The 2024 Da Nang International Marathon has drawn more than 9,000 athletes from both domestic and international backgrounds to the coastal city of Da Nang in central Vietnam, according to the organizers.

Of that, around 1,800 runners come from 60 other countries and territories, said Nguyen Thi Hoi An, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports, which is one of the event’s two organizers, together with sports-tourism events company Pulse Active.

This marks a running event with the highest number of international participants in Vietnam.

During a press conference on Friday, An announced that athletes would compete in five running distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km, and 1.5km. 

A runner participates in the Da Nang International Marathon 2023 in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: TL / Tuoi Tre

Athletes will traverse a scenic coastal route, passing notable landmarks such as the Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, Son Tra Peninsula, and Ngu Hanh Son Mountain, which are renowned for being among the most picturesque running routes in Southeast Asia.

The marathon commences on Saturday afternoon with the 1.5km Ronny Dash fun run, while Sunday’s events will include the 42km marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km, and 5km races.

The leading contenders for the marathon championship title are Kenyan athlete Edwin Kiptoo Yebe and Vietnamese athlete Pham Thi Binh, who clinched the gold medal at the 2013 Southeast Asian Games. 

In addition, returning to the competition is Le Tan Hi, the champion of the 2019 season.

Runners check in for the Da Nang International Marathon 2024 in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, March 22, 2024. Photo: TL / Tuoi Tre

The Da Nang International Marathon, which debuted in 2013, is one of Vietnam’s oldest running events.

“The Da Nang International Marathon not only holds tourism and economic significance but also promotes the running movement, advocating for a healthy lifestyle and fostering health among people,” emphasized An.

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