Hard slog: Australian marathoner Patrick Farmer (centre) and his Vietnamese partner, Mai Nguyen Dinh Huy, run across Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Da Nang City yesterday. — VNS Photo Hoai Nam

DA NANG  (VNS)— Australian runner Patrick Farmer and his Vietnamese partner, Mai Nguyen Dinh Huy, arrived at Hoai River Square in Hoi An City last night, completing the 16th stage of the Pole to Pole marathon.

The 36-day race, which started on December 9, traverses the entire length of Viet Nam: from Sa Vi Cape in the northern province of Quang Ninh to the country's southernmost province of Ca Mau.

The 50-year-old and his Vietnamese partner have made it 1,075km – half the total distance – and travelled through 12 cities and provinces.

"I felt exhausted. My feet were shaky, while my lips were withered. However, I promised to complete the marathon and reach the finish in Ca Mau. I'll never give up," Farmer said at the start of the 16th stage yesterday.

Patrick was cheered on by his daughter Brooke and son Dillon and hundreds of fans in Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An.

The marathon, the first of its kind in Viet Nam, marks 40 years of diplomatic and trade relations between Australia and Viet Nam.

The two marathoners will continue on their 17th stage, from Hoi An to Tam Ky City, today.

They are scheduled to finish on January 18. — VNS