Runners arrive early for VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang Bibs

The Bib handout started at twelve, but over 100 runners had already lined up at the April 2 Square since half past eleven.
Among them was Ha Thi Hau (in orange shirt), champion of the VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long. She was one of the earliest to arrive, at 8:45 a.m.

“I felt eager for the run, so I came early to enjoy the atmosphere before the race. I have such a feeling every time I attend a tournament”, Hau said.
She also praised the route of VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang, and was confident to defend her title. “The 10-kilometer [Luong Son] pass will be my forte. I think I’ll conquer it with ease, and my goal is winning.”

Runners can scan the QR code sent by the organizer to quickly receive their race kits, which include a shirt, hat, scarf, race belt, water bottle and various items from sponsors. The race kit was worth it, many runners said.

Phan Thi Bao Tram, 29, said the VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang this year had a special meaning to her: this is the first time she gets her mother to run with her. “I’ve participated VnExpress Marathon many times, but this is the first time I bring my mom with me. I hope she’ll love the experience.”

Tran Quang Binh from HCMC returns to the VnExpress Marathon after three years. “I regret not participating in previous events. My goal now is to collect all medals of the event.”

Pham Quoc Luong, 69, takes part in VnExpress Marathon the first time. Members of his running group praised previous events, so he decided to try it out himself. “The atmosphere here is really exciting and worth the wait.”
Luong said he started running two years ago, after his retirement, and running marathon got him to look years younger. “I hope I can keep running until I’m 80 or older.”

Many runners took photos after receiving their bibs and race kits. The event site got more crowded in the afternoon, creating a festive atmosphere for runners.

Two girls received bibs and race kits for their friends, a group of 15 that runs in tournament for the first time.

Bibs and race kits will be handed out until 5 p.m. Saturday.
VnExpress Marathon Marvelous Nha Trang will commence at 3 a.m. Sunday. This is the first to be held in the south-central beach resort town of Nha Trang. It will welcome around 8,500 runners.