VnExpress Marathon highlights sports and tourism in Hai Phong

Pham Thi To Trang, deputy director of the department, said at a press conference at the Nikko Hai Phong Hotel on Thursday that the city and the organizers had only expected 8,000–9,000 runners for the first VnExpress Marathon in the city.

Hai Phong has organized five marathons in 2023, but VM Hai Phong has the largest scale.

"This shows the prestige of the VnExpress Marathon and the attractiveness of Hai Phong. I believe the city is a great destination for people to run and explore unique cultural and culinary features. This also presents the potential for more VnExpress Marathon seasons in the port city," Trang said.

VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong press conference. Photo by VM

Trang said that running in Do Son, a famous and attractive destination, is what makes the tournament special.

VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong will start at 4 a.m. on Dec. 17. The 42-km runners will start from the city's central park area, run through many main streets and scenic spots before conquering the road connecting to Do Son beach.

The other three distances start from the Dragon Hill tourist area, running through slopes and routes along Do Son beach. All distances finish at the Dragon Hill tourist area.

The official race track and competition time have been carefully calculated by the organizers to ensure that athletes can run in safe conditions without affecting traffic or local activities. Along the track are 14 water stations, 9 medical stations, and many toilets arranged at appropriate distances.

A section of the running track in Do Son. Photo by Le Tan

Hai Phong City government has conducted many meetings to arrange coordination between the police, transport and health teams to support security and safety at the race.

The city also encouraged accommodation establishments, restaurants, and bars not to raise prices, provide incentives for runners, and ensure food safety.

"For many months, all departments have coordinated with the organizing committee. We hope to create a successful and memorable tournament," Trang said.

Nguyen Thanh Dat, Communications Director of Herbalife Vietnam, said the VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong can become a beautiful ending for 2023.

Accompanying many VnExpress Marathon tournaments during the year, Dat said the tournaments have spread the spirit of healthy living to the community.

"We are happy to have the opportunity to accompany VnExpress Marathon in the journey to spread the spirit of healthy living through exercise and nutrition."

According to representatives of the organizing committee, VnExpress Marathon will continue to make improvements and upgrades in 2024, aiming to provide safe, professional, and attractive tournaments.