A runner in the Manulife Đà Nẵng International Marathon. More than 9,000 athletes will be racing in the 2019 edition on August 9 to 11. VNS Photo Công Thành

ĐÀ NẴNG — More than 9,000 athletes including 2,400 foreigners from 67 countries and territories will race in the annual Manulife Đà Nẵng International Marathon by the beach track from August 9 to 11. The event’s organisers said at a press conference on Monday, August 5 that the number of participants increased 23 per cent from last year. 

Organisers said about 1,000 runners have already registered to race the full marathon (42km), while 300 kids with their parents were signed up for the Ronny Dash (the pre-marathon 1km event for the children aged six to 10 years old).

The race will offer four events for men and women – the full marathon, half marathon (21km), 10km and 5km fun run – during the seventh edition this weekend.

Japan, China, Korea and Thailand – which all operate direct flights to Đà Nẵng – were among the countries with the largest number of registered athletes, while this year’s race will host newcomers from Belgium, Macao, Egypt and Hungary.

According to Pulse Active company, the race’s organiser, the race has one of the most beautiful courses in the world with its ‘Race to the Horizon’. Runners will follow a trail by the beach and river and across scenic bridges.

Vice director of the city’s sports and culture department Nguyễn Trọng Thao said the race has contributed to promoting the city’s tourism and sport activities since it introduced in 2013.

He said Đà Nẵng has been assigned to host the race every year until 2023.

The beach in Đà Nẵng. Runners will race the 2019 Manulife Đà Nẵng International Marathon on a beautiful course by the ocean. VNS Photo Lê Phước Chín

Last year, the Manulife Đà Nẵng International Marathon was recognised as the best mass participation event and one of the top 10 best international sporting events in Asia by the Asia’s Sports Industry Awards & Conference in Thailand.

At the event, Manulife committed to be the main sponsor for the annual marathon from 2019 to 2023.

In 2018, Japanese runner Suzaki Yuuya won the men’s 42km, while Vietnamese runner Phạm Thị Hồng Lê finished first in the women’s division.

Donors also raised more than US$11,600 to help the poor, the disabled and Agent Orange victims in Đà Nẵng at last year’s race. — VNS