VnExpress Marathon runners have potential to compete internationally

Participating in the VnExpress Marathon Ha Long press conference on September 7, Nguyen Thanh Dat, Communications Director of Herbalife Vietnam and also the tournament nutrition partner, said that the marathon has a lot of potential to produce athletes with high achievements capable of competing in the region.

Nguyen Thanh Dat, Communications Director of Herbalife Vietnam. Photo by Quynh Tran

After accompanying the VnExpress Marathon many times, he saw that the tournament has built a chain of activities with a high level of professionalism.

Recent tournaments have had a large number of water, medical, and restroom stations, and are backed by a security team of nearly 1,000 volunteers. VM Ha Long 2023's 42km athletes have access to more than 20 water stations along the route.

"The beautiful, safe racetrack and lots of support are the first advantages that help athletes compete comfortably. Thanks to that, the tournament attracts everyone from high-achieving athletes to those who run to live happily and healthily," Dat said.

In 2023, the VnExpress Marathon is expected to attract many runners with good results from abroad. VM HCMC Midnight, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang all have African champions.

According to Dat, due to good track work and infrastructure, the VnExpress Marathon is more attractive to foreign runners.

The appearance of a group of athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia helps create fiercer competition but is also an opportunity for top Vietnamese runners to strive and improve their achievements.

At the VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long on Sunday, prizes were awarded to the top five finalists. The director said that this was also a notable change that helped the prize become more attractive and create fair competition."Gradually, the VnExpressMarathon will become a furnace for high-achieving runners, helping the Vietnamese marathon develop. Vietnamese athletes can fully participate in regional and continental tournaments," Dat said.

The nutrition partner representative also said that to bring the tournament to the regional and continental levels, VnExpress Marathon needs a longer route. In particular, the important factor is ensuring infrastructure and running routes.

In addition, the tournament organization and professional indicators should be evaluated by international organizations such as the Athletics Federation.

Ha Hau, champion of VM Ha Long 2022, just won fourth place at the prestigious UTMB world trail tournament. Photo courtesy of VM

VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long 2023 is the fourth tournament Herbalife Vietnam has accompanied as a nutrition partner. The unit hopes to join the organizing committee in promoting a healthy lifestyle in the community through daily exercise and balanced nutrition.

In addition, Herbalife Vietnam also wants to promote the achievements of Vietnamese athletes through sponsorship of nutritional products and personalized nutrition advice.

VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long is the fifth race in 2023 from the VM system after HCMC, Hue, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang.

The tournament attracted 11,000 athletes. The full marathon went through coastal routes with panoramic views of Ha Long Bay, such as Tran Quoc Nghien, Bai Chay Bridge, Ky Quan Street, and the road to Tuan Chau Island.