This statement was made by Hoang Van Phuc, Vice Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Nghe An province, at the opening ceremony of the race midday on 25/9. He noted that Nghe An is a land of outstanding natural beauty and exceptional people, featuring mountains, rivers, forests, and seas, making it suitable for organizing large-scale sporting events.

Hoang Van Phuc, Vice Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Nghe An province. Photo: Tung Dinh

"With approximately 7,000 athletes participating, the VnExpress Marathon offers an opportunity to showcase Nghe An's scenic attractions to runners. The event also connects Nghe An runners with the running community in nearby provinces, encouraging those from Nghe An living elsewhere to return and participate," he stated.

Phuc acknowledged the thorough and well-executed coordination between the Organizing Committee, partners, and local authorities, despite heavy rain.

"We hope the Organizing Committee overcomes the weather challenges to deliver a meaningful and professional race to the community," the provincial leader said.

From the Organizing Committee, Le Thi Van Anh, Director of the Sports Event Center and Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, extended gratitude to provincial leaders, departments, agencies, media outlets, and athlete representatives who attended the opening ceremony despite the rainy and windy weather.

Le Thi Van Anh, Director of the Sports Event Center, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee. Photo: Tung Dinh

This marks the first time VnExpress Marathon has organized a race in Nghe An. Van Anh noted that the enthusiastic and open support from the local government made the Organizing Committee feel welcome, even though it was their inaugural event here.

According to her, each route in Nghe An is associated with unique stories about a region rich in cultural and historical value. She expressed her hope that the 7,000 athletes and 2,500 children participating in the VnExpress Marathon and Kun Marathon will have unique experiences in Nghe An.

Many exchange activities will be organized between runners from Nghe An and other provinces during the VnExpress Marathon's first visit to the area. These include warm-up runs, participation in side activities at the expo, and group photos.

The VnExpress Marathon Grand Tour Nghe An features four distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km. All distances start at Ho Chi Minh Square. The 42km race begins earliest at 3h, followed by the 21km at 4h, and the 10km and 5km races at 5h and 6h respectively.

Thai Anh