26 runners from Netherlands come to Hue for VnExpress marathon

They arrived at the race’s kit distribution area on Friday to gets their bibs and race kits. Noel Peeter, the group’s leader, wore a red T-shirt with an image of the Vietnamese conical hat and the words “Marathon Imperial Hue” on the front.

“We are runners of Rijinmond, a group that combines travel and marathon, gathering those who love to run marathons throughout the world,” he said.

The group consists of 34 members who first met during a New York Marathon several years ago.

Since then they have been traveling to various countries to run marathons.

Members of the Rijinmond running group before the VnExpress Marathon Hue. Photo by VM

Rijinmond has participated in races in the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Singapore, and Macao, and Vietnam is their latest destination.

“This is the first time we have been to Vietnam. We have never run a marathon here,” Peeter said.

The team found the VnExpress Marathon Imperial Hue race on an international website, and were drawn to it due to the course and organization.

Most of the team’s members registered for the 21vkm race.

On their website, information about the race schedule, the shuttle bus and some notes is updated in a section titled “A Vietnam trip with Marathon Imperial Hue.”

“The weather is quite hot here. I have no idea what awaits us, but I’m eager to run and experience the race,” Peeter said.

He said the team is also excited to discover the history of the city and its royal tombs and cuisine.

The group then plans to travel around Vietnam for two weeks, going to Ha Long and Hanoi among other places.

Runners of Rijinmond participate in the TCS New York City Marathon 2019. Photo courtesy of Rijinmond

The VnExpress Marathon Imperial Hue 2023 starts at 3 a.m. on April 16.

It has attracted more than 300 foreign athletes who will compete over four distances.