On December 10, 2024, the Viettel Marathon Organising Committee officially announced that the grand finale of the Viettel Marathon 2024 international series will take place on December 22, at the iconic Angkor World Heritage Site in Cambodia.
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This much-anticipated event serves as the crown jewel of the season, promising a vibrant celebration of sports with the participation of 9,000 athletes from diverse countries and territories.
The First International Marathon Across All Three Indochina Nations
Viettel Marathon 2024 is the first-ever international marathon to span all three Indochina countries: Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The event is co-organised by the Vietnam Athletics Federation, the Cambodian Athletics Federation and the Lao Athletics Federation, with Viettel Group – the parent company of Metfone – serving as a co-host and sponsor. The Asian Athletics Association provides expert consultation and oversight, and Vietcontent manages execution.
The series comprises three stages: Luang Prabang, Laos (November 3, 2024), Hanoi, Vietnam (December 1, 2024), and Angkor Wat, Cambodia (December 22, 2024). Featuring AAA-standard certified routes, the marathon not only provides a competitive sports arena but also fosters cultural exchange and tourism cooperation among the participating nations.
With a total prize pool of $150,000, making it one of the highest in the region, Viettel Marathon 2024 appeals to both professional and amateur athletes. The competition offers diverse award categories, including elite, amateur, club and team events, creating opportunities for widespread participation and excitement.
The Angkor Wat leg, taking place during the most picturesque time of the year, features flat and winding-free routes that offer athletes optimal conditions to achieve outstanding results. Beyond the race, participants can immerse themselves in Cambodia's rich culture and explore the breathtaking Angkor complex, which boasts more than 1,000 temples, including iconic landmarks such as Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm Temple, Phnom Kulen Mountain, the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake and the Siem Reap Night Market.
Fostering Sportsmanship and Friendship Across Borders
The marathon attracts leading athletes from across the region, including national athletics teams from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Among the participants are star runners Nguyễn Thị Oanh, the 21km champion in Hanoi, and Nguyễn Văn Lai, the runner-up in the full marathon category, promising thrilling and high-caliber performances.
More than just a race, Viettel Marathon 2024 serves as a cultural and diplomatic bridge, strengthening ties among the three Indochina nations and connecting them with the international community. The overwhelming success of the Laos and Vietnam stages, which garnered enthusiastic support from thousands of athletes and local spectators, underscores the widespread appeal of this event.
The final stage at Angkor Wat is not only a meaningful sporting event but also a milestone in promoting cultural exchange and spreading the values of sportsmanship throughout the region and beyond.
Get ready to join the electrifying atmosphere of the grand finale of Viettel Marathon 2024, where sports, culture, and friendship come together in perfect harmony.
