Marathon

Nguyễn Thị Oanh crosses the finish line of the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon on September 22 in Hà Nội. Oanh's time of 2hr 44.19min is a new national record. Photos of Sunrise Events Vietnam

HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Thị Oanh set a new national record after she finished first in the women's 42km category of the third Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon on September 22 in Hà Nội.

The multi-time SEA Games champion, who mainly focuses on long distance categories, set a remarkable achievement after only joining the marathon community in recent years.

The Techcombank event was her personal best, crossing the finish line first in a time of 2hr 44.19min, setting a new national record too.

The old record of 2:44.52 belonged to former SEA Games bronze medallist Hoàng Thị Ngọc Hoa, who was not competing in this event.

SEA Games 32's silver medal holder Lê Thị Tuyết came second with a time of 2:49.54, followed by former national team runner Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ putting in a time of 3:00.17.

"I was very proud and emotional when breaking the national marathon record at the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon. This is the result of my hard training efforts," said Oanh.

"This year's event has definitely created a breakthrough for all athletes including me to reach new milestones and achievements."

It was Oanh's fifth national record. She was record holder in the 1,500m (4min 15.55sec), 3,000m steeplechase (9min 43.83sec, also a SEA Games record), 5,000m (15min 53.48sec) and 10.000m (33min 13.23sec).

Men's 42km's top two Edwin Kiptoo (right) and Rono Japhet seen on their way to the finish line.

Kenyan runners set out to dominate in the man's race. Edwin Kiptoo confirmed his level to finish first in a time of 2:30.31. Rono Japhet came second eight seconds later, with Chirchir Stephen Kipkosgei came in third with a time of 2:32.27.

Organisers also presented awards to Ethiopian Dereje Alemu Miko, winner of the men's 21km, Kenyan Chepngetich Langat, winner of the women's 21km, Vietnamese Lê Văn Thao and Nguyễn Hạnh, winners of the men's and women's 10km and Vietnamese Nguyễn Văn Bảy and Phan Thị Huyền, winners of the men's and women's 5km, along with bonuses for outstanding individuals in age groups.

More than 10,000 runners took part in the third outing of the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon on September 22 in Hà Nội.

“This year's race is an opportunity to not only honour the spirit of sportsmanship but also affirm solidarity and responsibility with the community," said Phạm Xuân Tài, deputy director of the municipal Culture and Sports Department.

"Through this marathon, athletes also contribute to widely spreading the beauty of the capital city to international friends and actively promoting socio-economic development."

Meanwhile Rob Zamacona, general manager of Sunrise Events Vietnam, the event organiser, believed that the race is on its way to be one of the top marathons in the world and becoming an international sports symbol of Hà Nội. VNS