The adult distances included Ultra Aqua Warriors (5km swim, 21km run), Full Aqua Warriors (3km swim, 15km run), Olympic Aqua Warriors (1.5km swim, 10km run), and Sprint Aqua Warriors (750m swim, 5km run).
Nguyen Vu Ngoc Anh, a 19-year-old from Ho Chi Minh City, claimed the women’s Sprint Aqua Warriors title in her first appearance at the event. She said swimming in the sea was tougher than in a pool due to waves and wind, but found the race exciting and hopes to challenge herself with longer distances in the future.
From Hanoi, Bui Ngoc Trung won the men’s Full Aqua Warriors after having taken the Olympic title in 2024. He said simply finishing was already a success, and the victory came as a surprise. Busy with work, Trung almost missed registration, but was glad he made it, calling the finish line moment unforgettable.
Another Hanoi competitor, Nguyen Thi Hong Hanh, a familiar face at Aqua Warriors, won the women’s Full Aqua Warriors. Usually competing in Sprint or Olympic races, she stepped up to the tougher distance this year and was delighted to be the first woman across the line. Hanh said the swim was difficult due to strong waves and currents, but she excelled in the running stage, her strength. She praised the event as professionally organised and a meaningful sporting playground.
Tran Ha Trang from Haiphong City won the women’s Ultra Aqua Warriors. She collapsed from exhaustion at the finish and required medical support, but described the victory as an unforgettable experience.
Trang admitted she had moments of doubt during the race, but thanks to encouragement from her coach and three months of training, she pushed through to the end.
A touching moment came when two female athletes crossed the finish line hand in hand to win the women’s Full Aqua Warriors Relay, highlighting the spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity.
The toughest title, the men’s Ultra Aqua Warriors, went to 18-year-old Vo Minh Tai from Danang City, who conquered the demanding course of a 5km sea swim and a 21km run.
The event, organised by Dantri/Dtinews Newspaper and Bolt Event, not only brought together a large number of Vietnamese athletes but also attracted international participants, who finished in jubilation, underlining both the appeal and the growing stature of Aqua Warriors.
