Thread: Marathons

• Oanh wins, secures PB at Techcombank HCM City International Marathon 2023

Nguyễn Thị Oanh, Edwin Kiptoo Yebei win sixth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon 2023 on December 10.

HCM CITY — Nguyễn Thị Oanh won and set a new personal best at the sixth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon 2023 on December 10.

Oanh originally planned to skip one of the nation's largest running events as she wanted to give it all to defend her title at the Vietnam International Half Marathon on January 1 in Hà Nội.

However, the multiple SEA Games champion changed her mind when she found out about the strong international runners who would be among more than 15,000 marathoners in the city.

Oanh and title favourite Chemutai Immaculate from Uganda distanced themselves at the beginning and were close together for almost all of the race. But 4km from the finish, Oanh decided to sprint and left Immaculate, who won the second Hà Nội Techcombank Marathon in September, to power on to the finish.

Oanh wrapped up the race in a time of 2hr 46.27min to top the podium, about 4min faster than her former record.

"My sincere thanks go out to the athletes and the organising committee for their invaluable support, contributing to my recent triumph," said Oanh.

• Homefield advantage leads Joseph Hale to second BMW Dallas Marathon win in three years

Home-field advantage played a crucial role in Joseph Hale’s victory in the 52nd running of the BMW Dallas Marathon on Sunday.

The 30-year-old resident of West Dallas made up half of a one-minute deficit at White Rock Lake, and three miles from the finish line made a final move to win for the second time in three years in 2 hours, 24 minutes and 53 seconds.

“I’ve run that loop around White Rock so many times, so I know every single step,” said Hale, who grew up in Grapevine and attended Dallas Baptist.

“I knew it was downhill after Mile 23, and when I looked back a mile later, I couldn’t see anybody.”

Hale, the eighth consecutive American men’s winner, credits his sister Sarah for being the role model who influenced him to run.

“She ran in high school and I wanted to be like her," he said.

• Whanganui’s 3 Bridges Marathon: Polish runner Wojciech Kopec claims gold in biggest edition of event

Norwegian runner Wojciech Kopec took home the win in this year’s Pak‘nSave Whanganui 3 Bridges Marathon, while attendance numbers smashed a record set at last year’s event.

Kopec finished the 42.2km course in a time of 2 : 38 : 37 on Sunday, while Waikanae’s Blair Coleman came second with a time of 2 : 45 : 18.

In the women’s marathon, New Plymouth athlete Emma O’Rourke won with 3 : 22 : 49, nearly 40 minutes ahead of second-placed Sophie Nabbs (Hamilton) who finished in 3 : 50 : 30.

O’Rourke also won the women’s marathon at the 2022 event, and this year beat her previous time by more than 20 minutes.

Event organiser Paula Conder said this year’s event went smoothly and they were particularly lucky with the weather.

“It was almost perfect ... it was good that it was just overcast for most of the morning, and then the light drizzle didn’t seem to bother anyone,” Conder said.

“It didn’t seem to start raining until we were packing up after the prizegiving.”

She said around 950 people took part in this year’s event, smashing the previous attendance record set in 2022 when around 800 people entered.

• Soh Rui Yong wins his fourth national title at StanChart Singapore Marathon

He may not be in “full marathon shape yet” but Soh Rui Yong still had enough in his tank to claim his fourth national marathon title, and first in four years, at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) on Dec 3.

His effort of 2hr 40min 34sec saw him earn $10,000 as the fastest local, ahead of Daniel Leow (2:48:08) and Benjamin Khoo (2 : 50 : 37).

Soh had claimed a hat-trick of wins from 2017 to 2019, before it was dropped for the 2022 edition. The SCSM was held virtually in 2020 and in a hybrid format in 2021 due to the pandemic.

Soh, who clinched the SEA Games marathon gold in 2015 and 2017, last ran a marathon in Valencia in 2021 when he set the national record of 2 : 22 : 59.

At the National Stadium, Soh finished 15th in the men’s race, which was won by Kenyan David Barmasai Tumo in 2 : 14 : 15.

