Marathon

Athletes run to the finish line of the fifth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon in 2022. The sixth event will be held on December 10 in HCM City. Photo of Sunrise Events Vietnam

HCM CITY — The sixth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon, expected to be the largest running event held in Việt Nam, will take place on December 10 in HCM City.

More than 15,000 athletes have registered to take part in the event, breaking the record set by the previous edition.

The newly-designed courses will take runners on a journey spanning five districts and Thủ Đức City, passing 17 iconic landmarks along the way, under the theme ‘Run for a Greater Việt Nam’.

This year the race will also serve as a platform for the ‘Green on Every Journey’ initiative, aiming to minimise plastic waste along the race route and connect communities to protect the environment together.

Athletes will get to explore the modern and dynamic city, with its unique charms providing a memorable shared experience on different distances of full marathon (42.195km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km, 5km, and the Kids Run.

"After five successful seasons, which have provided great inspiration to the passionate sports community, we are confident that this year’s event will continue to be a source of motivation for us all, both individually and the wider community, to uphold positive values related to health, sports and lifestyle," said Onslo Carrington, representing the organiser, Sunrise Events Vietnam Company.

"These values are not just limited to adults, but to benefit the entire community, which is why we’re excited to organise the Kids Run the day before the main event, for children aged five to 14, helping inspire a love of sports and healthy habits among the younger generation.

"We hope that this year’s event will provide the athletes, spectators and people of HCM City an opportunity to enjoy competition, entertainment and connection with each other."

Over 70 corporations and running clubs have signed up, reflecting the growing participation amongst businesses and communities of interest.

Among the participants are many famed runners such as Nga Võ, former champion of the Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon's women’s age group 40-49, and Chi Nguyễn, six-time World Marathon Majors finisher.

The Techcombank HCM City International Marathon has also attracted a large number of international athletes. Notable participants this year include Kenyan Shadrack Kipkemboi Kebenei who has the personal best of 2:08.45 and Kenyan Koros Johnstone Chesire, who won the second Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon in September.

The sixth edition of the Techcombank HCM City International Marathon expects more than 15,000 athletes next month. — Photo of Sunrise Events Vietnam

With athletes representing 47 different countries, the marathon provides an opportunity to showcase HCM City to the world, and features in the official City Tourism Week.

"This year, we plan to organise the third HCM City Tourism Week, featuring a series of activities designed to serve the community and both domestic and international tourists," said Nguyễn Thị Ánh Hoa, director of the HCM City Department of Tourism.

"The theme 'Green on every Journey' affirms our commitment to the sustainable development of the tourism industry.

"We are excited to partner with all stakeholders to hold the marathon and promote this green mission to the tens of thousands of participants and spectators."

Marketing Director of Techcombank Thái Minh Diễm Tú said: "Through the marathon, Techcombank aims to collaborate with the community to spread the spirit of 'Being superior every day,' and inspire a positive attitude toward sports."

"We believe that health plays a pivotal role as the fundamental foundation for fostering positive changes in one's life. We are delighted to coordinate with Sunrise Events Vietnam, the HCM City Department of Tourism, and other units to create a positive platform, encouraging the community to participate in sports and improve their health every day." VNS