VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong sets record with 90 sub-3-hour runners

By Khanh Linh December 17, 2024 | 06:25 pm PT

The VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong 2024 broke Vietnam's record with 90 runners completing the full marathon in under three hours, surpassing the previous record of 82 sub-3 runners.

At 2:59:47, Nguyen Thi Tra Giang, a runner from Ha Tinh, crossed the finish line with her hands raised in celebration, marking her entry into the "Sub-3 Club." The 29-year-old had previously set a personal record (PR) of 3:01 in November. She was among the last two runners to finish under three hours at the Hai Phong race on Dec. 15, with Khuat Quang Tuyen finishing just behind her at 2:59:59.

Tra Giang sobbed when reaching sub 3 PR after many marathon runs. Photo by VM

Tra Giang sobs after achieving her sub-3 PR after many marathon runs. Photo by VM

The first sub-3 finisher of the day was defending champion Hua Thuan Long from Ho Chi Minh City, who set a new PR of 2:32:11. Other top performers included Japanese runner Kento Kabashima (2:33:00), Bui Van Dung (2:35:14), and Dan Quyet (2:35:31), alongside several familiar names like Vu Dinh Huan, Huynh Thanh, and Trinh Dinh An.

In addition to Giang, two other women achieved sub-3 times: Nong Thi Chang (2:58:16) and Le Thi Phuong (2:59:16).

A standout initiative at the event was the "Sub-3 Train" led by runner Mai Van Tien, who motivated and paced runners with similar goals. This organized group effort created a memorable spectacle, as nearly 70 runners crossed the finish line within 10 minutes of the sub-2:50 mark.

Tien Mai (red jersey) leading runners going from sub 2:50 to sub 3. Photo by VM

Tien Mai (red jersey) lead runners aiming for sub-3 times. Photo by VM

With its flat, straight course from the city center to Do Son and favorable weather conditions of 12–13 degrees Celsius with light rain, Hai Phong has cemented its reputation as an ideal race for setting PRs. This year, the course was further optimized by removing 2 km of slopes in the Doi Rong area.

According to the Vietnam Best Marathon statistics, only 360 runners nationwide have achieved sub-3 times, including just 22 women. The Hai Phong marathon’s results reinforce its status as one of the fastest courses in Vietnam.

The VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong marked the finale of the 2024 VnExpress Marathon series, which attracted 10,000 participants. The next season will kick off with the Ho Chi Minh City Midnight Race on Feb. 23, 2025.

The event was supported by nutrition partner Herbalife Vietnam, which has been actively involved in Vietnamese sports for over 15 years through partnerships with organizations such as the Vietnam Olympic Committee, the Vietnam Paralympic Committee, and the Vietnam Football Federation.