11,000 runners to compete at VnExpress Marathon Ha Long 2023

The VnExpress Marathon Ha Long 2023 will take place on Sept. 10. In addition to the individuals registered, many running clubs nationwide with thousands of members have bought tickets early. Among them are several familiar names such as Ha Tinh Runners, Hai Phong Runners, and Quang Ninh Runners.

The half and full marathon are the two distances with the most significant number of registrations, accounting for about 60% of the total.

The organizer closed the registration gates for all distances on Aug. 16, nearly two months before the race day, due to a sufficient number of athletes and to ensure careful preparation.

This year, the tournament occurs in early fall, a perfect time to visit Ha Long.

"Last year, I ran in July. The weather was hot, so I did not reach my goal. This time, the weather will be more favorable, I want to set a new record," said Hoang Phuong, a runner from Hanoi.

Runners at VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long 2022. Photo courtesy of VM

In addition to the professional organization, there are many other reasons why VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long has become the first choice of runners. Runners coming to Ha Long can enjoy the city's diverse cultural and culinary attractions.

"Last season, I ran through famous places such as Dolphin Palace, Ha Long Bay, Bai Tho Mountain, and Tuan Chau Island. You can enjoy the picturesque scenery. That is why I asked my wife to join me in the 42km run this year," said Hoang Hung from Hai Phong.

Ha Long is a city with a well-developed service system that meets many tourists' entertainment and accommodation needs. Runners can spend time swimming, kayaking, night squid fishing, and climbing mountains.

The organizing committee is coordinating with local authorities to build an expo, planning the safety and security of the track. Following the Quy Nhon and Nha Trang tournaments in 2023, VnExpress Marathon Ha Long will improve utilities and increase the number of water stations, toilets, and medical stations. The navigation signs, instructions, and cut-off time signs located at essential points have been upgraded to be easily recognizable.

VnExpress Marathon is a running system operated and owned by VnExpress Newspaper and FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company (FPT Online). The race is held annually in tourist cities such as Quy Nhon, Hanoi, Hue, Ha Long, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

With community-building efforts, VnExpress Marathon received the Silver award at the Asian Media Awards 2021, awarded by the World Press Association WAN-IFRA. All runs of the VnExpress Marathon system have been certified by AIMS-World Athletics, licensed by the International Marathon Association and the World Athletics Federation.