Thua Thien - Hue Mr. Dang Van Tam (62 years old, Da Nang) invited 14 members including brothers, sisters, and nephews to compete in VnExpress Marathon Hue 2024, registering for all distances.
For the third time racing in Hue, Mr. Dang Van Tam - currently working at a battery company in Da Nang - said he was excited when holding the 21km Bib in his hand, looking forward to the moment of conquering the race with thousands of other runners this weekend. For him, Hue is one of the ideal destinations, with open running roads and green trees. Delicious food and friendly people are also among the attractions for him.
Mr. Tam went to Nghenh Luong Dinh to receive his Bib on the afternoon of April 19. The remaining 13 members will be present tonight and tomorrow morning. Photo: Tinh Khong
The greatest happiness for Mr. Dang Tam is to have his extended family of 14 people, including his wife Xuan Phuong. Mr. Tam said he took advantage of going to Hue one day in advance to do a reconnaissance, the other members will be present in the ancient capital on the evening of April 19 and the morning of April 20.
Accordingly, Mr. Tam and another person registered for 21 km, Ms. Xuan Phuong and six young children (under 15) competed in a distance of 5 km. Two other members ran 42 km, the remaining three chose 10 km. Previously, the whole family had participated in dozens of races under the VnExpress Marathon system, in Ho Chi Minh City, Quy Nhon, Ha Long, Nha Trang, Hanoi, Hai Phong.
"It's fun but a bit expensive," said Dang Van Tam, laughing. He explained that the cost of buying a Bib, transportation, hotel, and food for 14 people was quite high. "However, we still decided to spend because running a marathon not only improves health but also strengthens relationships, making people love each other more.
Mr. Tam's extended family competed in races in Nha Trang and Quy Nhon last year. Photo: NVCC
Personally, Mr. Tam expects to conquer 21 km in two hours and 35 minutes. Previously, his best result was two hours and 40 minutes, set at the race in Da Nang.
Every week, Mr. Tam exercises four times, running 5-10 kilometers each time. He focuses on his diet, limiting fat and starch, and getting regular rest. "If you exercise two times, you should rest one day to allow your body time to recover," Mr. Tam said.
Similarly, other members also learned from Mr. Tam to practice every day. Mr. Tam's family's passion for running also had a positive impact on his colleagues. Van Khanh (38 years old, originally from Hue) said that he had never exercised before, but was moved when he saw that at the age of over 60, Mr. Tam was still diligently racing marathons.
"I plan to spend time practicing running and competing at the VnExpress Marathon Da Nang 2024 in July," Van Khanh said.
Mr. Tam and his wife took a selfie after the VnExpress Marathon Hue last year. Photo: NVCC
VnExpress Marathon Hue 2024 is expected to attract 8,000 athletes, and is one of the events that kicks off the summer festival themed "Shining Imperial City". This year, the organizers have adjusted the route, with the starting point of the four distances being Le Duan Street (near Nha Do Gate), and the finishing point being Quang Duc Gate. The race will pass through many famous monuments, bearing the mark of the ancient capital.
Last year, during the three days of the tournament, the tourism industry of Thua Thien Hue province welcomed about 32,500 visitors, with revenue reaching 55.5 billion VND. In 2022, VnExpress Marathon was honored by the province in the top 10 typical cultural and sports events with great impact in the community.
Thi Quan
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