Runners flock to Quy Nhon for VnExpress Marathon

On Friday, nearly 40 flights from many localities across the country like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue... carried thousands of passengers, most of whom are runners and their families, to the south central beach town Quy Nhon to participate in the marathon.

Tran Ngoc Han, a runner from the Manulife team, took a flight from HCMC to Quy Nhon on Friday afternoon. He wore the finisher shirt of 2020 VM Quy Nhon and said that this comeback was emotional. He was impressed by the atmosphere at the airport.

"The atmosphere in Quy Nhon this time is much busier. Even though the weather here is hot, being able to participate in the marathon excites me. My goal is to run the half-marathon (21 kilometers)," Han said.

Runner Nguyen Tien Hung traveled from Hanoi to Quy Nhon on Friday. He participated in 2019 VM Quy Nhon. Since March this year, he has participated in 10 marathons and considers 2022 VM Quy Nhon as the important part in his journey.

"After three years, my feelings are still indescribable when I return here. I think this marathon is worth experiencing again," Hung said.

Many groups of runners and their families said they wanted to come early to receive their running kits and visit famous places in Quy Nhon like Ky Co and Eo Gio.

It is expected that the marathon would help Quy Nhon attract 40,000 visitors during the weekend. This is a promising number that can contribute to the revival of Quy Nhon tourism after two years of Covid-19.

Runners after arriving in Quy Nhon received their race kits at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square until 5 p.m. Saturday. Later, they can enjoy performances from local artists at the opening ceremony of VM Sparkling Quy Nhon at 7 p.m. The marathon will officially start at dawn on Sunday.