In order to affirm its reputation as a prestigious and ideal location, aiming to become a sports centre in Viet Nam, Da Nang plans to host many national and international tournaments and sports events in 2025.

Athletes compete at IRONMAN 70.3 Viet Nam 2024. Photo: PHI NONG

These days, the registration portal for the 2025 Da Nang International Marathon has been launched by the organizing committee at: www.rundanang.com. This year, the competition will be held on March 2, instead of August.

According to the organising committee, the weather at the end of March is more favourable for a major international event in Da Nang. In addition, this year's event is a sports activity to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Da Nang Liberation Day (March 29, 1975 - March 29, 2025).

Following 11 successful seasons, the Da Nang International Marathon has affirmed its brand as a prestigious competition, bringing great attraction to local residents and tourists. Many athletes have till date registered to participate in the competition. Among them, many professional athletes have registered for the next tournament such as: Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuc, Pham Thi Binh, Vo Xuan Vinh...

Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuc said: “I am very happy as Da Nang organises the International Marathon 2025. This year, the event promises to be attractive when it is held on the important anniversary of the city. I will maintain regular training to prepare best for this much-anticipated tournament".

According to Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Trong Thao, the Da Nang International Marathon is one of the most anticipated events in Southeast Asia, ranked 3rd out of the 6 marathon tournaments in Asia.

Starting in 2013, the competition grew from 1,000 to a peak of nearly 10,000 athletes in 2019. To date, the competition has attracted a total of more than 90,000 international athletes from more than 65 countries all over the world.

Outstandingly, this is a marathon competition with the number of international athletes accounting for up to 30% each season. This year, the Da Nang International Marathon is one of the city’s outstanding sporting events with marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10km, 5km and 1.5km races for children.

Once participating in the competition, athletes run across the city’s iconic bridges, in a peaceful setting, and at the same time experience the rich culture, vibrant atmosphere, friendliness of local people and unique cuisine.

The route runs along the Da Nang coast and passes through the city’s prominent attractions such as the Rong (Dragon) Bridge, the Han River Bridge, the Son Tra Peninsula and the Marble Mountains scenic spot. It is considered one of the most beautiful running routes in Southeast Asia. The route is certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and World Athletics.

In addition to the Da Nang International Marathon, the city will host the largest triathlon competition in Viet Nam - IRONMAN 70.3 Viet Nam 2025 on May 11. The competition is expected to have the participation of 2,000 athletes from more than 50 countries around the world. To become real Ironman, athletes must complete the 1.9km swim, 90km bike race and 21.1km run.

In particular, the swimming event will be held at Son Thuy Beach (Ngu Hanh Son District); cycling along the Son Thuy beach route and running through the designated roads along the beach and resorts in the city (2 laps). The end of the journey is a run through some important milestones and ending at the Son Thuy Beach.

One of the other international sporting events organised by the city is the Asian Golf Development Tournament - BRG Open Golf Championship Da Nang 2025, scheduled to take place at the end of August with the participation of leading Vietnamese and international golfers. The event is highly anticipated to promote the development of the golf movement and attract even more high-quality tourists to Da Nang.

In addition, in 2025, Da Nang will host 9 national sports competitions including the Rowing Championship for excellent rowers, the Canoeing Championship for excellent rowers, the table tennis tournament, the badminton tournament for youth age groups, the swimming championship for youth, the diving championship, the sailing and stand-up paddle-boarding tournament, the handball and athletics tournament.

These tournaments take place at many locations such as the Tien Son Sports Palace, Dong Nghe Lake, Ha Khe Beach, Swimming and Diving Club and the Hoa Xuan Athletics Field.

According to Mr. Nguyen Trong Thao, ensuring good facilities, increasingly professional coordination, being highly appreciated by units, leaving a good impression on athletes and coaches across the country are factors to affirm that Da Nang is one of the prestigious and ideal locations to organise national and international tournaments every year.

In 2025, the city will continue to host many tournaments to promote the development of the physical education and sports movement in the city. Besides, this is a good opportunity for the city to promote its beautiful image, friendly and hospitable people, thereby contributing to promoting its tourism development.

Reporting by PHI NONG - Translating by A.THU