QĐND – On December 22, the Can Tho Heritage Marathon 2024 officially took place in Can Tho City. This annual race attracts a large number of runners.
This sporting event is one of the city’s activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 – December 22, 2024) and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day (December 22, 1989 – December 22, 2024). It also aims to further promote the movement “The entire people exercise following the great example of President Ho Chi Minh.”
The Can Tho Heritage Marathon 2024 was organized in Can Tho City by Duc Huong Anh Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and other city departments and agencies. The race attracted more than 9,000 runners, including 1,000 runners for the 42km distance, 2,000 for the 21km distance, 2,000 for the 10km distance, and 4,000 for the 5km distance.
The marathon route was uniquely designed, not only challenging the runners but also offering them an opportunity to explore the cultural beauty and heroic history of Tay Do (Can Tho).
A major highlight of this year’s marathon is the inclusion of Binh Thuy District in the race route for the first time. This section features serene, tree-lined canal roads free from traffic intersections and conflicts. Here, runners will have the chance to pass by ancient communal houses and historic pagodas. The journey continues along Lo Vong Cung, once known as a “fire belt” during the resistance war and now recognized as a national historical site. Running through Lo Vong Cung, participants will not only experience the resilient spirit of the Southwestern people but also witness the city’s transformation and dynamic growth.
The course also takes runners through famous landmarks of Tay Do, such as Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery, My Khanh Fruit Garden, and Cai Rang Floating Market. The Song Hau Park Square, serving as both the starting and finishing point, has been chosen as the event’s central venue. This location frequently hosts entertainment, recreational activities, and other events, contributing to the promotion of Can Tho’s image and its people. Along with a standardized race route, the organizers have made significant investments in event operations to ensure the best possible experience for the runners.
Through this sporting event, Can Tho aims to introduce and promote its rich potential, hospitality, and charm to both domestic and international visitors. The city is portrayed as a peaceful yet vibrant urban center, rich in eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and adventure tourism opportunities. Moreover, this marathon helps to further popularize running as a sport and encourages the people of Can Tho to embrace running for fun and for health.
Source : Báo Quân Đội Nhân Dân
