By Vincent D’Silva

DESARU: As dawn broke over the Desaru coastline, the beach outside Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa came alive with the rhythm of endurance, courage and shared human spirit.

The International Sunrise TriFest @ Desaru 2026 returned over the weekend in stirring fashion, drawing about 1,000 participants from nearly 30 countries and further strengthening its place as one of Malaysia’s growing multisport festivals.

Held on Sunday at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort, the 11th edition brought together elite athletes, first-time competitors, families, supporters and young children in a celebration of sport, resilience and community.

Against the scenic backdrop of sea, sand and open road, participants competed in various triathlon and aquathlon categories designed for both seasoned endurance athletes and newcomers taking their first steps into multisport.

The triathlon events included the flagship 113 distance, comprising a 2.25km swim, 90km bike ride and 21km run, as well as the Olympic Distance, Sprint, Super Sprint and relay categories.

The aquathlon programme featured the Ultra Aquathlon, Standard, Sprint, Super Sprint and KiTS categories, offering a more accessible option for those keen to experience multisport without the cycling segment.

Singapore’s Dex Cheong won the men’s flagship 113 Triathlon title in 4 hours, 48 minutes and 36 seconds, ahead of Dutchman Dave Lommen, who finished second in 5:04:16, and Austria’s Martin Malleier, who came third in 5:15:44.

Singapore also dominated the women’s 113 category through Regine Goh, who secured victory in 5:32:51. Her compatriots Jaime Lim and Ong Rou Yuen finished second and third in 6:47:36 and 8:04:53 respectively.

Malaysia had its moment of pride when former national team member Lee Wen Jun won the men’s Olympic Distance title in 2:14:33. Singapore’s Glenn Yin finished second in 2:38:46, while France’s Yan Moreno came third in 2:41:44.

In the women’s Olympic Distance category, Singapore’s Vivian Kng emerged champion in 2:42:52, followed by Australia’s Michaella Widjaya in 2:51:56 and France’s Astrid Forestier in 3:04:24.

Race director Andy Foo said this year’s event marked another milestone in making multisport more inclusive and accessible in Malaysia.

“We added the aquathlon category mainly to cater to those who wanted to try their hand at multisport.

“If they are already here supporting their family members or friends, why not join in themselves? Aquathlon becomes a good starting point because it is more accessible for newcomers,” he said.

Andy said the return of the Ultra Aquathlon category, involving a 2.25km swim and 21km run, also gave endurance athletes a distinctive challenge.

“It is basically similar to the 113 distance, just without the cycling segment.

“We wanted to continue offering something unique and challenging for endurance athletes while also broadening the overall appeal of the event,” he added.

The event also reflected the increasingly family-oriented nature of multisport participation, with the presence of Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, singer-actress Bella Astillah and her two children, Ayden Adrean, 9, and Ara Adreanna, 6.

Syed Saddiq completed the demanding 113 distance in 5:30:13, finishing fifth in the men’s 30-39 category during his third consecutive appearance at the event.

Bella made her race debut in the Olympic Distance Female Relay category with a team named “BAM”, alongside her close friend Datin Indera Dr Sharifah Nur ‘Insyirah, fondly known as Dr Affa, and Australian junior elite athlete Michaella Widjaya.

The trio finished third overall in 3:20:59. Bella completed the cycling leg in 1:50:06, Dr Affa handled the run segment, while Michaella took charge of the swim.

For Syed Saddiq, what began three years ago as a personal endurance challenge has grown into a family experience, with Bella moving from the sidelines into competition, Ayden returning to race, and Ara making her debut.

Ayden competed in the Super Sprint Triathlon boys’ 10-12 category and finished eighth in 1:08:59, while Ara placed third in the girls’ KiTS Aquathlon Under-7 category in 20:19.

“I’m really happy to be back here again for the third consecutive year. What started as a personal challenge has now grown into something much more meaningful because my loved ones are experiencing the journey together with me,” said Syed Saddiq.

Bella described her debut as exciting and eye-opening.

“This was a very new and exciting experience for me. Previously, I only came to support Syed Saddiq from the sidelines, but this year I finally got the chance to participate myself,” she said.

Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa Director of Operations and Revenue, Lily Lim, said the resort was proud to host an event that brought together people of different nationalities, ages and abilities in the shared spirit of endurance and togetherness.

“For us at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, it was truly heartwarming to see the resort and Desaru’s beautiful coastline transformed into a gathering place of courage, discipline and joy,” she said.

“The Sunrise TriFest is more than a sporting event. It is a celebration of human strength, family bonding and the beauty of bringing people together through healthy living,” she said.

“We are honoured to welcome athletes, families and supporters from around the world, and we hope their experience here will leave them not only with memories of competition, but also with the warmth of Desaru’s hospitality,” she added.

As the final competitors crossed the finish line, the cheers from the shoreline told a story beyond medals and timing chips — a story of aching limbs, brave hearts, proud families and a destination steadily carving its place on the regional endurance sports map.