Soh, 32, said: “It is a nice feeling (to be national champion) again. It has not happened in four years and I have not run a marathon in two years, so to make a comeback to the marathon in Singapore is very nice.

• Scenes and winners from the 2023 San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon

One of the biggest fitness events of the year brought runners, joggers and walkers from around the country to downtown San Antonio on Sunday.

The 2023 Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon and Half-Marathon started around 7 : 15 a.m. While all runners rocked the course, the men’s and women’s winners were both from San Antonio.

On the men’s side, Mark Saroni came in first with a time of 2 : 31 : 15. And in the women’s marathon, Aliese Reus came in first with a time of 3 : 10 : 11.

• Organisers of ultramarathon in which 21 runners died jailed in China

Organisers of a 2021 ultramarathon in north-west China during which 21 runners died in extreme weather conditions have been sentenced to years in prison for their roles, state media reported.

Five individuals involved in planning the ill-fated event were given jail terms ranging from three to five and a half years by a court in Baiyin, a city in Gansu, the province where the deaths occurred, the state news agency Xinhua reported late on Friday.

In May 2021, the 100km (62-mile) cross-country mountain race turned deadly as freezing rain, high winds and hail hit the competitors.

The five defendants were convicted for “organising a large-scale event that led to a significant safety incident”, said Xinhua.

In the provincial capital, Lanzhou, an official was sentenced to four years and 10 months for “dereliction of duty and bribery”, and another to three and a half years for “dereliction of duty” alone, Xinhua added.

Long-distance running and other extreme sports have been booming in China in recent years, as the government promotes exercise for all ages, though slipshod organisation has repeatedly caused problems.

The 2021 deaths raised questions over why organisers apparently ignored the incoming extreme weather and led to renewed calls for tighter laws surrounding sporting events.

After the deaths, Beijing’s sport ministry announced that events without national safety standards would be suspended, including mountain trail running, wingsuit flying and ultra-long distance running.

• More than 25,000 run Abu Dhabi Marathon as Brigid Kosgei sets new women’s record

It was a day to remember for Brigid Kosgei as she marked her first appearance at the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon by setting a new women’s record.

More than 25,000 participants from 168 different nationalities took to the streets of the UAE capital.

The Kenyan five-time major marathon champion swept to victory on Saturday with a stunning time of 2:19:15 — a minute quicker than the previous record and nearly five minutes ahead of her closest rival, Hawi Feysa Gejia (2 : 24 : 03), as Ethlemahu Sintayehu finished third (2 : 25 : 36).

Kosgei said of her victory: “Coming back from an injury last month (at the New York Marathon) and then winning here means a lot to me — especially to break the course record as well. This is my first time here (in Abu Dhabi) and everybody has been great. I hope I will come again next year.”

Eritrean Amare Hailemicael Samson produced a superb display in the men’s category, completing the city course in 2 : 07 : 10 to seal an impressive victory, two minutes ahead of his closest challenge, Kenyan Leonard Barsoton (2 : 09 : 37), with compatriot Ilham Tanui Ozbilen marking his maiden marathon appearance with a third-place finish (2 : 10 : 16).

“I’m very happy, this is my first marathon run (after all),” Samson said. “This is my best time of 2 : 07 : 10 and hopefully next time I can get an even quicker time. Today is a good win.”

• Over 3,000 participate in Kochi Navy Marathon

Over 3,000 defence personnel and others participated in the fourth edition of Federal Bank-Kochi Navy Marathon organised by the Southern Naval Command (SNC) here on Sunday.

Apart from defence personnel and their families, children, youth, and senior citizens participated in various categories of the race. One of the many outreach activities conducted by the SNC as part of Navy Week celebrations, the marathon began from KV Port Trust Ground, Willingdon Island. There were three challenging categories — a gruelling 21-km Venduruthy Run, a competitive 10-km Dronacharya Run, and the inclusive 5-km Garuda Run.

