Anh wins fifth Tiền Phong Marathon title

Ha Noi — Bui The Anh won the Tien Phong (Vanguard) Newspaper Marathon yesterday in the city of Vung Tau.

The Military team runner finished the 42.195km course with a time of 2 hours and 38 minutes to take his fifth win in the event.

He was followed by Nguyen Quoc Dung from Khanh Hoa and Le Tan Hi of Lam Dong.

"It was great track for runners today but the hot weather of 38 Celsius and wind from the sea were a big challenge for us,” said Anh, who left behind more than 400 rivals. “It was exciting to compete against so many other runners, including amateurs. I am really pleased with my result today.”

Anh has taken part in the annual competition since 2008 but has only competed in the marathon category for the past six years. He has been dominant, and only missed out on gold at the hands of his younger national team teammate Vu Van Son of Ninh Binh in 2017. Anh took silver that year.

Pham Thi Hong Le of Binh Dinh topped the women’s race. Hoang Thi Ngoc Hoa from Binh Phuoc and Le Thi Thoa of the Military were second and third, respectively.

In the 21km professional men’s race, national team member Nguyen Van Lai of the Military took the win. The women’s title went to Pham Thi Hue of Quang Ninh, also a national team runner.

In the 10km professional men’s event, Do Quoc Luat of the Military secured his fifth title in a row. Nguyen Thi Oanh from Bac Giang won the 5km for professional women.

Organisers also presented awards to runners in other categories for professionals and amateurs.

"With help from many people and agencies the Tien Phong Marathon has changed remarkably,” said Le Xuan Son, editor in chief of Tien Phong Newspaper and head of the organising board. “From an event for elite athletes now we welcome runners from all corners of the country. This year we saw more than 2,000 athletes join us here in Vung Tau.” — VNS