Foreigners combine running and travel at VnExpress Marathon Hue

Running the full marathon (42km) at VnExpress Marathon Hue 2023 is part of Marco’s gap year plan. The Spainish runner has been spending a year traveling to different countries, starting with Vietnam.

He chose countries that also host marathons, allowing him to combine running and travel.

Marco has completed four full marathons and many half marathons. Despite his experience, he said VnExpress Marathon Hue 2023 is one of the challenging races for him. “I’m not used to running in the heat,” Marco said.

Marco registered for 42km distance at VM Hue. Photo by VM

Marco has set the target of completing the full marathon in under 3 hours. “I am not sure if the route is flat or not, and what the humidity, the temperature will be like,” he said.

During his three days in Hue, Marco will visit several places in the city before heading to Hanoi and Sa Pa.

Hazael Allen and Stephanie Meredith, both from Wales and collegues in an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, have registered for the 10km distance at Hue race. The two have been fellow runners as they share interest in running and travel.

Hazael Allen and Stephanie Meredith pose with their Bib numbers at VnExpress Marathon Imperial Hue 2023. Photo by VM

“We’ll run past a lot of Hue’s historical landmarks,” Allen said of the course map.

Meredith is looking forward to experiencing Hue cuisine after the race. “I love Vietnam, especially Vietnamese cuisine. I will definitely try all the Hue street food,” Meredith said.

Conor Flaherty, a 26-year-old Irish now living in Ho Chi Minh City, came to Hue with his girlfriend. This is the first time he will participate in a marathon with a distance of 21 km.

“I was quite surprised to receive a race kit with so many gifts,” Flaherty said.

“The race is an opportunity for me to experience a new land and its culture.”

Conor Flaherty and his girl friend receive the kit bag for VM. Hue. Photo by VM

Flaherty aims to complete the half marathon in under 2 hours. “The race starts early in the morning, which is quite challenging for me as I’m used to running in the evening. But the weather here is cooler than in Ho Chi Minh City.”

The third edition of VnExpress Marathon Hue attracts 10,500 athletes, including more than 300 foreigners competing in four distances. The runners will go past beautiful roads in the city and scenic spots such as the Hue Citadel, the Perfume River, and Truong Tien Bridge.