- New certificated race routes for all distances
- The race welcomes high-achieving athletes from domestic, international marathons and the return of nearly 1,500 foreigners
- More cheering points and DJs along the course to boost the spirits of the runners
- Highlighted side-activities: 5km meet-up run 2 days before race day, the exclusive race route tour to learn the course, and fundraising activities to support local orphans
- EXPO with special offers from over 25 brand booths, prize-winning games for all athletes, family, and the Danang locals
On August 6, at East Sea Park, Danang City, the 10th edition of Manulife Danang International Marathon 2023 presented by Yamaha, will officially return with new courses and spectacular experiences for athletes in the coastal city.
The race will have four competitive categories including the marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km; and the Ronny Dash 1.5km for kids aged 3-10. In the 10th edition, the race will have its new marathon course to celebrate the milestone. The course is redesigned to give runners a better experience of exploring Danang with the city’s most beautiful coastlines, Vo Nguyen Giap and Nguyen Tat Thanh street. Along the routes, runners will be able to explore famous landmarks of Danang such as the Dragon Bridge, Han River, Son Tra Peninsula, Ngu Hanh Son Mountain and many more. In May, the courses of all distances were measured by international experts and have been certified to meet the standards of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) & World Athletics.
Danang will welcome 9,000 runners from around the world, with nearly 1,500 foreigners from 50 countries and territories. The kids run 1.5km will welcome nearly 800 kids and parents running together. Besides that, the event enthusiastically welcomes the participation of nearly 10 running clubs representing countries in the region such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia….
Not only gathering international athletes, this year’s race also attracts many high-achieving athletes from marathons worldwide. Among them, the most valuable candidate for the championship in the Marathon category are athlete Victor Kipkemei Chepkwony from Kenya with his current PR of 2:22:15 and athlete Leo Thi Tinh, a member of the Vietnam national athletics team, with her PR of 3:08:28. The male athlete from Kenya, Victor, is also expected to break the race record of 2:32:16.
The champions of the 42km and 21km distances will earn slots to participate in the Kuala Lumpur Marathon. Additionally, the fastest male and female Vietnamese athletes in the Marathon category will win the entry slot of the Sydney Marathon, which is the 7th candidate of the World Major Marathons, aiming to join the top 6 prestigious marathons in the world. The top 15 male and female athletes of all distances will be honored with a reward.
The marathon is not only a race for elite runners, but also a celebration of running for everyone. The 2023 race aims to bring more experiences and better support for athletes before, during, and after the race. Prior to the main race day, athletes can participate in a 5km meet-up run to get warmed-up and have a chance to make friends on the afternoon of Friday, August 4. The meet-up run opens to everyone, along with the participation of domestic and international running clubs. The organizers also arrange a tour going along the new race routes to introduce the notable features along Danang’s course.
At the event site, the EXPO will be held from the afternoon of August 4 to the morning of August 6, featuring activities such as race kit collection, special offers from around 25 brand booths, prize-winning games, open for all athletes, their friends and family, Danang locals.
This year, there will be numerous cheer stations and DJs along the running routes, supported by Manulife Vietnam and other partners to create a lively atmosphere and support the spirits of the athletes. The race also collaborates with the Presenting Sponsor, Yamaha Motor Vietnam, to lead the athletes with eco-friendly electric vehicles – NEO’s.
The marathon is also committed to giving back to the community, supporting local causes with fundraising activities. The event has partnered with Hoa Mai Orphanage, a charity organization that provides education and vocational training for disadvantaged children in Danang. The organizers call out to runners to donate items from their race kits, which will be collected at the booth of Hoa Mai Orphanage. Runners can also purchase Non La (traditional Vietnamese conical hats) painted by the children at the center. All donated funds will be used to support local orphaned children in Danang.
