Over 500 athletes from 23 clubs across China competed in the 2023 Cross-Straits Ironman Triathlon on May 28 in Pingtan, the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan. The event featured various categories, including full-distance, half-distance, swim-run, super short distance, mini-distance, and family relay.

Despite unfavorable weather conditions that resulted in the cancellation of the swimming event, athletes showcased their passion in the competition. In the women's full-distance category, Yu Shujun emerged as the overall champion with a time of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 4 seconds. Meanwhile, Li Pengcheng won the men's full-distance overall championship with a time of 1 hour, 36 minutes, and 55 seconds.

Well-known ironman triathletes, including the "Zhang Family" and "Sisters of the Treasure Island" from Taiwan, also participated in the competition. Chen Junyu, one of the Taiwan-based triathletes, briefly led the women's full-distance cycling race but was overtaken by Yu Shujun, who performed well in all aspects.

Aside from the jubilant cheers, there were no short of resounding praises for the breathtaking backdrop that adorned the triathlon, especially the cycling route.

Zhang Chuanhui, deputy director of the Tourism, Culture, and Sports Bureau of Pingtan, emphasized the event's significance in promoting Pingtan's positioning as an international tourism island and building its reputation as a "vibrant island." The event showcased Pingtan's natural resources and cultural heritage and opened up new possibilities for expanding the boundaries of Pingtan's sports events.

The 2023 Cross-Strait (Pingtan) Ironman Triathlon is part of the Fujian Cross-Straits Carnival seriesaimed at promoting sports exchanges between both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

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