The participants received a T-shirt and race-category specific finisher’s medal at the end of the race. In addition to abundant hydration and nutrition points, various convenience and medical stations were positioned at vantage points along the route. The support extended by the sponsors and partners — Federal Bank, Kerala Blasters, Kravin, Yakult, Aster Med City, Regain, Ayurkshetra, and Center Square Mall — made the event a huge success.

Among the participants was Vice Admiral M.A. Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of SNC, who was also the chief guest of the race that exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship, perseverance and physical fitness. “The Kochi Navy Marathon is not just a race. It’s a testament to the spirit of our defence forces and the community. This event underscores our commitment to a healthy lifestyle and the shared values that bind us together.”

nday saw the participation of defence personnel and others.

Over 3,000 defence personnel and others participated in the fourth edition of Federal Bank-Kochi Navy Marathon organised by the Southern Naval Command (SNC) here on Sunday.

Apart from defence personnel and their families, children, youth, and senior citizens participated in various categories of the race. One of the many outreach activities conducted by the SNC as part of Navy Week celebrations, the marathon began from KV Port Trust Ground, Willingdon Island. There were three challenging categories — a gruelling 21-km Venduruthy Run, a competitive 10-km Dronacharya Run, and the inclusive 5-km Garuda Run.

The participants received a T-shirt and race-category specific finisher’s medal at the end of the race. In addition to abundant hydration and nutrition points, various convenience and medical stations were positioned at vantage points along the route. The support extended by the sponsors and partners — Federal Bank, Kerala Blasters, Kravin, Yakult, Aster Med City, Regain, Ayurkshetra, and Center Square Mall — made the event a huge success.

Among the participants was Vice Admiral M.A. Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of SNC, who was also the chief guest of the race that exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship, perseverance and physical fitness. “The Kochi Navy Marathon is not just a race. It’s a testament to the spirit of our defence forces and the community. This event underscores our commitment to a healthy lifestyle and the shared values that bind us together.”

Soon after the event, a total of 61 awards were presented to outstanding individuals who demonstrated exemplary performance and dedication across diverse race categories. Sajith K.M., Hemant Kumar and Rohan Menon stood first in the men’s category of 21 km, 10 km and 5 km respectively. Among women, Rema A.K., Priyanka Singh and Neethu Shukoor stood first in the same categories.

• 4 runners sent to hospital during Taipei Marathon

Three runners suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and another had a stroke during the Taipei Marathon on Sunday morning (Dec. 17).

The three male runners, ages 26, 46, and 50, who suffered from OHCA received emergency treatment and are in stable condition. The male runner, 42, who suffered a stroke also recovered, per Liberty Times.

Approximately 30,000 runners assembled before 6:30 a.m. in front of Taipei City Hall for the marathon on Sunday, which concluded at Taipei Municipal Stadium. It was a chilly, cold morning, and temperatures dipped to 11 C.

The 50-year-old man who suffered OHCA reportedly felt unwell at 9 : 15 a.m. and collapsed on Gangdong Street in Taipei’s Nangang District. He was sent in an ambulance to Neihu’s Tri-Service General Hospital.

This year's Taipei Marathon was the largest in history, with runners from 62 countries. The Taipei City Government Department of Sports said medical doctors were deployed to assist runners during the marathon, which enabled the four individuals to quickly receive medical assistance.

Ethiopia's Dechasa Alemu Moreda won the men's category with a total time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 56 seconds. The women's category was won by Ethiopian Obse Abdeta Deme with a time of 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 14 seconds.

• New routes confirmed for ABP Newport Wales Marathon

THREE exciting new courses have been revealed for the 2024 ABP Newport Wales Marathon, Half and 10K.

The event, which will be taking place on Sunday, April 28, has been expanded into a full festival of running. And with the new half marathon distance joining the day, there will be something for every level of ability and ambition.

After engaging with previous participant feedback, several changes have been made with the aim to improve the atmosphere and event experience.

But first-time runners or those looking to secure a PB, don’t need to worry as event organisers, Run 4 Wales, have ensured that the flat and fast course, which the Newport events are famed for, have been retained.

