VHO – December 22, Can Tho City – The Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Can Tho City successfully organized the Can Tho Heritage Marathon 2024, attracting over 9,000 runners.
The event is one of the city’s key activities commemorating 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 Festival (December 22, 1989 – December 22, 2024).
The Can Tho Heritage International Marathon 2024 aims to further promote the national campaign “All People Exercise Following the Great Uncle Ho’s Example”, meet the public’s demand for cultural and sports activities, enhance mutual understanding, exchange, and solidarity among localities, and provide a healthy playground for participants.
The race attracted more than 9,000 runners competing in four distances: 5km, 10km, half marathon (21.1km), and full marathon (42.195km).
The marathon route is uniquely designed, not only challenging the runners but also offering an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and heroic history of Tay Do (Can Tho).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Truong Cong Quoc Viet, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Can Tho City, stated:
“Through organizing such sports events, we have the opportunity to introduce and promote the image of Can Tho’s land and people to both domestic and international friends and visitors. Can Tho is a peaceful city and a dynamic urban area with strong socio-economic growth. It is also a riverside metropolis with great potential for eco-tourism, leisure tourism, and adventure tourism. At the same time, this marathon helps further promote and develop running, encouraging Can Tho residents to participate more in the movement of ‘running for joy, running for health’.”
The Can Tho Heritage Marathon 2024 plays a crucial role in fostering exchanges, strengthening solidarity, and promoting a fitness culture among the public, contributing to the development of local tourism.
The event is expected to become a prestigious, regularly held marathon in Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta, growing in scale and appeal while attracting more runners.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tri, General Director of DHA Vietnam, the owner of the Heritage Marathon Series, announced that the Can Tho Heritage International Marathon has completed course certification with experts from the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the Vietnam Athletics Federation.
With AIMS certification, this is the first internationally standardized marathon in Can Tho. Runners can use their race results to qualify for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championships, the most prestigious global marathon series.
This year, the Can Tho Heritage International Marathon’s race shirts carry the essence of the Mekong Delta’s culture.
Inspired by rice, a symbol deeply tied to Can Tho, the event shirt and finisher shirt are intricately designed—both aesthetically pleasing and culturally meaningful. The event shirt features a soft green shade, representing the lush rice fields, while the finisher shirt is a vibrant red, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and the pride of crossing the finish line.
Source: Văn Hóa Online
