Triathlon «Vietnam FesTRIval 2027»

   A swim in a natural freshwater lake with a sand bottom, set among white dunes, then a bike and run leg where sun, wind and gradient are all part of the field. Bàu Trắng is what gives this race its character and what separates it from the coastal triathlons elsewhere in the country.

   The fifth edition keeps three racing distances, each open to individuals, with the two longer ones also offered as team relays:

• — 70.3 — 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, 21.1 km run
• — 56.50, half of the 70.3 — 950 m swim, 45 km bike, 10.55 km run
• — Sprint — 750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run

   The race is a collaboration between Stop And Sports and the Vietnam Triathlon Community, and their approach is summed up in two phrases, "head to toe" and "door to door": the organisers handle racing, accommodation, meals, transfers and even bike transport, so athletes need bring only their own readiness. For a race this far from the big cities, and one that requires a bicycle, that service is worth real money.

   Age rules: the individual 70.3 requires you to be 18, the 56.50 and the Sprint require 15 with written consent from a parent or guardian, and the relay categories accept athletes from 12, also with written consent.

   Entry is in the Super Early Bird window until 30 September: 2,590,000 ₫ for the Sprint, 3,670,000 ₫ for an individual place on the 70.3 or the 56.50, and 4,530,000 ₫ for a relay place. The Early Bird and Standard tiers that follow take the top figure to 5,830,000 ₫. Groups of 10 get 10 percent off, groups of 31 get 15 percent, groups of 71 get 20 percent.

   For the Vietnamese triathlon community this is the annual meeting point, and a Sprint beside a desert lake is a gentle way into the sport.