What to expect from the new routes:

All three races will start and finish on Newport’s vibrant riverfront and will kick-start with a new city centre loop, taking in the historic Commercial Street – including many listed buildings dating from the Victorian period.

• Coimbatore Marathon 2023 makes history in Covai, witnesses overwhelming participation!

18,500+ runners taking part in a marathon in Coimbatore is a gargantuan figure but not for the extremely popular and premier running event of the city - Coimbatore Marathon organized by Coimbatore Cancer Foundation and recognised by Tamil Nadu Athletic Association.

The 11th edition of the Marathon, majorly sponsored by Walkaroo and powered by ELGi Equipments took place this morning in the city with 18,500+ participants running in the event.

Coimbatore District Collector Kranti Kumar, DIG-West Zone Saravana Sundar, Coimbatore City Police Commissioner Balakrishnan, Chandeesh, Deputy Commissioner - Coimbatore North and former DGP of Tamil Nadu Sylendara Babu flagged off the various sections of the Marathon and took part in it.

The Coimbatore Marathon was conceived as a platform to raise awareness about cancer and support the Coimbatore Cancer Foundation (CCF). Over the years, this event has become synonymous with cancer awareness in the region.

The proceeds from the marathon have helped CCF expand its various activities, such as screening, counseling, and support groups, ensuring essential services are accessible to a greater number of individuals.

In addition, the proceeds have also helped enhance the monetary aid provided to cancer patients, encompassing surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, diagnostic tests, hospital fees, and rehabilitation services.

14,594 men and 3,947 women form the total participants in the marathon. The participants have come from 17 states.

There were a dozen participants from Canada, The Netherlands and the USA. 81% of the participants are from Coimbatore.

The total prize money this year is Rs.4.25 lakh.

https://www.covaichronicle.com/engli...tory-in-covai-

• Nguyen Thi Oanh breaks national record at Vietnam International Half Marathon 2024

Nguyen Thi Oanh and Hoang Nguyen Thanh are two athletes who have made a bold impression at the Vietnam International Half Marathon 2024 (VIHM 2024).

In the women's event, Nguyen Thi Oanh and Le Thi Tuyet created a tense and extremely attractive duel race. The two maintained competition throughout the race, only in the final meters was victory or defeat decided when Nguyen Thi Oanh launched her forte sprints, broke away and defended the VIHM 2024 championship.

With a record of 1 hour, 15 minutes and 10 seconds, Nguyen Thi Oanh broke her own record at the tournament. In the first season, Oanh finished first after 1h15'23". More impressively, the owner of four SEA Games 4 gold medals also broke her own national half-marathon record (32h1'15").

• Foreigners make up over half the runners for marathon

More than half of the 800 participants who have registered to date to take part in the Torremolinos Half Marathon are foreigners. Runners from the United Kingdom represent 30% of the registrations for thecompetition that will take place on February 4 through the streets of the town.

The Councillor for Sports, Ramón Alcaide, said that, “cosmopolitanism, interculturalism and diversity are the hallmarks of our Half Marathon, which last year had an economic impact of around €120,000”.

In addition to Spanish athletes and those from the United Kingdom, the event has already received entries from Ireland, Argentina, the Netherlands, Canada, Finland, Latvia and Germany.

• Chepkurui and Kimeli win in Chonburi

Gladys Chepkurui and Mathew Kimeli achieved a Kenyan double at the Bangsaen21 Half Marathon – a World Athletics Platinum Label road race – in the Thai city of Chonburi on Sunday (17).

Racing in warm and humid conditions, Chepkurui clocked 1 : 09 : 46 to claim the women’s crown, finishing 17 seconds ahead of her compatriot Sheila Chepkirui, while Kimeli held off Ethiopia’s Tsegaye Getachew to win the men’s race, 1 : 03 : 39 to 1 : 03 : 45.

This year’s Berlin Marathon runner-up Chepkirui broke away with 2019 world marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich in the early stages of the women’s race and they passed 5km in 1 5: 39, 14 seconds ahead of Chepkurui and Angela Tanui.

