THE INAUGURAL RACE OF IPPGROUP CHALLENGE VIETNAM 2016

The IPPGroup Challenge Vietnam 2016 powered by CRTC had took place for the first time ever on September 11, 2016 in the Beach Capital of Vietnam, Nha Trang. The event, which is part of the Challenge Family triathlon series, implied 1.9 km swim, 90km bike and 21km run.

The race began in the Nha Trang 2/4 Square just when the sun was rising up. The gun started at 6:05 for the Male Professional athletes and it was followed by the female pros athletes, the rest of age groupers and finally the relay swimmers.  The swim course was composed of two trapezoid loops of 950 meters. After that, athletes head to the transition area, take their bikes head for the second race leg of the course; the bike course. This part was composed with some inclines and declines. Definitely, a challenging bike course but totally worth it as it’s said to be the most breathtaking part of the course. Then, the run course took place on the same part of the bike, taking athletes to run out 10,5km and head back to the 2/4 Square to cross the finish line cheered by the spectators. There were some very emotional moments when crossing the finish line as in Challenge Family, athletes are allowed to cross the finish line with their beloved ones.

In the Pro athletes’ field, for males, Mitch Robins live up to the expectations with an impressive win with a time of 4:04:44 and followed by the Aussie Levi Maxwell (4:05:20) and Carlos Javier Quinchara (04:11:18). On the other side, Jessica Fleming took the women’s title with a time of 4:42:44 and just behind Julia Grant (04:42:44) and Michelle Duffield (04:51:44).

Moreover, this time it was not just about the race but the experience included many more activities like the Carbo Load Dinner held two days before the race. Not to mention, the after race party in the Skylight Nha Trang, a rooftop bar with 360º views, which many have stated to be the most epic party so far.

The organizer, Pulse Active, had already organized many running event in Vietnam such as the HCMC Run or the Danang International Marathon but it was actually the first time to organize a triathlon but it was totally successfully and they are already looking forward to welcome the athletes again next year.

After all the good feedback, IPPGroup Challenge Vietnam 2016 has become a must race triathlon in South East Asia and it is expected to double the number of participants for the next year.