Record number of runners makes up biggest HCM City International Marathon

Marathon

Runners in action at the fifth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon in 2022. The sixth edition will be held on December 10. Photos of organisers

HCM CITY — More than 15,000 runners from 91 countries are ready for the sixth edition of the Techcombank HCM City International Marathon on Sunday which serves as the perfect finale of city’s tourism week with the theme “Green on Every Journey”.

This year’s edition has broken its own records in terms of both participant numbers and diversity. It has achieved remarkable success, attracting a record number of 2000 participants in the full marathon distance category. 

“We are very proud to be part of the journey of “Creating a great marathon for a great city”, which is our HCM City,” said Onslo Carrington, General Manager of the organiser Sunrise Events Vietnam.

“This sixth edition has allowed us to reflect on an incredible journey for the athletes, and the running community in general, not just within HCM City but also throughout the country.

“The growth of this race aligns with our vision, which is motivating individuals to embrace their full potential through sport and healthy habits. This motivates us to go even further, in building this race into one of the outstanding marathons in Asia in the following years.”

According to organisers at a press briefing on December 8, participants of all four distances – full marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km – would traverse a multi-district race route. All would start from Lê Duẩn Street, pass in front of the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and finish in Thủ Đức City.

Along the way, runners would pass key landmarks and historical sites of the city, with the marathon distance runners crossing five districts on the way to the finish in the new city of Thủ Đức.

A press conference for the sixth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon held on December 8 when organisers officially launched the national largest international running event.

The involvement of numerous international athletes in this year’s marathon underscores its reputation and international standards.

Many national elite athletes have confirmed their taking part such as reigning and former SEA Games winners Nguyễn Trung Cường, Nguyễn Thị Thanh Phúc, Nguyễn Văn Lai, Hoàng Nguyên Thanh and Nguyễn Thị Oanh.

The race will feature international runners including Ugandan Immaculate Chemutai and Kenyan alliance of Johnstone Chesire Koros, Kebenei Shadrack Kipkemboi, Kiprotich Emmy Chepkoech and Bosuben Benard Kipkemoi, and many more.

“A warm welcome to the unprecedented 15,000 enthusiastic runners participating in the 6th Techcombank HCM City International Marathon and engaging in HCM City Tourism Week,” said Nguyễn Nam Nhân, Deputy Director of HCM City Department of Culture and Sports.

“This isn’t just an opportunity for collective running and fostering a healthy lifestyle; it’s also a golden chance to delve into HCM City’s rich culture, history, and lively tourism services. Thank you for your unwavering support, and we eagerly wish the marathon resounding success!”

Alongside the remarkable turnout of athletes, this year’s marathon stands out for its impactful and relevant messages.

The “Run for a Greater Việt Nam” underscores the significance and influence of sports in uniting and motivating the community.

Simultaneously, the message “Green on Every Journey” from the HCM City Department of Tourism highlights each individual’s role in embracing and applying environmentally friendly values, uniting efforts to construct a wholesome and sustainable future.

The marathon will be broadcast live on HTV4, providing a thrilling viewing experience for both local and international audiences. VNS