Den Hung Marathon to celebrate nation's history
The Den Hung Marathon 2025 will be held from April 19 to 20, and will guide runners to the historic home of the Hung Kings, the founders of the Vietnamese nation, in the northern midland province of Phu Tho.
In its second edition, thousands of runners will compete in five men's and women's races, with lengths of 1.5km, 6km, 10km, 21km and 42km.
The marathon routes run from the Hung Kings Temple Historical Site to Viet Tri city. Runners will experience unique courses that pass through beautiful roads, areas with historic and spiritual relics, and prominent tourist attractions in Phu Tho, such as Van Lang Park, Ken Re Tower, Hung Vuong Square and Viet Tri Stadium.
Organisers expect that the marathon will provide athletes with many memorable experiences, attracting a large number of runners from across the country this year and in the years to come.
The event is jointly organised by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Viet Running Company.
Viet Running CEO Nguyen Thuong Viet said, "This event is not only an attractive playground for the sport-loving community, but also inspires millions of Vietnamese people to exercise, bringing positive changes to their own lives and families, connecting the community and spreading sustainable living values."
The run is one of the most meaningful activities to celebrate the Death Anniversary of the Hung Kings in the third month of the lunar year.
Other activities for the occasion include a commemoration of the legendary ancestors, Dragon Father Lac Long Quan and Fairy Mother Au Co; an incense offering ceremony for the Hung Kings; and a music and dance programme to launch the Phu Tho Week of Culture and Tourism 2025.
At the same time, a trade fair with local OCOP products will serve runners, supporters and other visitors. An event called Colours of Tourism of the Homeland - Phu Tho 2025 will also introduce the province's beauty to the wider community.
According to organisers, the race is expected to bring people, especially young ones, to visit the country's ancestral land and learn the glorious history of building and defending the country, enhancing their patriotism and spirit of national defence.
The marathon is also an opportunity to promote Phu Tho's tourism industry, popularising the area's natural beauty for domestic or international friends.
About 1 million tourists visit Hung Temple relic site during Tet
Nearly one million visitors came to pay tribute to Hung Kings and other ancestors who founded the country at the Hung Kings Temple Relic Site in the northern province of Phu Tho during the 2018 Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.
