The Aqua Kid was the first distance contested at the Hoiana Aquaman 2026. From 6h, the beach area within Hoiana Resort & Golf buzzed with activity as parents and children arrived, preparing their swim gear and warming up.
Although the race started at 7h, 30 minutes prior, the young athletes were visibly eager, gathering at the prominent black inflatable arch on the sand, awaiting the signal. Hundreds of parents lined up outside, clapping to encourage them.
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Young athletes start, competing in swimming and running. Photo: Aquaman Vietnam |
Young athletes start, competing in swimming and running. Photo: Aquaman Vietnam
At precisely 7h, hundreds of people on the beach counted down in unison, signaling the start. The young athletes quickly ran towards the sea. After the initial 20m, navigating near-shore waves, they plunged into the swim course. The 200m swim was laid out diagonally, requiring them to swim 100m before turning back.
Race day weather was favorable, with early sunshine and a calm, relatively pleasant sea. Along the buoy line, a team of security and rescue personnel was on standby to assist the children. The sight of over 100 children conquering the ocean inspired continuous cheers from supporters.
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Van Tue Nhi finishes as the first-place female. Photo: VnExpress Marathon |
Young athletes compete in the swim leg. Photo: Aquaman Vietnam
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Athlete Tuong Phi Dai, the first-place male. Photo: Aquaman Vietnam |
Spectators filled the beach, watching the young athletes compete. Photo: Aquaman Vietnam
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Young athletes compete in the swim leg. Photo: Aquaman Vietnam
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Young athletes compete in the swim leg. Photo: Aquaman Vietnam
In just about four minutes, the first young athletes emerged from the water, quickly moving to the transition area. Among them, Van Tue Nhi completed the swim fastest in 4 minutes 43 seconds. She spent approximately one minute putting on her shirt, shoes, and bib before continuing to the run course.
Despite finishing the swim early, Tue Nhi faced some difficulty on the run. She took 6 minutes 32 seconds to complete the 1km. However, her advantage in the swim helped her secure the first-place female position.
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Van Tue Nhi finishes as the first-place female. Photo: VnExpress Marathon
In the male category, Tran Anh Quan finished the swim earliest in 5 minutes 57 seconds. However, he took over 7 minutes for the run, placing him sixth overall.
The male champion was Tuong Phi Dai. He completed the swim in seventh place in 6 minutes 20 seconds. However, this athlete had an excellent transition and run. Dai finished the 1km run in 4 minutes 57 seconds, overtaking many athletes to claim first place overall with a total time of 12 minutes 11 seconds.
A unique aspect that led to many unexpected developments on the 1km run course was its special terrain. The course featured an uphill section for the first 400m and a flat stretch for the final 600m. Many children, having just completed the swim, slowed down on the uphill section.
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Athlete Tuong Phi Dai, the first-place male. Photo: Aquaman Vietnam
The Aqua Kid distance concluded after about one hour of competition, with most athletes completing the challenge. Upon finishing, they received medals, medical care, water, and fruit.
Thu Huong from Da Nang, a parent of one of the athletes, described Aqua Kid as an exciting race. Allowing children to participate in a multisport event requires them to train seriously, especially for the swimming portion. Children typically spend one to two months training diligently. Additionally, the event helps children connect with friends and create lasting memories during their summer vacation.
"Beyond health benefits, competitions like Aquaman help introduce swimming and sports skills to children, making them more confident, disciplined, and active," Huong shared.
Following Aqua Kid, the adult distances of Hoiana Aquaman will commence from 6h on 26/7. The event is expected to attract 1,500 athletes.
Hoai Phuong
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