Ho Chi Minh City will organise its first ever international marathon on November 26, Bui Ta Hoang Vu, Director of the municipal Department of Tourism said on September 27.

Besides encouraging the local sport spirit, the 2017 Techcombank HCM City International Marathon also aims to provide a chance for international and domestic tourists to join local cultural and sport activities, thus promoting the image of the city as an attractive, friendly and safe destination, said Vu, who is also head of the event’s organisation board.

The tournament will comprise the 42 km, 21 km and 10 km events, with the courses running from Thao Cam Vien park in District 1 and finishing at the Empire City Complex in District 2’s Thu Thiem area. 

So far, 4,000 people have registered to join the run at the website: vn.marathonhcmc.com, with around 40 percent being foreigners, according to the organisation board. 

In the framework of the tournament, a Kid Run will also be held for children aged between 6 – 14 on November 25.  A photo exhibition from November 23 – 25 will also form part of the activities during the event.

The first prize for the 42 km run is worth 5,000 USD and 1,000 USD for both the 21 km and 10 km events.

VNA