The IRONMAN Group has announced a new IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon at Ha Long Bay on Vietnam’s northern coast, with the inaugural race scheduled for 21 March 2027.
The race, announced on 2 November, takes the IRONMAN 70.3 series into a new region of Vietnam and builds on the continued growth of triathlon in the country. Ha Long Bay, known for its limestone towers and forested islands, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.
Athletes will cover a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run.
The day starts at Hòn Gai Beach, where athletes will enter the water from the sand and return to the same shore for the swim. Transition is just beyond the beach.
The planned bike course includes coastal sections of Trần Quốc Nghiễn, with views across the water to the bay’s limestone formations.
The planned run follows the waterfront, passing seaside parks and the black-glass Quảng Ninh Museum and Library complex.
“Ha Long Bay is an extraordinary destination, with its iconic limestone landscape, rich culture and warm hospitality creating a truly memorable setting for athletes, their families and supporters,” Michelle Pepper, managing director for Asia-Pacific for The IRONMAN Group, said.
“We look forward to working with Sunrise Events Vietnam and our destination partners to deliver a world-class event that showcases the very best of the region to the global IRONMAN community,” Pepper said.
Bang Trinh, co-founder and chairman of Sunrise Events Vietnam, said the race was “another important step in the development of endurance sports in Vietnam”.
“What began with our first event in Da Nang in 2015 has grown into a vibrant community of athletes, partners and supporters across the country. Expanding into northern Vietnam gives us another opportunity to connect communities through sport while showcasing the region to the world,” Trinh said.
The IRONMAN 70.3 race on Sunday 21 March will be preceded by a 5150 triathlon, a Sprint Distance triathlon and IRONKIDS events on Saturday 20 March.
Ha Long Bay can be reached through Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh and Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong.
General registration for the inaugural race opens on 4 November 2026.
