The Hoiana Aquaman 2026 event will feature new, shorter distances designed to make multisport racing more accessible. These additions include Flash Aqua, consisting of a 200m swim and a 2km run, and Rush Aqua, which combines a 300m swim with a 2km run. These are the shortest distances ever offered in Aquaman Vietnam's history, targeting new participants eager to experience a two-discipline race.

Organizers state that these shorter distances aim to lower the barrier to entry for new athletes. The significantly reduced swim distances, compared to traditional categories, ease pressure on individuals who lack extensive open-water racing experience. This initiative is expected to encourage broader participation and engagement in the sport.

Athletes participating in the swim leg at Aquaman Vietnam 2024. *Photo: Aquaman*

Beyond individual categories, Hoiana Aquaman 2026 also expands its relay options. In addition to the established Aquaman Relay (a 2km swim and 21km run), the event will debut the Half Aqua Relay (a 1km swim, 10km run) and the Sprint Aqua Relay (a 500m swim, 5km run).

These relay formats allow two athletes to form a team, with each person specializing in one discipline. After completing the swim segment, the first athlete will proceed to the transition area, handing over a timing device to their teammate to begin the run. Expanding team categories to include shorter distances provides more choices for groups of friends, families, or those who wish to experience the competitive atmosphere without tackling both disciplines individually.

Organizers anticipate that this new distance system will attract a wider range of athletes to Hoiana, from novice swimmers and runners looking to try multi-discipline events to families seeking weekend sports experiences.

Hundreds of athletes rush into the swimming lane after the start signal. *Photo: Aquaman*

In addition to the new offerings, Hoiana Aquaman will retain the familiar distances from its three previous seasons. The most challenging individual category, Aquaman, involves a 2km ocean swim and a 21km run. Other individual distances include Half Aqua (a 1km swim, 10km run) and Sprint Aqua (a 500m swim, 5km run).

Aquaman Vietnam first launched in Tra Co, Quang Ninh, in 2022. Subsequent events were held in Phan Thiet in 2023 and Ho Tram in 2024. The selected locations consistently boast long, calm coastlines and scenic race tracks, ideal for multisport events.

This year's event is scheduled for 26/7 at Hoiana Resort & Golf, located in Duy Nghia commune, Da Nang. The resort features a 4km private beach and an integrated coastal area with comprehensive infrastructure for sports and leisure. Hosting the event within the resort complex provides athletes with convenient accommodation, minimizes travel time, and offers improved post-race recovery conditions. Participants registering for individual bibs can book rooms at Hoiana Resort & Golf from 2,3 million VND per night, approximately 30% below the listed price.

Beyond the competition, athletes and their companions can enjoy a variety of amenities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), a children's play area spanning nearly 3.000 m2, a mini water park at New World Hoiana Hotel, and the Hoiana Shores Golf Club.

Hoai Phuong