Running

Nguyễn Thị Oanh (right) and Nguyễn Thị Tuyết on the women's 21km race on January 1, in Hà Nội. Oanh finishes first to defend her title. Photo of Vietcontent

HÀ NỘI  Nguyễn Thị Oanh defended her top place and set up a new record at the second Vietnam International Half Marathon powered by Herbalife (VIHM) on January 1, the first sport event of the new year, in Hà Nội.

The 32nd SEA Games four-time champion finished the women's 21km category in 1hr 15:10min, 13sec faster than last year's record.

Oanh, who mainly ran middle distances, faced a strong threat from the 32nd SEA Games silver marathoner Lê Thị Tuyết from the start line. But Oanh, who practised longer distances in the recent few years, made a strong sprint in the last several hundred metres to win the gold medal.

Tuyết was second at 1:15.21, followed by Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ who clocked 1.19:09.

"It is a wonderful day for me. I ran against potential and talented runners, especially Tuyết. We have made a great race as we ran neck on neck the whole route. I am a luckier and win," said Oanh.

"Prior to the race, my health issue had me pretty worried. But it is great today. I am really surprised with my run and happy about the new record. It is a milestone which will push me in my journey for the next target. It is a brilliant start of 2024."

About 5,000 runners take part in the second Vietnam International Half Marathon powered by Herbalife in Hà Nội. — Photo of Vietcontent

On the men's side, 32nd SEA Games bronze medallist Hoàng Nguyên Thanh met no difficulty on his way to top the podium. He won in a time of 1.06:39

Thai runner Namkhet Sanchai was second at 1.07:56, and Nguyễn Văn Lai third at 1.08:32.

In the 10km races, Nguyễn Trung Cường won the men's title after 31.57min while Phạm Thị Huệ finished first on the women's side, clocking 35.48min.

Both were members of the national athletics team. While Cường is the reigning champion of the SEA Games men's 3,000m steeplechase, Huệ is former SEA Games 10,000m winner.

Earlier, Hoàng Viết Vĩ Ly and Bùi Thị Thu Hà won the men's and women's 5km categories, respectively.

Race walking debut

Trương Quốc Khánh and Hoàng Vũ Huyền Trang took the top podiums of the first ever race walking event which was part of the VIHM.

They were among 200 competitors selected to take part in this sideline tournament which would become an official event in the next VIHM editions.

"I have been practising race walking for one year and a half, and really love this sport," said Trang.

Competitors at the start line of the VIHM's walk racing event. — Photo of Vietcontent

"It is the first time that I have had the chance to take part in a tournament. I am really excited to race and hope that in the future many more events will be organised so that walkers could race regularly," said Trang, encouraging people to take part in walking to improve health and live a better life.

SEA Games defending champion Nguyễn Thị Thanh Phúc suggested the organisers to hold the race walking competition.

The national walker and her brother, Nguyễn Thanh Ngưng, have tried to popularise race walking for many years. Their effort was recognised when the Việt Nam Athletics Federation (VAF) agreed with their suggestion recently.

Since then, they have been successfully pushing the movement which is growing strongly in the community. 

Athletes walk on the way to the finish line. — Photo of Vietcontent

"I am very happy because my dream of seeing many people join race walking has come true. I am among the last finishers to enjoy every moment walking among people -- young and old, men and women -- and the beautiful spirit of race walking," said Phúc.

"I will try to train as many people as possible and accompany all events to deliver my knowledge to push the development of race walking."

Walker Ngưng added: "I have visited Hà Nội many times, but this time is special because I am pleased to see my passion spread widely among people. I am really excited to train people how to walk properly and have best results.

"In this first time, organisers allow only 200 athletes. I hope that it will be open for more in the next events so that larger numbers of people will have the chance to join the race."

The VIHM is a joint event held by the Hà Nội People's Committee, VAF and Vietcontent. More than 5,000 international athletes took part in the second edition which is recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. VNS