Indian endurance athletes delivered standout performances as the inaugural 5i50 Triathlon Chennai, organised by Yoska under the IRONMAN Group banner, unfolded in spectacular fashion on Sunday, marking a major milestone for multisport racing in the country. The event signalled Chennai’s entry into the global endurance sports calendar by hosting its first-ever Olympic-distance-format triathlon alongside the prestigious DuYoska Duathlon .
The landmark endurance weekend was officially flagged off by Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of senior government officials including Satyabrata Sahu, Sneha D, and Meghanatha Reddy, underlining strong institutional support for endurance sport in the state.
A total of 650 athletes 5i50 Triathlon, including international participants from six countries, competed across multiple categories, generating a high-energy atmosphere and showcasing the growing popularity of triathlon and duathlon racing in India. The event brought together elite performers, seasoned amateurs, relay teams, and first-time endurance athletes.
Due to challenging water conditions, organisers made the decision to cancel the swim leg of the 5i50 Triathlon in the interest of athlete safety. The race was conducted in a modified yet demanding format consisting of a 5 km run, 40 km cycling leg, and a concluding 10 km run, ensuring competitive integrity while prioritising participant welfare.
Indian athletes dominated the podium across categories. In the Open Men’s division, Adarsh MS crossed the finish line first with an impressive timing of 2:05:14. The Open Women’s title was claimed by Arthi Nainar, who delivered a strong and consistent performance to finish in 2:55:23. In the relay category, SOL Fitness emerged winners, further highlighting the depth of domestic endurance talent.
Adding a global dimension to the Chennai endurance weekend was the DuYoska Duathlon, which brought the prestigious World Classic Duathlon Series to India. The event featured Sprint and Standard formats, catering to athletes across age groups and experience levels. The duathlon races witnessed competitive finishes and strong Indian representation, reinforcing the country’s growing presence in endurance disciplines.
Speaking after the event, Deepak Raj, CEO of Yoska and Country Head of IRONMAN India, described the 5i50 format as an ideal entry point for aspiring endurance athletes. He noted that the success of the Chennai event could significantly boost participation in longer-distance races such as IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, and confirmed plans to return to Chennai in the future .
The successful debut of the 5i50 Triathlon Chennai marks a significant step forward for endurance sport in India. With strong government backing, international branding, and robust athlete participation, the event has set a new benchmark for multisport competitions in the region.
As India’s endurance ecosystem continues to expand, Chennai’s first Olympic-distance triathlon stands as a statement of intent—one that blends global standards with local talent, and positions the city as a rising hub for endurance racing in the years ahead.
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