The experience of running on the most beautiful coastal route in Vietnam is the reason why more than 50% of athletes participating in VM Quy Nhon 2023 have competed at least once before.
VnExpress Marathon Sparkling Quy Nhon was first held in 2019, marking the birth of the VnExpress Marathon system. After four years, the tournament has become a major sporting event in Binh Dinh province, leaving an impression on runners with its perfect organization, a coastal-style running course, and attentive service for runners.
The unique feature that makes VM Quy Nhon brand is the route to fully explore the beauty of the central coastal city. The first stage of the race starts from the coast of Xuan Dieu Street. Accordingly, runners of 42, 21km can enjoy the cool weather at dawn with cool breezes. Runners of distances such as 5, 10km starting late have the opportunity to watch the sunrise on the sea.
The second half of the 21.42km race is more challenging. Runners run across 5 Ha Thanh bridges before going up Thi Nai bridge to Phuong Mai peninsula. Thi Nai sea bridge is 7km long with 54 spans and has a certain slope, making it difficult for many runners to cross. However, from the bridge, runners can see the whole view of Thi Nai lagoon and Quy Nhon city. This is the most beautiful part of the whole journey and is a "specialty" that is awaited every season.
Runner runs on Thi Nai bridge at dawn. Photo: VM
After crossing Thi Nai Bridge, runners will be greeted by the sunny, windy Phuong Mai peninsula and long sand dunes. Most runners commented that the most impressive moment was walking on the roads with the sunrise on one side over the wind farm with long sand dunes, and the Thi Nai lagoon stretching as far as the eye can see. This is also a challenging section as the race takes place in the summer, the sun rises early so the temperature is high. Previous races have seen many runners lose strength and fall behind at this section if they are not well prepared and hydrated properly.
Nguyen Van Nam, a runner from Quy Nhon who works in Ho Chi Minh City, has participated in the race twice in 2020 and 2022. In 2020, he set a goal of sub-5, but when he reached the Dien Gia field, he lost strength due to the hot weather and many small slopes. The runner was forced to reduce his pace and finished after 5 hours and 15 minutes. In 2022, confident that he had gained experience, he set a goal of sub-4:30 but still failed for the same reason. He said that competing in his hometown brings a lot of inspiration but is also a physical test for many people.
This year, Nam returned to Quy Nhon with the same goal as in 2022. After a long preparation process and applying a training regimen for hot weather, the 39-year-old runner is confident that he will successfully conquer the tournament. "I have prepared carefully from clothing, nutrition and mentality. Competing in hot weather is important to drink enough water and electrolytes combined with listening to myself. I think with this preparation, I am capable of completing the set goal," the runner shared.
Binh An - Phuong Nga couple took a photo to celebrate the completion of VM Quy Nhon 2022.
VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon has continuously innovated and improved its organization every year. Last year, to serve 10,000 runners, the organizing committee mobilized about 1,500 staff, with more than 1,000 volunteers from local universities. To ensure physical strength when competing in dry weather, the race arranged 12 regular water stations and 4 "super water stations" 100m long with full electrolytes, filtered water, fruit, and cold jam. VM Quy Nhon's water stations are the densest in the VnExpress Marathon system.
The race received full support from the People's Committee of Binh Dinh Province and the People's Committee of Quy Nhon City. The locality mobilized 15 doctors, 31 nurses, 7 ambulances, and 10 emergency beds to work at 10 medical stations along the race track. Reasonable traffic flow was implemented, providing runners with a smooth running route without affecting city traffic.
This year, the tournament kicks off on June 11. This is also the first tournament in the VnExpress Marathon system to have finisher pants and caps. In addition to the shirt, athletes completing the 21km distance will receive a bucket hat. Meanwhile, those completing the 42km distance will receive sports shorts for running.
Volunteers cheer on runners as they run through the sand dunes. Photo: VM
After three seasons, VM Quy Nhon has become a familiar meeting place for runners from all over the country. Each time it is held, the race attracts nearly 40,000 people to Quy Nhon, combining sports and sea tourism. The Provincial People's Committee assessed that the event helps to strongly promote the culture and people of Binh Dinh to friends from all over the world and at the same time contributes to the development of the running movement in the locality.
In addition to running, athletes spend time exploring local tourism in the South Central region. Quy Nhon and Binh Dinh are changing every day, improving infrastructure and services to welcome tourists. Ky Co, Eo Gio, Hon Kho, Nhon Hai, Bai Xep... and many other "martial arts" sites are on the list of top tourist destinations in Vietnam. The locality also leaves its mark with unique cuisine and culture.
Quy Nhon seen from Hai Minh fishing village, in the distance is Xuan Dieu coastal road - VM running route. Photo: Nguyen Phan Dung Nhan
This year, to welcome 10,000 runners to Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh province has coordinated with the organizing committee to set up new and more attractive programs, especially a series of sideline activities, accompanying the athletes during the competition week. One of the plans being promoted is to increase the capacity to welcome athletes, ensure accommodation, transportation, and open more tours.
Hoai Phuong
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