Following the great success since it was first held in 2013, the Da Nang International Marathon (DNIM) 2020 will return to Da Nang on 9 August as initially scheduled, whereas sporting events worldwide have been negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite a decrease in participant numbers due to the impact of Covid-19, DNIM 2020 is highly expected to prove successful.

A total of over 7,000 professional and amateur runners from all over Viet Nam will compete in four distances, namely over 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km, according to the Viet Nam Sports Administration. In addition, another event, the 1.5km Ronny Dash, is open to children.

No foreign athletes will take part this year because Viet Nam has closed its borders to foreigners since 22 March to stem Covid-19 spread.

“The route showcases the beautiful coastline, surrounding mountains, and the city, with its bridges across the Han River,” said the event’s organiser. “There are sights and sounds all around you as you breathe in fresh air with every stride.”

The Da Nang Marathon is the first professional marathon in Viet Nam to be certified by IAAF - AIMS (International Association of Athletics Federations and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races).

The results can be used for registering to compete in the Boston Marathon - one of the six largest in the world.

The most highly-anticipated event conveys the landmark message of ‘Together, Viet Nam can. We can. You can!’, which clearly shows the world that our S-shaped country can do the seemingly impossible.

As an international marathon spreading Vietnamese sports spirit to the world, DNIM 2020 is now on great mission to affirm the country’s stance within the global running community, and highlight Viet Nam’s efforts in the tough fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

By BAO AN – Translated by A.T