The VnExpress Marathon is the first tournament in Việt Nam to have a course passing over the sea (across Thị Nại bridge). Photo courtesy of VnExpress

HCM CITY — The VnExpress Marathon 2019 will be held for the first time in the coastal city of Quy Nhơn in the south-central province of Bình Định on June 9.

The marathon, to be held on a beautiful road along the coast, is expected to attract 5,000 local and international athletes in four categories: a full marathon (42 kilometres), half marathon (21 kilometres), and 10K (10 kilometres) and 5K (5 kilometres) runs.

To date, more than 3,500 athletes, including 100 foreigners, have signed up for the tournament which is open to amateur and professional runners of all ages and nationalities.

The event, which is coordinated by online newspaper VnExpress and Bình Đình Province People’s Committee, aims to spread the sport spirit in the community as well as promote tourist attractions in Bình Định Province.

Miss Vietnam 2016 Đỗ Mỹ Linh will participate in the run as the ambassador of the VnExpress Marathon.

Tạ Xuân Chánh, director of Bình Định Province’s Department of Culture and Sports, said that Quy Nhơn City has many wide and long routes for running, with stunning views of the sea and mountains.

The VnExpress Marathon is the first tournament in Việt Nam to have a course passing over the sea (across Thị Nại bridge), according to Chánh.

The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races has granted the International Measurement certificate to the VnExpress Marathon 2019 track, according to organisers. Runners will be able to use their official race time in the marathon to sign up for bigger events like the Boston Marathon in the US.

A five-kilometre “Run for Kids” will allow children to run with their parents.

The charity run will donate 10 per cent of the ticket sale proceeds to the VnExpress Hope Foundation, which strives to improve learning facilities for disadvantaged students.

A total of 56 prizes worth more than VNĐ700 million (US$30,100) will be given to the winners. — VNS