IRONMAN has announced that the first-ever full distance IRONMAN triathlon in Vietnam is set to take place in 2026, with the IRONMAN Vietnam event to take place in the coastal city of Da Nang next May.
The IRONMAN Vietnam triathlon will take place in Da Nang on May 10, 2026, welcoming athletes from across Vietnam and around the world to the tourism hotspot.
The new event will run alongside theIRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang triathlon, which has been on the local event calendar since 2015. The introduction of the full distance 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 longer distance race experience.
Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, said “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.”
Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang City People’s Committee said “Da Nang is honoured 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.”
Bang Trinh, Co-founder and Chairman of local event organiser Sunrise Events Vietnam said that it 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.
Trinh said “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.”
The 2026 IRONMAN Vietnam race day begins with a two lap 3.8km swim in coastal waters at Bien Dong Park. The rolling start and triangle course will allow athletes to settle into their rhythm while enjoying the 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 Vo Nguyen Giap coastline with ocean views, before athletes ride 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 local crowds will bolster the atmosphere. The out-and-back course provides coastal breezes and ocean views, before crossing the finish line in Bien Dong Park.
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.
