 60 countries and territories, the number of athletes has increased by 20 per cent over 2025. The events bring athletes, families and supporters together for a weekend of competition and community activities.

The November 13 programme includes the Newborns Vietnam/Healthy Vietnam Community Run at Beach Square in the Phú Quốc Marina. The run raises awareness of infant health and encourages donations to help give babies a healthier start in life.

On November 14, SUNRISE SPRINT Viet Nam and IRONKIDS Phu Quoc will give adults and children the chance to participate in multi-sport events with different distances and formats. 

Later that afternoon, six-time IRONMAN World Champion Mark Allen will return to Phú Quốc for the fourth consecutive year, joining fellow athletes for a nutrition workshop on the main stage. 

He will share practical insights on race-day nutrition and preparation, drawing on his decades of experience at the highest level of the sport.

The weekend culminates on November 15 with the BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc, when athletes take on a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run.

Trần Nguyễn Bá, deputy director of the An Giang Department of Culture and Sports, said: “Now in its fourth edition, BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc has become a familiar fixture on the calendar for triathletes from Việt Nam and around the world.

"Seeing athletes return year after year and recommend Phú Quốc to their friends is a meaningful recognition of the efforts of the organisers, partners and local community. The event also provides an opportunity to showcase Phú Quốc’s natural beauty, the warmth and hospitality of its people and its ability to host international sporting events.” 

Triathlete Victor Bailey from Denmark said: "I've been part of this event since 2022. Each year, I notice improvements in the athlete experience, from the support we receive on course to the welcome at the finish line.

"What really keeps me coming back, though, is the warmth of the local community and the people cheering us on. This year, I'm hoping to improve my race performance, catch up with friends who share my passion for the sport and enjoy some quality time with my family in Phú Quốc."

Beyond the sporting competition, the annual event generates demand for accommodation, dining, transport and other tourism services. According to estimates from the tournament organsers, Sunrise Events Vietnam (SEV), the 2025 event generated approximately US$9.4 million in total economic impact through athletes and their friends and family.

IRONMAN Group Asia-Pacific Senior Marketing Director Sophie Lysaght said: "Phú Quốc offers athletes the chance to take on the challenge of a triathlon while enjoying everything a tropical island getaway has to offer.

 

"Growing participation among Vietnamese athletes speaks to both the appeal of this event and the continued development of triathlon in Việt Nam."

A new addition this year is SEV EventConcierge, a digital assistant that helps athletes and their supporters find race information, check event schedules and explore recommendations for their time in Phú Quốc. 

SEV General Manager Anh Võ commented: “Our ambition is to build an event that people plan their year around, at a destination they want to return to. This year’s growth gives us more opportunities to introduce people to sport, welcome international visitors and bring families into the experience.

"With that comes a responsibility to keep improving delivery and earning participants’ trust. Working with BIM Group, IRONMAN and local authorities, we want to build lasting value for Phú Quốc through an event that athletes, families and the local community look forward to each year.” — VNS