Chepkirui then managed to create a gap and was running solo, nine seconds ahead of Chepngetich, by 10km. Chepkurui and Tanui remained together a further 16 seconds back, as they passed that checkpoint in 32 : 36.

But Chepkurui wasn’t deterred and she gradually reeled in her rivals, moving away from Tanui to first chase down Chepngetich, and then Chepkirui. Chepkirui led at 15km, reached in 49 : 13, but Chepkurui chipped into the eight-second advantage and passed her compatriot a few minutes later.

Chepkirui was unable to respond and Chepkurui continued to move away, eventually finishing 17 seconds clear in 1 : 09 : 46.

Behind Chepkirui was 2021 Amsterdam Marathon champion Tanui, who finished third in 1 : 11 : 08, while former world record-holder Chepngetich finished fourth in 1 : 11 : 51.

In the men’s race, Kimeli formed part of an eight-strong pack that reached 5km in 15 : 27 and 10km in 31 : 01.

• Eliud Kipchoge announces return to Tokyo Marathon

NN Running Team-athlete and back-to-back Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge will return to Japan for the 17th edition of the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday 3rd March 2024, a course where he holds the record from his only previous appearance in 2022.

The only sub-two-hour marathoner in history is excited to return to a country where he became the third man to defend his Olympic marathon title, saying:

“I have good memories in Japan. I won my Olympic gold medal there and ran the course record in the Tokyo marathon. Last time, I was grateful for the organization to organize the event during such a difficult time during the Covid-19 pandemic. My aim was to set the course record and it was great to achieve that. I feel good working towards my next race in Tokyo. For me, it is the perfect preparation towards my aim to win my third consecutive Olympic title next summer in Paris.”

• Marathon of over Rs 1.8 million prize in Pokhara from Feb 17

An international Safal Pokhara Marathon Championship carrying a prize amount of Rs 1.85 million is going to be organised from February 17, 2024 at Pokhara of Kaski.

Ex-Sportsmen Forum Nepal is organising the Championship. Forum Treasurer Mahesh Poudel shared that the 42-kilometer open marathon would be organised towards men category. The winner of this category would receive Rs 500,000 prize.

Similarly, half-marathon of 21 kilometer towards women category, 10-kilometer race (women-men), five kilometer race (to be participated by school students), visually impaired and wheelchair race would also be organised, he mentioned.

Race competition targeting the men and women above 50 years has been included from this year in the championship.

Forum Chairperson Hari Prasad Parajuli said study regarding the alternative route for marathon race is underway.

• ‘I never thought I would get this far’: London man runs 365 marathons in 365 days

Aaron Robinson passed something of a milestone on Sunday – 26 milestones, to be precise – as he and his border collies, River and Inca, completed their 365th marathon in 365 days.

Every morning, for exactly a year, the charity worker has left his east London home to set out on his lonely marathons, all before a full day’s work.

“It was good today. Very muddy. But I had about 30 people running with me today, which was fantastic, especially as I usually run alone. I never thought I would get this far, so it’s a great achievement. And it just inspires me to keep on going,” he said.

Yes. One year is not enough for the 41-year-old, who is raising money through his mycrazycollies social media platforms for Hope for Justice, the anti-human trafficking, anti-modern slavery charity where he is international communications manager.

On Monday, Robinson will do it again – with his eyes set firmly on breaking the unofficial record of 607 runs in 607 days set 10 years ago.

He is living, by choice, through his own Groundhog Day.

This being Sunday, he allowed himself a little lie-in. But his daily routine goes thus: “I get up at 3am to start running at 4am. It takes around five hours. Then I start work, finish work at 6.30pm, go to bed at 7pm, get up at 3am and do the whole thing again.

“It is like Groundhog Day. I see the same people at the same time, and have the same conversations – usually ‘How are your dogs, fine, goodbye.’ A lot of them know what I’m doing because they see me running at the same time every day and, obviously, ask what I’m doing.”

• World's coldest marathon sees runners risk frostbite on -67F course with winner passing out

The world’s coldest marathon was run on Friday (Jan. 12) in a bone-cracking temperature of minus -67F (-55C), with the winner revealing he almost passed out from the deep freeze conditions after 21 miles.

