There will be 1,134 competitors from 59 countries and territories attending a 1.9-kilometer race at My Khe Beach.
The swimming race is one of three long distance triathlon competitions with the other two being a 90-km bike ride and a 21.1-km run, organized by Sunrise Events Vietnam, and endorsed by the Danang government.
According to the organizer, the recent death of big numbers of fish along the coasts of four central provinces and Danang City has sparked concerns about possible seawater pollution in Danang.
“Some competitors have contacted the organizer expressing their concerns over the situation in Danang City. But city authorities have confirmed that testing results have shown seawater in the city is safe,” said Nguyen Thuy Linh, media representative of the sporting event.
The government of Danang on April 28 said the quality of seawater has remained unchanged from the period before news about mass fish deaths broke.
Dang Quang Vinh at the Danang Department of Natural Resources and Environment’s environmental protection division said that oxygen, mercury and lead found in the samples of seawater examined are at safe levels.
Linh emphasized ensuring safety for nearly 1,200 competitors is the top priority of the organizer.
This is the second Ironman 70.3 Vietnam to be held in Danang.
Compared to the event last year, the number of competitors is 15% higher, with over 25 professional athletes and 50 relay teams. Vietnam has the largest number of competitors this year.
VNG Ironman 70.3 Vietnam 2016 is the preliminary round for the final round of Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific in the Philippines and the Ironman 70.3 world championship in Australia.
Launched in 1978, Ironman 70.3 is organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). The “70.3” refers to the total distance in miles (113.0 km) covered in the race, consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
