Nearly 2,000 runners compete at Ha Long Bay Heritage Marathon
The fourth International Ha Long Bay Heritage Marathon took place in Ha Long city, the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, on November 25, attracting almost 2,000 runners from over 60 countries.
Almost 2,000 runners from over 60 countries participates in the fourth Interntional Ha Long Bay Heritage Marathon on November 25 (Photo: VNA)
Quang Ninh(VNA) – The fourth International Ha Long Bay Heritage Marathon took place in HaLong city, the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, on November 25, attractingalmost 2,000 runners from over 60 countries.
The runners competed in the 5km, 10km, 21km and42km categories of the tourney whose running course was selected one of thebest around the globe by the Runner’s World UK magazine.
This year’s event saw the participation of manyprofessional athletes such as Lee Grantham from the UK – the world’s 100kmchampion in 2017, and Nguyen Tien Hung from Vietnam – the Southeast Asianchampion at the China-ASEAN International Marathon in Guangxi province inNovember.
Notably, Low Kuan Sow, a 76-year-old Malaysian,became the oldest runner in the 42km category.
Lee Grantham and Nguyen Tien Hung finished firstand second in the 42km race, respectively.
Ha Long Bay Heritage Marathon is held annuallyon the last Saturday of November, featuring races along the stunning coastlineof Ha Long Bay – a world heritage recognised by UNESCO.
The fourth edition was organised by theprovincial Department of Culture and Sports, the municipal Ha Long People’sCommittee, and the Duc Huong Co. Ltd. It was also part of the National TourismYear 2018 that focused on Ha Long and Quang Ninh.-VNA
More than 1,500 runners, including 120 foreigners, participated in the Hue Half Marathon 2018 in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on September 2.
More than 2,600 runners, including foreigners from 50 countries and territories, took part in the Hanoi International Heritage Marathon 2018 in the capital city on October 21.
More than 8,200 foreign and Vietnamese runners are expected to participate in the 2018 Techcombank HCM City International Marathon to be held in HCM City on December 2.
About 1,600 people from Vietnam, Japan and other countries will take part in Kizuna Ekiden Hanoi 2018 – Run for Traffic Safety held in Hanoi on November 18.
More than 24,000 people took part in the 22nd Terry Fox Run (TFR) in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City on November 18 to raise funds for cancer patients in Vietnam.
This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
Almost 2,000 runners from over 60 countries participates in the fourth Interntional Ha Long Bay Heritage Marathon on November 25 (Photo: VNA) 