The race was in Siberian town Oymyakon, known as the world’s Pole of Cold - the most glacial permanent settlement on the planet. The 38 runners suffered iced eyebrows and risked frostbite in the freezathon contest.

Winner Konstantin Dragunov, 24, a student, who completed the race in three hours seven minutes, said he almost got lost on the snow-covered track.

“I almost lost myself on the course,” said the victor who is from Megino-Kangalassky, in the same Yakutia region as Oymyakon.

“The marathon is unpredictable, they told me [about this in advance]". Worse followed, he said. “After 33 kilometres [21 miles] I almost passed out…” He recovered to win.

He dedicated his win in the planet’s coldest marathon to his grandfather Semyon Dragunov who recently passed away.

It is the largest constituent region of the Russian Federation. Hardy locals stood along the track to cheer on the brave runners in minus 67F.

Soldier hubby and cop wife conquer bridge marathon

A husband-and-wife team of a soldier and policewoman topped the Best Malaysian Full Marathon (42km) men’s and women’s category of the Penang Bridge International Marathon, something the duo achieved in 2019 as well.

Sjn Nik Fakaruddin Ismail and Kpl Noor Amelia Musa were thrilled to have an encore of their double sweep at the annual marathon.

Sjn Nik Fakaruddin, who is with the Malaysian Army, said this was the fifth time he had topped the category, this time clocking in at 2 : 43 : 57.

“I won in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 as well. Last year, my wife won her category too. I had to train for another event, so I did not participate,” the 38-year-old soldier said.

Kpl Noor Amelia, 37, who clocked in at 3 : 14 : 36, said she was thrilled that they could participate together this year and win.

“I won last year and this year, I outdid myself by two minutes.

“I train vigorously. I won in 2019 and 2022 as well, so it is nice to know I have now won two years in a row.

“Hopefully, I can win again next year with my husband,” she said.

Natasha Wodak 'frustrated and heartbroken' after not qualifying for Paris Olympic marathon

Canadians Leslie Sexton and national record holder Natasha Wodak finished less than two minutes shy of the automatic entry standard for the Paris Olympic women's marathon on Sunday in Houston.

Sexton was eighth among elite women in two hours 28 minutes 14 seconds while Wodak, who also lives in Vancouver, clocked 2 : 28 : 42 for ninth. The standard is 2:26:50, with the qualifying window closing April 30 ahead of the Aug. 11 marathon in France.

Halfway through the 42.2-kilometre race, Wodak (1 : 12 : 08) and Sexton (1 : 13 : 17) were on pace to qualify for Paris.

Malindi Elmore of Kamloops, B.C., is the lone Canadian woman to have run standard for Paris, running 2 : 23 : 30 in the Berlin Marathon on Sept. 24.

Former Canadian record holder Lanni Marchant of London, Ont., also competed Sunday, reaching the finish in 2 : 38 : 32 for 15th. Last year, she only raced twice while dealing with mononucleosis, anemia and kidney stones.

On the men's side, Tristan Woodfine of Cobden, Ont., (near Ottawa) also ran strong for the majority of the race but also missed the 2 : 08 : 10 Olympic standard, placing sixth in a personal-best 2 : 10 : 39. Vancouver's Thomas Broatch was seventh in 2 : 11 : 51, also a PB.

Two other Canadians also set PBs in the men's half marathon: Calgary-born Rory Linkletter (1 : 01 : 02, sixth) and Thomas Fafard of Repentigny, Que. (1 : 02 : 19, 12th). Linkletter held the Canadian record for nine months in 2022, posting a personal best 1 : 01 : 08 in Houston.

Weini Kelati Breaks American Record At Houston Half Marathon

On a chilly and sunny morning here, several significant records fell at the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Half-Marathon.

Weini Kelati smashed the USA half-marathon record, clocking 1 : 06 : 25 in her marathon debut.

