The inauguration of the 2023 Techcombank HCM City International Marathon in HCM City on December 8. — Photo courtesy of Techcombank

HCM CITY — The sixth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon opened at the Marathon Village in HCM City on December 8.

The event has attracted the participation of over 15,000 participants from 91 countries and territories, being the largest annual marathon event in Việt Nam and also one of the races with the highest number of foreign participants.

Notable international participants this year include Johnstone Chesire Koros who won the second Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon in September, Immaculate Chemutai, a 35 year old Ugandan runner, who is internationally ranked among the best female marathon runners in the world, and Bosuben Benard Kipkemoi, an internationally ranked men’s marathon runner who won the Toronto Half Marathon in 2015

Numerous professional and national athletes such as Nguyễn Trung Cương, Nguyễn Thị Thanh Phúc, and Nguyễn Thị Oanh have also participated in the event.

The involvement of numerous international athletes underscores the race's reputation and international standards.

In addition, nearly 90 corporations and running clubs have signed up for the race.

The main run will take place on December 10, featuring four distances: a marathon (42.195 km), a half-marathon (21.1km), a 10km race, and a 5km race.

All distances start from on Lê Duẫn Street in District 1 and finish in Thủ Đức City. The routes take runners on a journey spanning five districts and Thủ Đức City, passing iconic landmarks and historical sites along the way.

There is also a Kids Run on December 9, with the participation of over 1,000 runners aged five to 14.

Under the theme ‘Run for a Greater Việt Nam’, the event underscores the significance and influence of sports in uniting and motivating the community.

In addition, the message "Green on Every Journey" from the city Department of Tourism aims to minimise plastic waste along the race route and connect communities to protect the environment together.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyễn Thị Ánh Hoa, director of the HCM City Department of Tourism, said: “We are very proud to be involved in organizing one of the biggest sporting events in the country, and are thrilled to witness the growing interest from individuals, businesses and clubs in embracing a healthy lifestyle and participating in community activities.

“I hope that this event will continue to inspire people to embrace positive lifestyles and create meaningful changes for both communities and themselves,” she said.

Chief marketing officer 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 healthy and positive lifestyle."

The race also serves as the perfect finale of HCM City’s tourism week. — VNS