Marathon

Quiamco Bryan of the Philippines runs to win the fifth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon on Sunday. Photos of organisers

HCM CITY — Filippino Quiamco Bryan and Vietnamese Đoàn Thị Hiền dominated the fifth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon on Sunday.

Bryan finished first in the men’s full marathon class with a time of 2:38.28.

His country fellow Zabala Jerald was second and Vietnamese Đặng Anh Quyết was third.

“I came to this race without expecting that I would be the winner,” said Bryan after the race.

“I had heard this is one of the highlighted races of your country. The race is safe and comfortable for athletes like us to focus on showing our performance. I want to thank the organiser of the event and I will surely be back for the upcoming year.”

Hiền completed her race at 3:08.51. She left behind Miranda Judelyn and Camacho Maricar, both from the Philippines.

“As a Vietnamese winning this intense race, it is a great chance for us to compete with other regional athletes and show our performance,” said Hiền.

“I would like to thank the organisers, the referees, and all the supporters and volunteers for taking care of us on race day. I believe that next year this HCM City International Marathon will be even more successful and create more impact for the community.”

Vietnamese Đoàn Thị Hiền wins the title in the women's full marathon of the Techcombank HCM City International Marathon. — Photo of organisers

In the half marathon, Salaño Richard of the Philippines came first in the men’s side while his country fellow Hallasgo Christine won the women’s pool.

The 10km categories saw French runner Gaetan Morizur and Vietnamese Nguyễn Thị Thùy Dương in top place.

The 5km classes belonged to host athletes Võ Anh Tuấn and Hương Phạm.

Almost 800 children from 5-14 years old took part in the Kids Run's 1.5km and 3km categories.

Entitled I Am My Hero, the young competitors ran without their parent's supervision. Organisers said they aim to build up confidence and reliance for the kids.

The marathon featured a prize purse of US$12,700 with the top male and female athletes each collecting $2,000.

With nearly 12,000 participants from 64 countries, the event was the largest competitive running event in the city, providing runners with the most expansive view of the city on the way to the finish.

The run course offered participants an opportunity to experience many iconic landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Post office, the Opera House, and the Dragon Wharf.

Celebrating its five-year milestone, the marathon is not only a chance for both domestic and international tourists to maintain a healthy lifestyle but also an opportunity for them to contribute to charities and meaningful social initiatives.

About 12,000 athletes take part in the 2022 Techcombank HCM City International Marathon. — Photo of organisers

Part of the cash prize will be donated to charitable organisations such as the Fund for the Poor, the Association for Sponsoring Poor Patients, the Sports Talent Sponsorship Fund, and the City Athletics Federation, as well as supporting community tourism activities throughout the city.

Thái Minh Diễm Tú, Techcombank chief marketing officer, said: "The fifth edition of the Techcombank Marathon has been a great and well-organised tournament.

“Having been part of the race since the first edition in 2017, it is great to see how the running community in Việt Nam has developed since then. I can't wait to also join the race next year!.”

Onslo Carrington, general manager of Sunrise Events Vietnam, said: “We are proud and grateful to be part of the journey of developing a great marathon for the great HCM City. This fifth edition gave us an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable growth in athlete participation and overall running community not only in the city but across the country.”

“Importantly, we remain committed and motivated to continue working with the city and all of our key partners to continue growing this event into one of the most popular marathons in Asia in the years to come.

“Our title sponsor Techcombank has been with the Marathon since day one and five years later is still running along with us all. Gratitude is extended to all our valued sponsors, the countless number of public servants, volunteers, and thousands of runners that have made this event happen over the past five years.” VNS