Hà Nội — Bùi Thế Anh won the Tiền Phong (Vanguard) Newspaper Marathon yesterday in the city of Vũng Tàu.

The Military team runner finished the 42.195km course with a time of 2 hours and 38 minutes to take his fifth win in the event.

He was followed by Nguyễn Quốc Dũng from Khánh Hoà and Lê Tấn Hi of Lâm Đồng.

"It was great track for runners today but the hot weather of 38 Celsius and wind from the sea were a big challenge for us,” said Anh, who left behind more than 400 rivals. “It was exciting to compete against so many other runners, including amateurs. I am really pleased with my result today.”

Anh has taken part in the annual competition since 2008 but has only competed in the marathon category for the past six years. He has been dominant, and only missed out on gold at the hands of his younger national team teammate Vũ Văn Sơn of Ninh Bình in 2017. Anh took silver that year.

Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ of Binh Dinh topped the women’s race. Hoàng Thị Ngọc Hoa from Binh Phuoc and Lê Thị Thoa of the Military were second and third, respectively.

In the 21km professional men’s race, national team member Nguyễn Văn Lai of the Military took the win. The women’s title went to Phạm Thị Huệ of Quảng Ninh, also a national team runner.

In the 10km professional men’s event, Đỗ Quốc Luật of the Military secured his fifth title in a row. Nguyễn Thị Oanh from Bắc Giang won the 5km for professional women.

Organisers also presented awards to runners in other categories for professionals and amateurs.

"With help from many people and agencies the Tiền Phong Marathon has changed remarkably,” said Lê Xuân Sơn, editor in chief of Tiền Phong Newspaper and head of the organising board. “From an event for elite athletes now we welcome runners from all corners of the country. This year we saw more than 2,000 athletes join us here in Vũng Tàu.” — VNS