Marathon

Nguyễn Thị Oanh crosses the finish line of the women's full marathon at the Techcombank HCM City International Marathon 2023 on December 10. — Photos of organisers

HCM CITY — Nguyễn Thị Oanh won and set a new personal best at the sixth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon 2023 on December 10.

Oanh originally planned to skip one of the nation's largest running events as she wanted to give it all to defend her title at the Vietnam International Half Marathon on January 1 in Hà Nội.

However, the multiple SEA Games champion changed her mind when she found out about the strong international runners who would be among more than 15,000 marathoners in the city.

Oanh and title favourite Chemutai Immaculate from Uganda distanced themselves at the beginning and were close together for almost all of the race. But 4km from the finish, Oanh decided to sprint and left Immaculate, who won the second Hà Nội Techcombank Marathon in September, to power on to the finish.

Oanh wrapped up the race in a time of 2hr 46.27min to top the podium, about 4min faster than her former record.

"My sincere thanks go out to the athletes and the organising committee for their invaluable support, contributing to my recent triumph," said Oanh.

"The Techcombank Marathon consistently evokes unique emotions for me, from the remarkable sportsmanship of the running community to the boundless enthusiasm of the volunteers and the captivating beauty of the cityscape. I eagerly anticipate my return to partake in this outstanding event once again.”

Chemutai was second on 2:47.47, followed by former SEA Games bronze medallist Hoàng Thị Ngọc Hoa on 2:50.49.

On the men's side, Kenyan Edwin Kiptoo Yebei and Joshua Kemboi Kipsang took the top two positions with times of 2:27.31 and 2:29.33, respectively.

Vietnamese Nguyễn Văn Lai was third on 2:33.07.

Kenyan Edwin Kiptoo Yebei wins the men's full marathon of the Techcombank HCM City International Marathon 2023 on December 10.

For the half marathon, SEA Games 3,000m steeplechase winner Nguyễn Trung Cường and Bùi Thị Thu Hà both of the hosts secured top positions with achievements of 1:11.18 and 1:29.59.

Additionally, in the 10km race, Vietnamese Nguyễn Anh Trí and Lê Thị Kim Phượng claimed first places for men and women. In the 5km category, Nguyễn Duy Sang and Lê Thị Cẩm Nhung excelled to take gold medals.

The annual marathon received high appreciation from not only runners but also visitors during the three-day event. The running enabled them to explore the vibrant and dynamic HCM City through routes spanning through five districts and Thủ Đức City, encompassing 17 historically and culturally significant landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the City Post Office, the City People's Committee Building, the Saigon Opera House, and the Ba Son Bridge. The tournament served as a successful highlight, concluding the week-long Ho Chi Minh City tourism week.

Runners in costumes at the sixth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon 2023 on December 10.

The race ensured a professional and international standard as the marathon and half marathon courses received official certification from the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

Speaking at the event, Onslo Carrington, General Manager of the organiser Sunrise Events Vietnam, thanked local authorities, sponsors and crew for helping make a successful run.

“The relentless efforts of them, working hand in hand with us, were instrumental in delivering a successful race," said Carrington.

More than 15,000 runners take part in the sixth edition of the Techcombank HCM City International Marathon 2023 on December 10.

"As a representative of the organising committee, witnessing the tournament's significant scale leap to over 30,000 participants from 91 countries, nearly 90 corporations and run clubs is a source of immense pride. This positive momentum reinforces my belief that we are on track to achieve 30,000 participants in the near future, establishing our event as a distinctive running race in the region."

Meanwhile, Thái Minh Diễm Tú, Chief Marketing Officer at Techcombank, said: "As a title sponsor, Techcombank is not only committed to sustaining but also enhancing support for future events, further fostering community engagement through the impactful initiative “Run for a Greater Việt Nam” with “Be Greater" spirit, we aim to connect and inspire an outstanding community in Việt Nam". — VNS