Society - Culture

Da Nang emerges as a hub for international endurance sports

Translated by KIM OANH • 23/04/2026 17:28

DNO - Da Nang is emerging as a hub for international endurance sports as it prepares to host, for the first time, the full-distance IRONMAN triathlon, marking a new milestone in its sports-tourism development.

1(3).jpg — The first full-distance IRONMAN will take place in Da Nang on May 10.

Elevating from IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang

Vietnam will host its first full-distance IRONMAN triathlon on May 10 in Da Nang, alongside the 10th edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang, held annually since 2015. The events are jointly organised by Sunrise Events Vietnam and the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The full-distance IRONMAN triathlon spans 140.6 miles (3.8km swimming, 180km cycling and a 42.2km marathon), making it one of the world’s most demanding one-day events, hosted by only a limited number of qualified destinations.

Vietnam’s debut places it among 32 countries to stage the race, highlighting the rapid growth of endurance sports and its rising capacity to host major international events.

The return of VNG Corporation as a partner continues to support the development of the IRONMAN triathlon ecosystem in Vietnam, building on the success of IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang.

Participation has grown from over 1,000 athletes from 54 countries in 2015 to more than 3,100 from 90 countries in 2026 (the highest to date) with registration closing two months early, reflecting rising international interest.

2(1).jpg — Da Nang’s wide, scenic coastal road suit full-distance IRONMAN races.

The event also features more than 300 athletes from the All World Athlete (AWA) programme (part of the IRONMAN triathlon global ranking system) further raising the level of competition.

Hosting both races aligns with Da Nang’s strategy to develop sports tourism, supported by ongoing investment in coastal infrastructure and public spaces to attract international events such as IRONMAN Vietnam and IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang.

Promoting the image of Da Nang

According to the organisers, this year’s event centres on improving the overall experience for participants by optimising the venues and enhancing connectivity throughout the race week.

3(2).jpg — Hosting a full-distance IRONMAN marks a new step for Da Nang on the sports-tourism map

The central hub will be located at Bien Dong Park, serving as the starting point for the swim, the finish line, and the IRONMAN Village, acting as a key gathering space for athletes and spectators.

The event also offers athletes opportunities to qualify for global championships, including the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii and the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in France.

Local authorities view hosting the first full-distance IRONMAN in Vietnam as a significant milestone in elevating Da Nang’s position on the global sports map.

Repeated success in hosting IRONMAN 70.3 underpins Da Nang’s debut full-distance race.

The city continues to invest in infrastructure, urban landscapes, and overall visitor experience to meet the increasing standards of major international sporting events.

By hosting events such as IRONMAN Vietnam and IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang, the city reaffirms its vision of becoming a dynamic regional hub for sports and tourism, while promoting the image of Da Nang and Vietnam to international visitors.