More than 1500 athletes from 36 countries and regions, including the United States, Australia, and Germany traveled to Weihai, a coastal city in Shandong province to competed in the 2015 Long Distance Triathlon World Series Event.

The two-day event sanctioned by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) ended on Sept 13 with athletes from Russia claiming the top two medals in the men's elite event.

Nikolay Yaroshenko captured gold by completing the 3-km swim, 80-km bike ride and 20-km running course in a time of 4:11.37, ahead of second-place Denis Vasiliev who finished the course in under 6 minutes.

"I have attended Weihai triathlon competitions three times. The competition's course is challenging, but fun. I love this place," said Nikolay Yaroshenko.

Poland's Ewa Bugdol claimed the women's title in a time of 4:46:33, ahead of Carina Brechters from Germany by about two minutes.

"Long distance triathlon is an incredibly important part of ITU as it is a grueling test of mental and physical endurance in triathlon's three core sports," said Marisol Casado, president of ITU and a member of the International Olympic Committee, "One thing is for sure - long distance triathlon is not for the faint of heart."

Weihai has hosted international long distance triathlon competitions every year since 2010, including last year's Long Distance Triathlon World Champions. With a pleasant environment and challenging racing tracks, the city has been granted the nation's best competition area by China Triathlon Sports Association.

"Weihai long distance triathlon events have promoted and popularized the triathlon sports. More people get to know, love and participate in the sports. This helps the development of triathlon in China," said Wang Xuanqing, president of the China Triathlon Sports Association.

Wangqian2@chinadaily.com.cn