Marathon

Members of Quảng Bình Runners Club seen in a training session. Many of them will compete in the Quảng Bình International Marathon to be held on July 28. Photo courtesy of Quảng Bình Runners

QUẢNG BÌNH — The Quảng Bình International Marathon will be not only a sport event but also a chance for the province to push its local tourism industry in 2024.

The first international level running event in Quảng Bình Province's Đồng Hới City, to be held on July 28, expects a large number of national and international marathoners.

They will run in four categories of 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km, with the Super Early Bird registration still available until April 6.

The tournament is jointly held by the Quảng Bình Department of Culture and Sport and Bolt Event, aiming to provide the sports community and runners with a safe, high-quality and emotionally fulfilling competition.

It is among activities celebrating 420th year of Quảng Bình's establishment and the 55th year since its re-establishment.

"2024 is a very special year for Quảng Bình with many special days of celebration. We hope to welcome many tourists and friends from all over the country as well as internationally to take part in the marathon. Their presence will contribute to making our festival even more successful," said Lê Phú Sơn, deputy director of Quảng Bình's Culture and Sport Department.

"We have prepared infrastructure and facilities, as well as accommodation and restaurants to ensure the best service to runners while they are with us.

"The tournament is an opportunity for every athlete, along with their families and friends, to make beautiful memories while experience a 'new lifestyle' of sports tourism, where sport activities are combined with exploring the beautiful scenery and unique culture of the destination."

Entitled The Journey of Joy, runners will enjoy running along the beautiful coastline, visiting historical landmarks, immersing themselves in the magnificent natural heritage, and enjoying the distinctive cuisine of Quảng Bình.

Running routes will lead athletes past famous destinations such as Mother Suốt Monument, Quảng Bình Gate, Đồng Hới Ancient Citadel, Tam Tòa Church and Nhật Lệ River.

A visitor at Tiên Cave, one of many Quảng Bình's spectacular caves. After taking part in the marathon, athletes are encouraged to explore the province's beauty. VNS Photo Thúy Hằng

Before, during and after the race, people will try out local specialities including soup of cactus, bánh bèo (savoury steamed rice cake), bánh khoái (Vietnamese pancake) and others.

Sport-tourism enthusiasts, along with family and friends, can have an adventure in the province dubbed the "kingdom of caves" with a system of hundreds of caves such as Sơn Đoòng, the largest natural cave in the world; Vòm, the longest dry cave in Asia; Thiên Đường, the cave with the most magnificent and luxurious stalactites in Asia, and; Tú Lan, the filming location of blockbusters: "Kong: Skull Island", "Immortal" and "Legend of Quán Tiên".

These have been featured on international channels such as National Geographic, CNN, Channel News Asia, Culture Trip and Business Insider.

"Sport strongly connects people together. Sport activities are a very strong factor in stimulating demand and promoting tourism. Not only running activities but also other sport competitions and adventure activities can push our tourism very well," said Sơn. VNS