Third Vietnam mountain marathon announced

Third Vietnam mountain marathon announced

Minh Nga

Asger Koppen (C), managing director of Topas Travel and founder of Vietnam Mountain Marathon, and first runner-up of Miss Vietnam 2010 Vu Hoang My (L), ambassdor of this year’s Vietnam Mountain Marathon, are seen at a news briefing to announce the race in HCMC on July 27 - PHOTO: MINH NGA

With first runner-up Miss Vietnam 2010 Vu Hoang My working as ambassador, this year’s race is expected to be joined by 800 local and international runners from over 45 countries, making it the biggest international run ever in Vietnam, according to the organizer.

Vietnam Mountain Marathon is considered one of the hardest trail marathons in the world where each route will encompass challenging climbs and exhilarating descents.

Similar to last year, runners will compete in four categories of 10, 21, 42 and 70 kilometers.

Asger Koppen, managing director of Topas Travel and founder of Vietnam Mountain Marathon, told the news briefing: “Vietnam Mountain Marathon is the result of the love for running and a fascination with Vietnam. We want to create an event for all marathon lovers and through this highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle.”

Hoang My, who will join the race, said she loves marathon as while keeping people fit and healthy, the sport helps one person test his or her willpower and that she hopes the race will contribute to promoting tourism in Vietnam by presenting the beauty of Sapa to international friends.

Vietnam Mountain Marathon is expected to bring participants to Hoang Lien National Park and give them a glimpse of Vietnam with bamboo bridges, water buffalos, and ethnic minority villages.

This year, the fee collected from participants will be used to raise funds for Operation Smile, an international children’s medical charity that performs free cleft lip and cleft palate surgery for children.

Last year, the race attracted over 500 runners from more than 35 nations and raised a total of VND123 million (US$5,781) for “Sapa O’Chau,” a local charity organization that provides education for local minority groups in Sapa.

Those interested in the race can visit vietnammountainmarathon.com for more information.

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