(VOVWORLD) - The Ha Long coastal route of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province, has officially been awarded the World Athletics Label Road Race certification by World Athletics.
 The Ha Long Bay Heritage International Marathon takes place along the coast with stunning scenery. (photo: Truong Giang/ VOV-Northeast Bureau) |
First organized in 2014 to promote the beauty of Ha Long Bay, the marathon has become the first, and so far, the only—race in Vietnam to receive this prestigious global label, joining more than 230 recognized road races worldwide. This milestone marks a major opportunity for Quang Ninh to become a new destination for the international running community.
 The launch of the Ha Long Bay Heritage International Marathon (photo: Truong Giang/ VOV-Northeast Bureau) |
Paco Borao, President of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), said: “People discovering the beauty of Ha Long Bay will be amazed by its stunning scenery. The warm welcome from the race organizers and the local community makes the visit a pleasant, meaningful, and memorable sporting experience. The flat course allows runners to achieve fast times while enjoying the surroundings. Elite feeling, very important as the only way to show it is possible to run fast. Elite runners are important to attract mass runners. And finally, an equally important aspect, tourism.”
 The race crosses the Quang Ninh Museum. (photo: Truong Giang/ VOV-Northeast Bureau) |
The Ha Long Bay Heritage International Marathon 2025 will take place from November 21 to 23 in Ha Long ward, Quang Ninh province. The race is expected to welcome a record number of 3,000 international runners, including Olympic silver medalist Lee Bong-ju, along with about 1,500 Korean tourists and business representatives.