New Champions And Record-Breaking Performances At The 2024 Bim Group Ironman 70.3 Phu Quoc
A Triumphant Second Edition: Nearly 1,500 athletes delivered inspiring performances under tropical conditions, showcasing Phu Quoc’s world-class amenities and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Global Appeal: International participation surged by 20%, solidifying Phu Quoc’s status as a premier triathlon destination in Southeast Asia.
Inspiring Presence: Legendary triathlete Mark Allen, six-time IRONMAN World Champion, and Malaysian Hall of Fame athlete Yee Sze Mun inspired both seasoned and new athletes in Vietnam.
Celebrating Athletic Excellence and Community Spirit
The 2024 BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc brought together athletes and supporters for a thrilling weekend of racing and camaraderie. With participants from 61 countries and territories, the event not only crowned new champions but also highlighted Phu Quoc’s growing reputation as a bucket-list destination for triathletes worldwide.
Andrey Sharipov, the men’s champion, celebrated his record-breaking victory, stating:
“These races are demanding, but that’s what makes them so rewarding. The stunning course, the enthusiastic crowd, and the flawless organization made today unforgettable. I can’t wait to return.” In the women’s race, Ling Er Choo shared her excitement: “Winning in such a beautiful location is truly special. The support from the organizers and the local community made this a memorable experience.”
A Course That Challenges and Inspires
The competition began with a 1.9 km ocean swim at Con So Square Beach, followed by a new 90 km bike route that showcased the island’s stunning landscape. The race concluded with a 21.1 km run along coastal roads to Shell Square, where participants were met with spectacular views and a lively finish line atmosphere.
In the women’s race, Nguyen Tra My led the swim, but defending champion Nguyen Thi Kim Cuong, a former national cyclist, took the lead on the bike course. However, Ling Er Choo, a former IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam age group champion, surged ahead in the final stretch to claim victory with a time of 4:46:59.
The men’s race saw Andrey Sharipov dominate with a flawless performance, finishing in 4:20:24 and setting a new course record. A fierce battle for the podium followed, with Sang Whan Oh securing second place and Alex Thio finishing third in a highly competitive field.
Promoting Phu Quoc as a Global Sports Tourism Hub
Mr. Nguyen Van Sau, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Kien Giang Province, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Organizing Committee, shared. “The BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc showcases our island’s natural beauty and world-class infrastructure. The event not only elevates our global reputation but also strengthens our community through sports.”
Mr. Doan Quoc Huy, Vice Chairman and CEO of BIM Group, stated:
"Collaborating with a global brand like IRONMAN and bringing the event to the Phu Quoc Marina Integrated Complex is part of our strategy to partner with international entities and our commitment to sustainable development. Through the success of the event, the Phu Quoc Marina Integrated Complex is becoming a premier destination for international sports tourism events, contributing to enhancing Phu Quoc's position on the regional destination map."
Triathlon legend Mark Allen also praised the venue: “Having witnessed numerous sporting events and triathlons worldwide, I see striking parallels between Phu Quoc and Kona, Hawaii—a destination that has inspired generations of triathletes globally. Just as Kona has become a mecca for triathletes, I believe Phu Quoc is poised to achieve the same status. Athletes competing here are treated to a truly world-class event, and they’ll return home sharing how exceptional the experience and organization were.”
Mr. Rob Zamacona, General Manager of Sunrise Events Vietnam, highlighted the event’s significance: “This event is a milestone for the triathlon community and a testament to the passion of Vietnamese athletes. Together with our partners, we are positioning Phu Quoc as a must-race destination on the global IRONMAN 70.3 calendar.”
Phu Quoc: A Rising Star in Sports Tourism
With record-breaking performances, increased international participation, and the support of local communities, the 2024 BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc set a new standard for triathlons in Southeast Asia. This event not only boosted Phu Quoc’s economy but also reinforced its position as a premier destination for athletes and tourists alike.
Phu Quoc’s journey as a sports tourism hub continues, offering visitors the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS AND PARTNERS
IRONMAN GROUP
The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events, including the iconic IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series, IRONKIDS®, and the World Triathlon Championship Series. Known for premier running events like the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and City2Surf®, UTMB® World Series events including Tarawera Ultra and Ultra-Trail Australia™, Epic Series™ mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events including Haute Route®, the IRONMAN Group brings endurance sports to more than a million participants worldwide each year. Founded in 1978 with a single race, the IRONMAN Group has expanded into hundreds of events across 55+ countries, inspiring athletes globally to prove that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE®. The IRONMAN Group is part of Advance, a privately-held, family-owned business. For more information, please visit www.ironman.com.
ADVANCE
Advance is a privately-owned, family-held business investing across various sectors, including media, entertainment, technology, and education. Focused on long-term growth and innovation, Advance’s portfolio includes leading companies such as Condé Nast, Advance Local, Stage Entertainment, IRONMAN Group, and American City Business Journals, Leaders Group, Turnitin, 1010data and Pop. Operating in over 29 countries with a workforce of more than 17,000 employees, Advance is also a key shareholder in companies like Charter Communications, Discovery, and Reddit. For more information, visit www.advance.com.
BIM GROUP
BIM Group is a leading multi-sector conglomerate in Vietnam, with key business operations in Real Estate, Renewable Energy, Agriculture & Food, and Commercial Services. In each investment sector, BIM Group has made significant impacts through business activities that encourage innovation, sustainable development, and stable growth. We achieve this by leveraging internal resources and external partnerships, allowing us to capitalize on our strengths and enhance competitive advantages shared by our strategic partners. Learn more at www.bimgroup.com.
SUNRISE EVENTS VIETNAM
Founded in 2015, Sunrise Events Vietnam (SEV) is the exclusive licensee of the World Triathlon Corporation for organizing IRONMAN 70.3, 5150 Triathlon, and IRONKIDS events in Vietnam. Driven by a mission to inspire individuals to achieve their best, SEV creates premier mass participation events that elevate Southeast Asia’s sports tourism, promote health and wellness, and support sustainable community impact. SEV also organizes flagship endurance events like the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Viet Nam, BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc, BIM Group 5150 Phu Quoc, SUNRISE SPRINT Viet Nam, IRONKIDS Viet Nam, IRONKIDS Phu Quoc, Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon, Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon, and KIDS RUN Presented by ILA. For more information, visit www.sunriseevents.com.
EVENT INFORMATION:
2024 BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc
Website: https://www.ironman.com/im703-phu-quoc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IRONMAN70.3PhuQuoc
Photo Highlights of the 2024 BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc: [Photo Gallery]