The race began on the morning of October 11 in Cao Lanh Ward, Dong Thap Province, attracting more than 15,500 participants from Vietnam and abroad.
Runners competed in four distances: 5km, 10km, a half marathon of 21km and a full marathon of 42km. All four courses met standards set by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), catering to professional athletes, recreational runners and families who enjoy sport.
Along the routes, participants could experience Dong Thap’s distinctive scenery, including green orchards, historical and cultural sites, Cao Lanh Bridge and the rural landscapes of the Mekong Delta.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Huynh Minh Tuan, vice-chairman of the Dong Thap People’s Committee, said that over five years the Dat Sen Hong Marathon had grown beyond a major sporting event to connect sport with tourism and culture, promote the province and attract visitors and investors.
Huynh Minh Tuan, vice chairman of the Dong Thap Province People's Committee, speaks at the opening ceremony of the race (Photo: Bao Ky).
Provincial authorities hoped to continue working with businesses, investors and partners to organise more high-quality events and develop appealing tourism products that generate lasting benefits for the locality, he said.
Dong Thap also welcomed runners, tourists and other visitors to explore a region undergoing change and development while preserving the distinctive character of the Mekong Delta.
Alongside the races, organisers set up displays of products certified under Vietnam’s One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programme, a food area themed “Flavours of the homeland” and a QR-code activity inviting visitors to discover Dong Thap. These activities showcased local products and cultural traditions to residents and tourists.
Runners prepare to set off (Photo: Minh Kiet).
Notably, the organisers pledged VND 100 million (USD 3,850) from ticket revenue to the Red-crowned Crane Conservation and Development Fund at Tram Chim National Park.
The contribution is intended to support efforts to protect the rare bird while promoting a broader message about nature conservation and safeguarding ecosystems through community sporting events.
Through their runs across the “Land of Pink Lotus”, participants also helped promote Dong Thap, strengthen links between sport and tourism, and raise awareness of the importance of preserving the province’s natural heritage.
