Marathon

Athletes compete in the first Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon last September. The second edition will be held at a higher standard this September. Photo of organisers

HÀ NỘI — The Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon and Techcombank HCM City International Marathon will be elevated to a higher level to be top running events in the region in 2023.

According to organisers, a record number of participants are expected to take part in the second edition of the Hà Nội race on September 17 and the sixth edition of the HCM City tournament on December 10 as title sponsor Techcombank celebrates its 30th anniversary by supporting the growing running movement and better health and wellness in the country.

These premier marathons have attracted runners from different countries in the world in four distances of 42.2km (marathon), 21.1km (half marathon), 10km and 5km. All courses are certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

“The Việt Nam Sports Administration (VSA) is actively implementing various plans to expand and enhance grassroots physical training and sports activities. The running movement in Việt Nam has grown meaningfully over the past few years catering to people of all ages, promoting health, fitness, and contributing to the creation of a healthy lifestyle," said Trần Đức Phấn, VSA deputy director.

"The Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon and Techcombank HCM City International Marathon are renowned sporting events. Encouraging and involving residents in these marathons not only improve the health of the local community but also serve as a significant opportunity to promote sports tourism both domestically and internationally. We are excited to support the organising committee as they continue to further develop such events,” he said.

In its inaugural edition in 2022, the Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon lured about 7,000 runners, while the HCM City event attracted almost 12,000 marathoners. 

“We are honoured and proud to continue to co-create the healthy living lifestyle with the two biggest running races in Hà Nội and HCM City,” said Thái Minh Diễm Tú, CMO of Techcombank.

"This is one of the important activities in Techcombank’s special series of events to celebrate “30 years of Greatness Together”. We want to spread the spirit of healthy living and training with purpose to contribute building a Be-Greater-Everyday Việt Nam in the community.” she said.

About 12,000 international and local runners take part in the fifth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon in 2022. The number of participants is expected to reach a new height this December. — Photo of organisers

The marathons this year promise to be more prestigious than previous editions as the organisers focus on attracting more elite international runners to complement the best local athletes. Key influencers and community and business leaders will also be part of the races while children are encouraged to take part in the Kids Run event.

Enhancing the message "Run for a Greater Việt Nam”, these races offer participants, from beginners to elite athletes, a range of exciting activities, exhibitions and on-course support on their journey to the finish line.

“As the organisers, we aspire to become the major marathon carrying the name of each city by continuing to raise the bar each year and elevating our events to match the size and standards of the best marathon events in the region," said Onslo Carrington, General Manager of Sunrise Events Vietnam.

"This is already reflected in our events having the highest aid stations and number of volunteers supporting the runners on course. Together with our partners on the organising committee, we are committed to making the Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon and HCM City International Marathon truly memorable experiences for everyone involved,” Carrington said. VNS