Runners take part in the men's 42km at the VnExpress Marathon Hạ Long 2022. This year tournament will be on September 9-10. — Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon Hạ Long

Athletes will compete in four categories, full marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km along with a Kun marathon for the children from six to 10 years old.

The kids' run will be held on September 9 with 1,500 competitors on a 1km route where they have to overcome cool challenges and obstacles.

Famous comedian Xuân Bắc will be MC along with other favourite kid-artists Bảo Ngọc, Duy Anh and Ngân Chi.

On the main race a day later, runners of the 5km and 10km will start and finish at the Halong Marina Square while the 21km and 42km marathoners will start at the Vinhomes Square and finish at the Halong Marina Square.

"The Marathon Amazing Hạ Long 2023 is the fifth event of the VnExpress Marathon system," said Lê Thị Vân Anh, deputy head of the organising board.

"This year we will have 11,000 runners, as many as last year's number. It shows the special attraction of the tournament as well as the destination Hạ Long Bay, one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders.

"The main reasons that make runners back Hạ Long are also the delicious food and the hospitality of the local people. Among participants, 60 per cent will take part in the 21km and 42km, hoping to overcome our race's challenges. Meanwhile, the 5km and 10km runners mainly want to experience the exciting atmosphere and test themselves with short distances."

As many as 11,000 athletes have registered to compete in the international-standard VnExpress Marathon Hạ Long 2023. — Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon Hạ Long

Runner Hoàng Phương from Hà Nội said: "Last year, the tournament was organised in July when it was still hot which prevented me from reaching my goal. This year, the cool weather of Autumn might help me to earn my PR in the beautiful route of Hạ Long."

Runner Hoàng Hùng from Hải Phòng will also join the race for the second time because of his impression of the track that led him through Cá Heo Palace, Hạ Long Bay, Bài Thơ Mountain and Tuần Châu Island.

"It is a tourism route that extremely excites me. It is the reason that I asked my wife to join with me in the 42km race," he said.

Meanwhile, Trần Thị Hằng of Quảng Ninh Runner said that as the host runner, she knew that Hạ Long has many interesting checkpoints that would amaze not only local but also guest runners and tourists.

"I know clearly about Hạ Long but am excited to take part in the run in which the organisers set up spectacular and challenging routes. I hope that participants will receive strong support from organisers to help athletes. Going beyond your own limit is a really great feeling," Hằng told Việt Nam News, referring to the 50m-high-slope Bãi Cháy Bridge, a 1km-long challenge that made many runners fail last year.

Đỗ Quốc Luật won the men's 42km at the VnExpress Marathon Hạ Long 2022. — Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon Hạ Long

In the second edition, organisers made a big change in prize awards. This year, there are no categories for elite and amateur runners as usual. Only the top five overall for men and women will be honoured but their bonuses will be increased.

"The new regulation will make the races more competitive because currently many amateur runners have improved their technique and their results are as good as the elite competitors so they can fairly vie for top prizes," said Vân Anh.

This year, in the purse of about VNĐ1 billion (US$41,500), the 42km winners will take the highest award of VNĐ44 million which includes cash and gifts. The organisers also provide bonuses to winners of different age groups. — VNS