Marathon

Runners test routes of the VPBank Cần Thơ Music Night Run 2024 which will be held on April 12-13 in Cần Thơ Province. — Photos courtesy of Nexus Sport Events

CẦN THƠ — A first-ever combined marathon and music festival will be organised on April 12-13 in Cần Thơ Province.

The VPBank Cần Thơ Music Night Run 2024 will be a top music and sport event, aiming to promote the poetic, gentle, and rich cultural identity of the Tây Đô river city which is also capital of Western Cochinchine.

“The VPBank Cần Thơ Music Night Run 2024 will be in a unique format in which sport activities and music performances are organised together, making it the most anticipated event of the year," said Cần Thơ City's Deputy Director of Culture, Sports and Tourism Department Trương Công Quốc Việt. "It is not only athletes who come to our land but it is also a chance for us to attract more tourists here to experience and enjoy the beautiful landscape and delicious cuisines of the river region. We can also introduce our town, which is rich in potential and home to friendly and hospitable people.”

Under the theme of “Music Makes You Move”, about 5,000 marathoners will run in three different routes of 21km, 10km and 5km, departing from Sông Hậu Park, and passing through many famous landmarks including Ninh Kiều walking street, Ninh Kiều night market, President Hồ Chí Minh Monument, Cần Thơ Stadium and the old ferry port.

Floating market is one of the famous tourism highlights in Cần Thơ Province.

At the same time, they will listen to vibrant and jubilant music from water stations designed as stages that host famous artists and bands. Their performance is expected to lift the spirit of runners throughout the races.

At the finish line, organisers will welcome runners with an explosive music party with the participation of singers Isaac and Myra Trần, rapper Long Nón Lá, the band Chilles, producer G5R SQUAD and DJ Mie, and many others.

After the race, athletes will be free to enjoy culinary flavours and explore the unique cultural values ​​of the Mekong Delta at a food fair with products and specialties.

Members of the organising board take part in a press conference held in Cần Thơ City on March 12.

“As this is our first time participating in organising a running race in Cần Thơ, VPBank hopes to bring to the locality a large-scale, high-class sport tourism product that goes beyond the framework of the traditional running race, bringing to runners different experiences," said Nguyễn Thùy Dương, director of VPBank's Centre for Communications and Marketing. "We expect to light up passion for sport, spreading the value of physical and mental prosperity, and contributing to a healthy Vietnamese community."

Organised by VPBank and Nexus Sport Events, the marathon plans to include the 42km category and become an international festival in its second edition in 2025. — VNS