Hạ Long to host nation's largest aquathlon tournament

Aqua Warriors Ha Long Bay, the nation's largest aquathlon competition, will be held on April 14 in Quang Ninh province.

Aqua Warriors Hạ Long Bay, the nation's largest aquathlon competition, will be held on April 14 in Quảng Ninh Province.

Some 1,500 athletes have registered to compete in the swimming and running combination event. Among them are many foreign competitors from South Korea, the US, Australia, France, India, Russia and New Zealand.

It is jointly held by the provincial People's Committee, Culture and Sports Department and Bolt Event.

At a recent meeting, the organisers promised to make the Aqua Warriors Hạ Long an annual tournament of the city, responding to the campaign "All people do exercise following the example of the great President Hồ Chí Minh" and the programme to prevent and control accidents and injuries in children for the period 2021-30 (including preventing drowning).

It is expected to contribute to promoting Quảng Ninh as a tourist destination and developing local tourism.

Athletes will compete in five categories of Aqua Warriors (3km swim,15km run), Olympic Aqua Warriors (1.5km swim, 10km run), Sprint Aqua Warriors (0.75km swim, 5km run), Junior Aqua Warriors (0.3km swim, 2km run) and Kids Aqua Warriors (0.15km swim, 1km run).

The running route has been designed around the beach road of Trần Quốc Nghiễn which will offer runners stunning views of Hạ Long Bay. The swimming will be held at Hòn Gai Beach, an area which was designed and constructed following Italian style at a cost of a VNĐ100 billion (US$4 million).

The organising committee has set up plans to have a tournament organised thoughtfully, safely and effectively, ensuring political security, social order and safety, and environmental protection.