Series of PRs set at Read Marathon Hai Phong 2024

The Read Marathon Hai Phong, the final marathon of the year in VM system, concluded with numerous runners announcing their PRs on social media. These achievers included participants from athletics teams, such as Vu Dinh Duan, Huynh Thanh, Trinh Dinh An, Do Van Hoang, Tra Giang, and Tran Nam.

Vu Dinh Duan

Vu Dinh Duan, an athlete from the Ho Chi Minh City triathlon team, placed in the top five of the full marathon with a time of 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 30 seconds. On social media, he expressed his satisfaction with achieving his plan, stating that the result reflects his efforts and serves as motivation for the coming year. His previous PR, 2 hours, 38 minutes, and 48 seconds, was set at the same marathon last year.

Trinh Dinh An

Trinh Dinh An, known as Vietnam’s fastest doctor, completed the race in 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 45 seconds, shaving nearly a minute off his previous PR.

Despite an unstable year of training interrupted by work and studies, this result exceeded his expectations.

Breaking the sub-2:40 mark at the 2023 VM Hai Phong, he described that milestone as one he “never dared to dream of,” solidifying his commitment to making this marathon a key event in his annual schedule.

The ‘Sub 2:40 Train’ led by Dang Anh Quyet. Photo by VM

Broader community achievements

Thousands of runners shared their PR results on social media, many returning to VM Hai Phong specifically to surpass their previous records. PRs hold significant meaning in the running community, representing improvements in technique, fitness, and mental preparation. They also reflect the effectiveness of training regimens, including tailored plans, diets, and mental strategies.

Among the women runners, achievements were equally remarkable. Notable participants included Nong Chang, Tra Giang, and Le Thi Phuong, who all broke their records and achieved sub-3-hour times. For Chang, it was her second PR in a month, following her success at the VM Hanoi Midnight. Giang was overcome with emotion upon crossing the finish line with a new PR.

Tra Giang sobs when crossing the finish line. Photo by VM

In Vietnam, few women runners, including Ha Hau, Chi Nguyen, and Le Minh Tuan, have achieved the sub-3-hour mark, a feat recognized as exceptional even in international events like the Boston and London Marathons. The rising achievements of local female runners highlight the advancing level of long-distance running in Vietnam.

Event highlights and records

The second edition of VM Hai Phong reinforced its reputation as the race of PRs. Favorable weather, with temperatures of 12–13 degrees Celsius, and flat tracks contributed to outstanding results. The event set a new benchmark, with 91 runners finishing under 3 hours (after verification) and 387 runners finishing under 3 hours and 3 minutes.

The ‘Sub 3 Train’ led by Nguyen Duy Hoan. Photo by VM

In preparation for the event, groups of “sub-3 hunters” and “PR hunters” meticulously planned their strategies. For instance, runner Mai Van Tien led a group of experienced pacers, including Long Tinh, Hoang Huy, and Duong Do, to guide runners aiming for sub-2:50 times. This effort surpassed the previous year’s record of 82 sub-3-hour finishes.

The event was supported by Herbalife Vietnam, which has contributed to Vietnamese sports for over 15 years through partnerships with the Vietnam Olympic Committee, the Vietnam Paralympic Committee, and the Vietnam Football Federation.