VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight sets ground rules for the race

By Hoai Phuong February 6, 2023 | 10:28 pm PT

VnExpress Marathon HCMC Midnight will set a cut-off time (COT) for the marathon and runners who fail to complete their distance within the limit will be disqualified.

Runners of the five km distance are required to complete their race in one hour 15 minutes, 10km distance in two hours, 21km distance in two hours and 42km distance in six and a half hours.

At each kilometer, COT is calculated in the form of a projection.

Runners in the four distances of the VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight will start close to each other, between midnight and 1:15 a.m. on February 12.

At midnight, the 42-kilometer runners will start the race. At 12:30 a.m., the 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer runners will begin. The 21-kilometers runners will take off at 1:15 a.m.

The starting gate is on Truong Dinh Street along Tao Dan Park.

Due to the early departure, runners will get a clear view of Saigon at night. After the final distance runners have left, the city center’s cafes and restaurants will still be bustling.

Schedule of distance competitions. Photo by VM

Timetable for the four distances in VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VM

The organizers will open a delivery counter at 10:30 p.m. on February 11 in Tao Dan Park. The athlete's luggage will be delivered directly to the finish line at the Saigon Zoo.

The location for the expo area is Hoa Lu Stadium. This stadium is a well-known landmark that many city sports clubs have selected as their home base. Many others choose to practice sports here as well.

On February 10, at 8 a.m., the organizer will broadcast the bib and race kit here. From February 10 to 11, runners can pick up supplies and visit the sponsor's booths in the area.

Runners in VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight prepare to start. Photo by VM

Runners in VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight 2022 prepare to start. Photo by VM

After reaching the finish line, athletes can relax and enjoy food at the counters set up by the organizers. Tons of food and beverages will be prepared.

VnExpress Marathon HCMC Midnight expects to attract 10,000 athletes. Because of the high quality route and few obstacles, the VM system's new year tournament is expected to help runners set a lot of personal records.

Several strong athletes, such as Dan Quyet, Le Tan Hi, Doan Ngoc Hoang, Truong Van Tam, Ha Thi Hau, and Leo Thi Tinh, are all participating in the marathon with the aim of winning the championship.