Đặng Anh Quyết runs to the finish line with a flag of his Vạn Phúc Club. Quyết wins the VPBank VnExpress Marathon HCM City Midnight for first time. Photos of organisers

HCM CITY — Đặng Anh Quyết made a strong sprint in the last kilometres to win the VPBank VnExpress Marathon HCM City Midnight in HCM City on March 3.

As one of the title favourites in all marathons, Quyết was among leading runners from the first steps.

In the first 30km, following the negative split tactics, Quyết kept himself in the second pack chasing leader Trương Văn Tâm who went in a solo performance with a view to set a new record.

After the 30km mark, Tâm failed to maintain his speed. He was caught up by the other runners including Quyết at the 36km point.

"I have run with him in many events and know him clearly. I was not worried when he was in the lead but waiting for a suitable moment to pass him," Quyết said.

Quyết sped up, took the lead and finished first in a time of 2hr 41.28min, completing his promise to take the title home.

"I am very happy because I have waited for this moment for a long time. I have not expected such a good race today," said Quyết who improved his time by nearly one minute compared to his result last year.

The 34-year-old also received complimentary words and congratulation from Tâm who ended his race 16sec later, while Huỳnh Anh Khôi was third, clocking 2:42.42.

Quyết said the win was a gift for his wife, also a runner, who was pregnant their first child.

On the women's side, Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ did not have a worthy rival, as usual. She finished first in a time of 2:57.58, the only one to run sub3.

Nguyễn Thị Thúy Vân (3:10.13) and Nguyễn Thị Trà Giang (3:12.22) were second and third.

Doãn Thị Oanh celebrates her win at the 21km class in her first time running in HCM City.

While the full marathon winners were familiar faces, the champions of the half marathon events were surprises.

Lê Hữu Lộc who won the men's side in 1:14.00 said it was an unexpected achievement as he faced strong runners. 

Lộc could only pull away from the other men five kilometres before the finish.

"I am lucky to win and complete the half marathon race as I strictly followed a plan, spending a lot of time training, eating and sleeping scientifically," Lộc said.

Đỗ Duy Thắng and Lý Nhân Tín were second and third.

The female winner was Doãn Thị Oanh who clocked 1:26.02.

The 36-year-old teacher from Vĩnh Phúc Province was taking part in her first VnExpress marathon. 

Thousands of runners competed in four categories of the HCM City Midnight Marathon in HCM City on March 3.

Taking a bus to Hà Nội and then flying to HCM City, Oanh landed at 6pm on March 2 and had only several hours prepare for the race which began at midnight.

"I do not have a PR this race but it is an interesting and challenging competition. Hope that I will make it next time," Oanh said.

Cao Thị Thanh Thúy and Lê Thị Hà took second and third places, while title favourites such as Phương Trinh, Đoàn Hiền and Trần Duyên did not make the top three.

The HCM City Midnight 2024 welcomed about 11,000 runners, taking part in four categories, running past famous landmarks and historical sites. VNS