Nearly 19,000 in national flag shirts set Viet Nam marathon record

Nearly 19,000 runners, both professional and amateur from Viet Nam and abroad, had registered for the “My Viet Nam 2025” marathon as of early August 17, with the number expected to surpass 20,000 by August 22.

The “My Viet Nam 2025” marathon sets Viet Nam marathon record for the largest number of participants wearing the national “Red Flag with Yellow Star” shirt. (Photo: VNA)

The event has set a Viet Nam record for the largest number of participants wearing the national “Red Flag with Yellow Star” shirt at a marathon. The organising committee has submitted documents to the Viet Nam Records Organisation for official recognition, and all runners will receive certificates confirming their part in the record.

Scheduled for August 24 at the Viet Nam National Exposition Centre (VNEC) in Ha Noi’s Dong Anh commune, the race is part of celebrations marking the 80th National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025). It aims to showcase the exhibition centre, one of the 10 largest in the world and the biggest in Southeast Asia, and promote the historical Co Loa Citadel nearby.

The race is part of celebrations marking the 80th National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025) (Photo: VNA)

Beyond competition, the marathon is billed as a symbolic tribute to 80 years of national development, honouring past generations’ sacrifice for independence and expressing Viet Nam’s spirit of unity and aspiration for progress.

Runners will pick up race kits on August 22–23 before competing on August 24 in four categories: 42 km, 21 km, 9.2 km and 2.9 km.

The event will feature an opening ceremony, a closing and award ceremony, with both the start and finish lines located at the VNEC.

NDO