DESARU, 24 May: What began as a personal endurance challenge for Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has now blossomed into a full-fledged family affair after singer-actress Bella Astillah officially joined him in competition at the International Sunrise TriFest @ Desaru 2026 on Sunday.
Held at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort, the event attracted about 1,000 participants from nearly 30 countries, but much of the spotlight fell on the increasingly popular “BASS family” presence at the multisport festival.
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.
Syed Saddiq, taking part in the demanding 113 Triathlon for the third consecutive year, completed the 2.25km swim, 90km bike and 21km run challenge in a commendable time of 5 hours 30 minutes and 13 seconds (5:30:13) to finish fifth in the men’s 30-39 category.
However, this year’s edition carried extra significance as Bella herself made her race debut after previously supporting Syed Saddiq from the sidelines.
Bella’s children, Ayden Adrean, 9, and Ara Adreanna, 6, also participated transforming the occasion into a memorable family sporting experience.
Bella competed in the Olympic Distance Female Relay category through a team aptly named “BAM” — short for Bella, Affa and Michie.
Teaming up with her close friend Datin Indera Dr. Sharifah Nur ‘Insyirah, more fondly known as Dr. Affa, and Australian junior elite athlete Michaella Widjaya, the trio went on to finish 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.
Dr. Affa also received support on-site from her husband, Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah.
Ayden also returned to race after making his debut at the event last year, finishing eighth in the boys’ Super Sprint Triathlon (300m swim-10km bike-2km run) 10-12 category in 1:08:59.
Ara, meanwhile, enjoyed a memorable first multisport outing after finishing third in the girls’ KiTS Aquathlon (50m swim-500m run) 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 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.”
Race director Andy Foo said the family’s journey over the years perfectly reflected the inclusive and community-driven spirit behind the Sunrise TriFest movement.
“This is what events like this are all about.
“You see how one person’s passion for the sport can eventually inspire the people closest to them to become part of the journey as well.
“Syed Saddiq first came here alone to challenge himself. Then Bella came to support him from the sidelines, Ayden started racing, and now Bella herself has joined in while Ara made her debut too.
“It’s very meaningful because multisport is not only about competition. It’s also about family, healthy living, challenging yourself and creating memories together through these adrenaline-filled experiences,” said Andy.
Beyond the celebrity participation, the 11th edition of the International Sunrise TriFest @ Desaru also continued strengthening its reputation as one of Malaysia’s growing multisport festivals.
Singapore’s Dex Cheong won the men’s 113 Triathlon title in 4:48:36, while compatriot Regine Goh captured the women’s crown in 5:32:51.
Malaysia’s Lee Wen Jun emerged champion of the men’s Olympic Distance category in 2:14:33.
This year’s edition also saw the introduction of additional aquathlon categories aimed at encouraging newcomers to experience multisport competition, while the Ultra Aquathlon — featuring a gruelling 2.25km swim and 21km run format — returned as one of the event’s unique highlights.