Marathon 

Thousands of runners take part in the 2023 edition of the annual Longbien Marathon. This year, 15,000 are expected to compete in the race in Hà Nội. Photos courtesy of Longbien Marathon

HÀ NỘI — The eighth edition of the Longbien Marathon 2024 will feature 15,000 athletes who are encouraged to #Level-up within the theme of the race.

Since its debut in 2016, the Longbien Marathon has been known for its beautiful and flat running routes, with only a handful of bends, hence the tag.

As the race is also certified, under the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races' standards, runners are being encouraged to set up new personal records in all four distances of 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km.

This year the running routes for October 27 will follow much of the same lines, to ensure every athlete has a safe and enjoyable race where they could beat the limit for higher results. 

The 41km and 21km will of course be the biggest challenge, while the shorter distances have been sponsored by Garmin, the world's famous sports and health care smart watch brand.

Athletes check route of the Longbien Marathon 2024.

The Breaking 10km and Milestone 5km, are aimed at senior runners aiming to put in a faster pace and newbies who want to log a first time, or just those who want to enjoy some running.

Throughout all the distances, the company wants to promote running culture, arouse the spirit of healthy living and commit to accompanying Vietnamese people to overcome all limits.

"No matter who you are or where you start, Garmin is always ready to support you in conquering new milestones and promoting your sporting potential," the brand representative affirmed.

The Longbien Garmin Run is a member of the annual Garmin Run Asia Series. Carrying the message 'From Zero to Hero', Garmin hopes to accompany runners around the world from the first steps, to the first race and conquering their goals.

Vietnamese runners are among more than 60,000 participants of this year series which are organised in other countries and regions -- Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the Philippines.  

Runners can enjoy not only well-designed track route but also huge bonus for the record breaker at the Longbien Marathon 2024.

In addition to the tournament's bonuses for the high-ranking marathoners, athletes will also compete for a special Course Breaker Award.

A purse of VNĐ50 million (US$1,960) will be given to a runner who can beat the current 42km record of 2hr 37.10min set by SEA Games champion Phạm Tiến Sản last year.

Runners can use their results from the Longbien Marathon to apply for the Abbott World Marathon Majors. VNS