As many as 9,000 domestic and international runners will compete in the Manulife Da Nang International Marathon (DNIM) 2022 slated for August 6 at the East Sea Park. With the change of the running route, this year’s race promises to bring exciting experience for runners.

The Manulife Da Nang International Marathon 2023 promises exciting activities for runners. Photo: P.N

Through successful seasons, there is an increasing number of registers for the race. This year’s event welcomes 9,000 runners from all over the world, including nearly 1,500 international athletes from nearly 50 countries and territories, and nearly 800 children to participate in 1.5km race.

In addition, this year’s race will see the participation of members from nearly 10 running clubs of Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong (China) and Malaysia.

In addition to domestic and international movement athletes, this year’s race will attract many high-achieving athletes from marathons around the world.

Notably, Victor Kipkemei Chepkwony from Kenya, the most valuable candidate in the full-marathon event with his current personal record of 2 hours 22 mins 15 secs, will take part in the race and aim to break the tournament record of 2 hours 32 mins 16 secs.

Meanwhile, Leo Thi Tinh of the national track and field team with a personal best time of 3 hours 8 mins 28 secs will eye winning the women's title in the race.

Runner Leo Thi Tinh said that, to prepare for the tournament, she arrived in Da Nang a week before to get used to the weather conditions and the running route. She sets a goal of breaking her own limits and gaining the highest possible achievement. She added that the event will be a good opportunity for her and other athletes to improve their skills.

DNIM 2023 will comprise 5 races: a 42 km full marathon, a 21 km half marathon, a 10km run, and a 5km run, and a 1.5km Ronny Dash run for kids aged between 3 and 10.

To complete the distances, runners will run through two of the most beautiful coastal roads in the city, namely Vo Nguyen Giap and Nguyen Tat Thanh.

In a track check in May, international experts certified all distances to meet the standards of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Along the running track, athletes can explore local famous tourist spots such as Dragon Bridge, Han River, Son Tra Peninsula, and Marble Mountains.

Winners of the 42km and 21km races will earn slots to participate in the Kuala Lumpur Marathon in Malaysia in late September. The fastest male and female Vietnamese athletes in the full marathon category will win slots to the Sydney Marathon. In addition, the top 15 athletes in the distances will receive honourary gifts from the organisers.

In order to increase the attractiveness of the competition, the organisers bring experience and better support to the athletes before, during and after the race.

All runners will be given a 5km warm-up and exchange with each other at the prelude event of the race on the evening of August 4.

At the event area, the EXPO kick-off festival will be opened on August 4 with activities to receive registration numbers, incentive programmes of nearly 25 sports booths, and award-winning games to welcome athletes.

Besides, many cheering stations with DJ music under the companion of Manulife Vietnam and other partner units will be arranged along the running track in order to create a vibrant atmosphere and support the spirit of athletes.

According to Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Trong Thao, the Da Nang International Marathon is a prestigious and professional competition, contributing to building a healthy lifestyle for people, and advertising dynamic and beautiful images of Da Nang to international friends.

The race not only contributes to promoting the city’s socio-economic development but also encourages the movement of physical training and sports in the city, hereby branding the city as one of the top destinations in Southeast Asia for hosting events.

Reporting by PHI NONG - Translating by M.DUNG