The International Sunrise TriFest @ Desaru 2026 continued to strengthen its standing as one of Malaysia’s growing multisport festivals after attracting about 1,000 participants from nearly 30 countries over the weekend.
Held at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort on Sunday, the 11th edition of the event featured a wide range of triathlon and aquathlon categories catering to both elite athletes and newcomers to the sport.
The triathlon events contested included the flagship 113 distance (2.25km swim, 90km bike, 21km run), Olympic Distance (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run), Sprint (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), Super Sprint (300m swim, 10km bike, 2km run) and relay categories.
The aquathlon programme featured Ultra Aquathlon (2.25km swim, 21km run), Standard (1.5km swim, 10km run), Sprint (750m swim, 5km run), Super Sprint (300m swim, 2km run) and KiTS categories.
Singapore’s Dex Cheong emerged champion of the flagship men’s 113 Triathlon after clocking an impressive 4 hours 48 minutes and 36 seconds (4:48:36). Dutchman Dave Lommen finished second in 5:04:16 while Austria’s Martin Malleier completed the podium in 5:15:44.
Singapore also dominated the women’s 113 category through Regine Goh, who secured victory in 5:32:51 ahead of compatriots Jaime Lim (6:47:36) and Ong Rou Yuen (8:04:53).
Malaysia, however, still had reason to celebrate after former national team member Lee Wen Jun delivered a strong performance to capture the men’s Olympic Distance title in 2:14:33.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s Glenn Yin finished runner-up in 2:38:46 while France’s Yan Moreno settled for third in 2:41:44, and Vivian Kng also from Singapore won the women’s Olympic Distance category in 2:42:52, followed by Australia’s Michaella Widjaya (2:51:56) and France’s Astrid Forestier (3:04:24).
Race director Andy Foo said this year’s edition marked another important milestone in expanding the reach and accessibility of multisport participation in Malaysia.
“We added the aquathlon category mainly to cater for those wanting to try their hands in 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,” said Andy.
The organiser also brought back the Ultra Aquathlon category, featuring a demanding 2.25km swim and 21km run format believed to be the only one of its kind in Malaysia.
“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 growing family-oriented nature of multisport participation through 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 to finish fifth in the men’s 30-39 category during his third consecutive appearance at the event.
Bella, meanwhile, made her race debut in the Olympic Distance Female Relay category through a team aptly 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, while Dr Affa handled the run segment and Michaella took charge of the swim, with Dr Affa also receiving support on-site from her husband, Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah.
After initially taking on the challenge alone three years ago, Syed Saddiq has since seen the event gradually evolve into a shared family experience — with Bella first supporting from the sidelines before eventually making her own race debut this year, while Ayden returned to compete and younger sister Ara made her first appearance.
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.
“Seeing Ayden return to race again, Ara making her debut, and Bella participating for the first time made this edition extra special for me. “I think events like this are important because they encourage healthy living, mental resilience and quality family time at the same time.”
Bella described the experience as both exciting and eye-opening after transitioning from supporter to participant.
“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.
“I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the effort, discipline and spirit behind multisport events after experiencing it firsthand.
“What made it even more meaningful was being able to do this together with friends and family while also seeing Ayden and Ara enjoy themselves throughout the event.”
