6,000 Runners Register for VnExpress Marathon Grand Tour Nghe An

The "VnExpress Marathon Grand Tour Nghe An," being held for the first time in the central province of Nghe An, has registered an impressive 6,000 runners, marking it as a significant sporting event in the region. Scheduled for September 27, the race sees over 70% of participants opting for the 5km and 21km distances, indicating broad appeal from both novice and experienced runners. Local engagement is particularly strong, with 60.4% of registrants hailing from Nghe An province itself. Hanoi follows as the second-largest contributor with 18.3%, followed by Ha Tinh (6.5%), Ho Chi Minh City (5%), and Da Nang (2.8%). When considering the broader North Central region, including Ha Tinh and Thanh Hoa, nearly 68% of the athletes originate from these areas, reflecting a robust demand for a large-scale running event with local identity. Furthermore, the marathon will welcome international participants from 12 countries and territories, including Japan, the Philippines, China, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, the United States, Russia, France, Egypt, Germany, and Chile, underscoring the event's growing international reach. In terms of age demographics, the 35-44 and 25-34 age groups are the most represented, making up over 61% of participants. Notably, the 6-17 age group accounts for 8.7%, and those over 55 constitute 3.8%, suggesting that the event is attractive to families and a wide spectrum of age groups, not solely middle-aged runners. The race medals are inspired by the heritage of "Lang Sen" (Lotus Village), the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh, featuring a design reminiscent of traditional thatched-roof houses. The course is set to traverse scenic routes through the former Vinh City, the Vinh-Cua Lo Expressway, and along the coast, allowing runners to experience the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The "VnExpress Marathon Grand Tour" model is a new format that emphasizes exploring the destination, transforming a race day into an opportunity for local discovery. Source: VnExpress