In the marathon, Zouhair Talbi became the first Moroccan man to win the race, and his time of 2 : 06 : 39 broke the race's 12-year-old course record by 12 seconds.

In the half-marathon, Sutume Kebede of Ethiopia ran the fastest-ever half-marathon on U.S. soil by a woman: 1 : 04 : 37.

Kenyan Edna Kiplagat, 44, smashed the world best for masters women, clocking 1 : 07 : 52.

Weini Kelati (@KelatiWeini) clocks 1 : 06 : 25 in her half marathon debut at the Houston Half Marathon, breaking the previous women’s American record held by Keira D’Amato by 12

Run on, go beyond - Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race 2024 officially opens registration

Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon - Heritage Race has officially announced its race date of November 3rd. This is the 10th country the iconic Standard Chartered Marathon franchise will be held.

The event is among key events to celebrate 120 years presence of Standard Chartered in Việt Nam.

Michele Wee, CEO of Standard Chartered Vietnam, said: “We are very proud to be the title sponsor, bringing the first edition of the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race to Hà Nội, an event that celebrates the richness of culture and heritage. Leveraging the expertise from our Standard Chartered Marathon franchise, we aim to bring a new and enhanced experience to all participants. This is a testament to our strong commitment in the country as we look forward to long-term and sustainable growth in Việt Nam, 120 years and beyond.”

The Super Early Bird campaign will start from 16 January 2024, offering the highest discount in the year.

• Boston champions, global stars to square off at 128th Boston Marathon

A fast and accomplished professional men’s field will take center stage at the 128th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, featuring two-time defending open champion Evans Chebet, wheelchair course record holder Marcel Hug, and the world’s fourth-fastest man Sisay Lemma.

Marathon winners from around the world and rising stars will compete as part of the Bank of America Professional Athlete Team.

“Record holders on the national and world stage will come together in pursuit of the olive wreath on Patriots’ Day,” Jack Fleming, president and chief executive officer of the Boston Athletic Association, said in a statement. “The men’s professional field features athletes from 28 countries, and blends a mix of Boston veterans and high-profile debutants. We’re anticipating great competition across the Open, Wheelchair, and Para Athletics Divisions.”

EVANS CHEBET AIMS FOR THREE-PEAT

Two-time defending champion Evans Chebet made history in 2023, crossing the finish in 2 : 05 : 54 to become the first men’s repeat winner since Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot won three-in-a-row between 2006 and 2008. A prolific racer, Chebet has won six of his last seven marathons and knows the Hopkinton-to-Boston route well. A year ago he pressed the pace over the final five kilometers to secure victory.

“Boston has become like a second home to me and running in Boston is always special – returning as reigning champion even more so,” Chebet said in a statement. “Even after having run 28 marathons during my career, the chance to race the 29th in Boston and the fans there give me the motivation necessary to prepare to defend my title. I look forward to hitting the streets there this spring and hearing the enthusiastic crowds along the course.”

MCOT organising Doraemon Run races in five Thai cities

Doraemon Run Thailand 2024, the first running event in Thailand with a popular cartoon theme, will be held in five cities across the country.

The event, organised by MCOT, will be held over 5km and 10km, and the race course will be decorated with Doraemon and his friends. Participants will receive a Doraemon-themed race kit, including a bib, shirt, and finisher medal.

The first race will be held in Bangkok on February 11, followed by races in Pattaya, Chonburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

"We are excited to bring this unique running event to Thailand," said MCOT CEO Chatchai Sitthiphan. "We believe that it will be a fun and enjoyable experience for people of all ages."

Doraemon is a popular Japanese manga and anime series that has been enjoyed by people of all ages around the world for over 50 years. The series follows the adventures of a robotic cat named Doraemon, who travels back in time from the 22nd century to help a young boy named Nobita.

Doraemon Run Thailand 2024 is expected to attract thousands of participants from all over the country.

Dates and locations:

February 11: Bangkok

March 11: Chonburi

April 15: Nakhon Ratchasima

May 13: Phuket

June 10: Chiang Mai

Race distances: 5km and 10km

More information is available via Doraemon RUN Thailand