Running

Athletes take their bibs and gears for the VnExpress Marathon HCM City Midnight 2023 on February 10. The night marathon will be kicked off at 0.00 on February 12. — Photo courtesy of organisers

HCM CITY — The VnExpress Marathon HCM City Midnight 2023 is set to bring together over 10,000 runners, including some of the nation's most acclaimed athletes, for a night of intense competition.

As the first night-time event of its kind in the city and part of the prestigious VnExpress marathon series, the marathon will feature races in four different distances: full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km, attracting both professional and amateur runners from around the world.

Participants will compete in various age groups for a grand prize pool of VNĐ1 billion (US$42,500).

The 42km race will commence at midnight on February 12, followed by the other categories starting every 15 minutes thereafter. The race will start at Tao Đàn Park on Trương Định Street in District 1 and end at the finish line on Lê Duẩn Street in front of the Sài Gòn Zoo.

Runners will pass by some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Sài Gòn Notre Dame Cathedral, the Independence Palace, Bạch Đằng Wharf, and the new urban area Thủ Thiêm, as they run across Ba Son and Thủ Thiêm Bridges.

Before the main event, young children aged six to ten will participate in the 700m Kun Marathon, which will run from Lê Duẩn Street to Đinh Tiên Hoàng and Tôn Đức Thắng streets.

Medals of the VnExpress Marathon HCM City Midnight 2023. — Photo of the organisers

In January, the Association of International Marathons (AIMS) officially issued international standard certificates to all four categories. Runners can use their results from this event to submit for some of the world's most prestigious marathons, such as the Chicago, Boston, Tokyo and London marathons.

The HCM City midnight run is not only a sports event but also a chance to popularise the local tourism sector, giving visitors interesting experiences while staying in the city.

It is also expected to inspire people to participate in sports activities to improve their health.

Runners ready

Before Sunday, runners have landed in the city to have the last touch for the tournament.

Đỗ Văn Hoàng from Hải Phòng (Hải Phòng) arrived yesterday to get familiar with the weather and the track.

"I have met some local runners to visit famous landmarks here first. We then test the track so that we will be ready for the marathon on Sunday," said Hoàng, who chose the Midnight Marathon as his first tournament in 2023.

The 22-year-old won a title in the Aquaman Vietnam relay event last October. He hopes to run well in HCM City and has targeted a sub-2:40 full marathon this year.

Ten members of Hà Nội's VKL Runners Club also gathered together yesterday.

"Club members in HCM City support us by arranging accommodation and making plans for our race. We will take time to practise to ensure our peak on the race day," said Thái Hồng, who targets a sub-3:25 finish.

From the central region, Quảng Bình runners booked a hotel and tickets a month ago. Their representative, Nguyễn Thị Như Quỳnh, shared that everyone was excited to run. They want to test themselves after a long Tết holiday and set high targets at the tournament.

She said for far-away runners it is a chance for them to race and visit the destination simultaneously.

Đặng Anh Quyết works hard since Tết with a plan to win the VnExpress Marathon HCM City Midnight 2023. — Photo of the organisers

HCM City runner Đặng Anh Quyết, one of the top amateur runners of Việt Nam, maintained his ability by keeping practising through Tết. He combined long-running and sprinting and added nutritional supplements into his meals every day.

Quyết, who finished second at the Hà Nội last November, is aiming to take the top podium this time.

"My goal this time is nothing but the title and reaching a better result than that at the Hà Nội night run," he said. VNS