Da Nang City in central Vietnam will hold the country’s first internationally certified professional marathon on August 31.

The 2014 Da Nang International Marathon, to take place at Bien Dong Park on Pham Van Dong Street, offers participants a chance to compete in the marathon while relishing in the city’s landscape at the same time.

The event includes a full marathon (26.2 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles), and a 5-kilometer fun run.

Those interested can register offline or online at http://www.runclub.vn/giai-chay-2/viet-nam/dang-ky-tham-gia-da-nang-marathon/. Fees range from US$30 to $110.

The event, which aims to raise funds to help needy patients at the city’s Cancer Hospital, has so far drawn almost 500 athletes and participants from 27 countries and territories.

With the event, Da Nang will become the 97th member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

The participants’ achievements during the marathon will be recognized by the AIMS and can be used to apply for other famous marathons in the world.

According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, World Marathon Inc., based in Texas will organize the event this year and the next four years.

The 2014 competition will also boast such sideline activities as cuisine, music, culture, and tourism to better promote the city to local and international tourists.

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