As many as 6,000 runners are expected to take part in the second Cà Mau Marathon- PetroVietnam Cup on November 25-26 in Cà Mau City. — Photo of organisers

HÀ NỘI — The second Cà Mau Marathon 2023, the PetroVietnam Cup, will feature around 6,000 runners in a non-overlap route in the U Minh Hạ National Park, part of the UNESCO's world-recognised Cà Mau Biosphere Reserve.

The number of runners has more than doubled compared to about 2,500 last year.

The opening ceremony will be on November 25 at the Văn Hóa Square while the runs will begin early morning on November 26, both will be broadcast live on local TV.

Athletes will take part in the full marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km on non-overlap routes. This year, organisers opened two more categories of 2.4km and 1,2km in the Kid Run event, creating a playing ground for the children.

In addition to elite and amateur runners, the race will also welcome famous people such as actor Lý Hùng who will run 5km and taekwondo martial artist Châu Tuyết Vân who is the brand ambassador for the tournament.

Athletes run in the first Cà Mau Marathon in 2022. Many of them have registered to run for a second time later this year.

A big purse of cash and many gifts are available for the winners in which the 42km champions will walk away with VNĐ17 million (US$714).

The organisers will also present awards to top runners of different age groups, winning teams and runners with most favourite cosplay.

The tournament, which was initially named Đất Mũi Marathon - Cà Mau in 2022, is one of cultural and sporting event aiming to popularise the southern-most destination and specialities of the country to local and international friends.

"Athletes will have the opportunity to admire one of the unique ecosystems of Việt Nam, and experience the great hospitality of the extremely friendly people of the western region," said Trần Hiếu Hùng, director of the Cà Mau Culture, Sports and Tourism Department.

"In particular, they will be able to cross the forest and enjoy the fragrant, shimmering and fanciful Melaleuca trees, a specialty of the southernmost land."

He said in addition to bring great experience in discovering Cà Mau's wild and attractive nature, typical culture and economic potential, the marathon is a useful channel to push people's awareness about sport training to improve stature, fitness and quality of life.

Organisers hold a press conference announcing the Cà Mau Marathon in HCM City on August 17.

At the same time, through the marathon entitled U Minh Forest Scent the local authority want to alert the community about the responsibility of joining hands to preserve the nature while protecting wildlife and biodiversity in the context of the global-scale complicated climate change.

Organisers will also raise fund to build 300 houses at a cost of VNĐ24 billion ($1 million) in total for the poor people in Ngọc Hiển District

Runners can register for the marathon at https://actiup.net/event/ca-mau-marathon-2023. VNS