Singaporean triathlete Aaron Lee produced a strong finish to emerge as the fastest finisher of the 113 Triathlon at the International Multisport Coastal Fest 2025 on Sunday, conquering punishing conditions to come out on top in the event’s flagship race.

The 27-year-old software developer completed the demanding 2.25km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run in 4 hours, 56 minutes, 15 seconds (4:56:15), braving sweltering heat to take top honours in the 113 Triathlon — a race that has earned its place as one of Malaysia’s pioneering long-course formats, marking its 10th anniversary this year.

“This was my first time racing in Desaru — I usually just do events back in Singapore,” said Aaron, who only ramped up serious training in June. “It was really tough out there, especially during the run, but I’m satisfied with the effort.”

Aaron, who juggled full-time work with training — clocking 62 hours of prep in June — added: “Winning wasn’t something I expected. There are definitely faster guys back home. But I really enjoyed the experience, and that’s what matters most.”

Also competing in the 113 Triathlon was Muar Member of Parliament YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who returned to race for the second straight year.

Having only taken up the sport in 2024, Syed Saddiq said he’s fallen in love with the multisport discipline, calling it “one of the best ways to embrace a healthy lifestyle.”
“I’m still new to this, but I’ve grown passionate about it. I’m here to support the organisers, my friends taking part, and most importantly, to better myself,” said the 32-year-old, who clocked 6:14:27.

While he took a more relaxed approach this year, the former Youth and Sports Minister is using Desaru as part of his build-up for two major events: the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice this September and IRONMAN Malaysia in Langkawi in November.

“This sport isn’t just a hobby. It needs to be part of a national health agenda,” he added. “Over 50% of Malaysians are overweight, one-third are obese, and more than 30% have diabetes. We need to take action — and events like this are a good place to start.”

Meanwhile, the loudest cheers of the day were reserved for eight-year-old Ayden Adrean — the son of actress-singer Bella Astillah — who made his triathlon debut in the Super Sprint category, which combines a 300m swim, 10km bike and 2km run.

Ayden’s race got off to a shaky start when he lost his safety buoy shortly into the swim and was forced to return to shore. But with organisers allowing him to resume the bike and run segments in the spirit of participation, the young athlete powered on to complete his race — and win hearts in the process.

Ayden posted 47:36 for cycling and 17:07 for the run.

“I was really tired during the cycling, but I never gave up,” said Ayden proudly. “This is the best competition I’ve ever tried!”

The youngster had only trained for a week before the race, guided by a coach — but had already proven his ability after completing a 400m open water swim in Langkawi recently.

His mother Bella, visibly emotional at the finish line, said: “I never forced Ayden into this. As long as he’s interested, I’ll always support him. I was very nervous when he didn’t show up during the bike segment — but that’s just a typical mum’s reaction!”

Bella also praised the event’s role in promoting health: “With all the amazing food we have in Malaysia, it’s important to balance it out with exercise. Events like this are a great start.”

This year’s International Multisport Coastal Fest drew over 900 participants from 25 countries, spread across four race formats — the 113 Triathlon, Olympic Distance (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run), Sprint (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), and Super Sprint.

Race director Andy Foo expressed pride in how the 113 event has grown over the years.

“We’re proud to celebrate 10 years of building this format in Malaysia,” said Andy. “The 113 Triathlon has gone from strength to strength — from humble beginnings to an event that now welcomes participants from around the world. It’s inspiring to witness the community grow, year after year.”