Mekong Delta Marathon attracts over 7,000 runners

Runners in the 5km distance category. (Photo: NDO/Phung Dung)

The event attracted the participation of over 7,000 runners, many of whom came from 14 foreign countries and territories.

They competed in four distances of 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km.

The unique track was especially designed to allow runners to experience the typical nature and culture of the Mekong Delta region.

This is the second year the tournament has been held, with the message of running for health and raising the public awareness on climate change, as well as enhancing the responsibility of the entire community for a green and sustainable developing Mekong Delta.

At the same time, it also aims to introduce the people and natural landscape of the region in general and Hau Giang in particular, thus bringing local tourism potentials and typical products to international friends.

Special prizes presented to two runners who broke records in the 42km category

According to the Deputy Secretary of the Hau Giang Provincial Party Committee cum Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hau Giang Province Dong Van Thanh, beyond it’s significance as a sports event, this year's marathon aimed to bring beautiful moments, inspirational stories and profound experiences of a dynamic land to participants, while also promoting the strong connection among localities in the region.

In particular, this year's event also had an additional message: running to share in the central region’s suffering from natural disasters.

Accordingly, more than 7,000 trees will be planted, representing the number of runners participating in the event.

The organisers also called on leaders, delegates, businesses and athletes to provide practical support to help local people in central Vietnam to overcome the difficulties due to the effects of the recent storms and severe prolonged floods and landslides.

Thanh expressed his hoped that this year's event would contribute to the call for practical actions in the fight against climate change, bringing green colour and development for the Mekong Delta.

He also wished that the tournament would become an annual festival to encourage individuals across the whole region to actively plant trees to make the delta greener and form a habit of practicing sports through running, turning every citizen into a true runner.

After the race, the organisers awarded the top three prizes to the winners in each category. In the 42km event, the Organising Committee also awarded a special prize for two runners, one male and one female, who broke last year’s records, with each receiving an award worth VND50 million.

Source: NDO