Vietnam

9,000 runners "fight water" at VM Ha Long 2024 race

VN (according to VnExpress) • September 22, 2024 08:43

Hours of incessant rain flooded the VnExpress Marathon Ha Long racetrack, increasing the challenge for 9,000 runners on the morning of September 22.

VnExpress Marathon Ha Long returns after storm

VM Ha Long 2024 was originally scheduled for September 8, but was postponed to September 22 due to storm No. 3. The third season took place in a special context when the locality was both overcoming the consequences of the storm and hoping to restore the economy and tourism.

However, the tournament received love and enthusiastic response from the community. The proof is the number of more than 9,000 athletes. The organizers hope that when coming to Ha Long, runners will feel the strong spirit of the people and the local reconstruction efforts to help the city get back on track and rise stronger after the natural disaster. 9,000 runners also contribute to the tourism economy, helping the locality recover.

The third season has many innovations. For the first time, 42km and 21km athletes will have finisher pants when completing the distance. The competition route has also changed a lot, notably the 21km distance no longer crosses Bai Chay bridge. With a flat race track, 21km runners have many advantages to break personal records. The 42km distance still retains the characteristic of conquering Bai Chay bridge which is over 50m high with challenging slopes. Regardless of the distance, athletes can explore the beautiful route next to the heritage bay.

The 42km race starts at 3am. The 21km race starts an hour later. The 10km and 5km races start at 5am and 5:15am respectively. The organizers close the entire course at 9:30am.

Ha Long heavy rain all night

runner 0 — Volunteers brave the rain to get to work

Since the evening before the race, Ha Long City and many provinces in the Northeast have been experiencing the first cold spell of the season accompanied by prolonged heavy rain. The outside temperature is still around 26 degrees Celsius. According to the forecast, it will continue to rain throughout the race. 9,000 athletes will have a challenging water battle.

To ensure safety, security, and the running route, despite heavy rain, thousands of volunteers were deployed to hot spots, traffic intersections, water stations, and the finish line. The city also sent police and militia to support the organization.

VN (according to VnExpress)