The 61st Tien Phong Newspaper Marathon, the country’s oldest annual marathon took place on Ly Son island in the central province of Quang Ngai. The race, co-hosted by the Tien Phong Newspaper, the Vietnam Athletics Federation and the provincial Department of Culture and Sports, attracted both professional and amateur athletes. This is the first time a National Marathon Championship was held on an island. Even more special, the island district, located 30 kilometres from the mainland, is famous for growing garlic, as well as its growing reputation amongst tourists. Weather on the islands is generally cool and sunny all the year round. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
The event was one of the country’s most important races for over half of the century. It had been held in March annually to mark the founding of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26) and Vietnam Sports Day (March 27), but this year was rescheduled to July due to the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, local authorities temporarily banned foreign tourists entering Ly Son Island as COVID-19 infections spiral. The move followed nine foreigners, including seven British, one Mexican and one Irish, tested positive for in Vietnam as confirmed by the Ministry of Health on March 8. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
There were eight categories for men and women at the 61st Tien Phong Newspaper Marathon. Amateur runners will compete in 10 km, 21 km and 42 km in three categories for runners ages from 16 to 34, 35 to 44 and over 45 years old. There are also tracks for the participation of 1,000 students, soldiers and state employees at Ly Son. The tracks were measured by the Vietnam Athletics Federation. Being a top sporting event, the tournament has been integrated into Vietnam’s offficial athletics competition system for the last 50 years. This year, it brought runners fascinating experience with scenic beach run. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
This was a good chance for the local people to promote tourism as well as the history and culture of Ly Son Island to visitors, particularly when the coronavirus outbreak has clobbered local tourism sector. Ly Son Island District in the central province of Quang Ngai consists of three islands: Dao Lon (Big Island), Dao Be (Small Island) and Hon Mu Cu (Mu Cu Islet). The Big Island, also known as Cu Lao Re, hosts Ly Son’s centre, while Mu Cu Islet, the smallest of the three islands, is currently unpopulated. Ly Son Island District has striking geographical features and stunning landscapes, built from volcanic eruptions over millions of years. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Tien Phong Marathon National Championship (or Tien Phong Marathon) is truly a prestigious tournament with a long history behind it - the tournament was first held in the capital city of Hanoi in 1958. This is the first time a National Marathon Championship held on an island. Without long, sandy beaches, brushed by coconut palms, Ly Son is not a typical tropical island. What it does have are coral reefs, crystal-clear seas, twisted rock formations, black cliffs, mesmerizing crater-top views, and one of the most dramatically situated beaches in Vietnam. Joining the tourney, participants have a wonderful experience on the coastal roads. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Runners have a chance to run past the beautiful relics of Ly Son, such as Cau Cave, An Hai Communal House and Dinh Tam Toa (temple for worshipping boats). They also run through coconut and pine groves, via beautiful garlic fields and have to face challenges against wind, sunlight and slopes. Ly Son Island is probably the one place on earth where people will never find any vampires as this is the Kingdom of Garlic! Off the coast of central Quang Ngai Province, Ly Son Island produced a whopping 2,700 tonnes of garlic last year. More than 70 percent of the 21,000 inhabitants work farming garlic, spring onions or fishing. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
In order to split competitors, the marathon is divided into different categories. Female runners battle it out as they run the course. This year, professional runners take part in the 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and 42 km races, while amateurs compete in 10 km, 21 km and 42 km. Tien Phong Marathon attracts the best participants in Vietnam competing for medals in mid and long distances, and this is also a good opportunity for amateur runners to compete on the same ground as top national athletes. Registration fee at the tournament include over 370,000 VND (16.18 USD) worth Sa Ky port-Ly Son island round trip hi-speed cruise. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
All competitors put in their best efforts as they compete in the race around Ly Son island. Reaching the finishing line regardless of rankings is a success to athletes. A total 500 million VND (21,600 USD) in cash is presented to the participants. Athlete Hoang Nguyen Thanh from the southern province of Binh Phuoc takes the championship in the men’s marathon after 2 hours 36 minutes and 56 seconds. Athlete Le Van Tuan from the southern province of Binh Duong came second with 2 hours 41 minutes and 27 seconds, while Nguyen Quoc Dung from the central province of Khanh Hoa came third with 2 hours 49 minutes and 26 seconds. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
A couple at the Tien Phong Marathon National Championship (or Tien Phong Marathon) celebrate their victory. Reaching the finishing line regardless of rankings is a success to athletes. A Participant must be 16 years and above in Year 2020 to participate in the Marathon – 42.195 km in length and in the Half Marathon – 21.1 km in length. Meanwhile, participants must be 8 years and above in Year 2020 to participate in the 10 km race. Any Participant below the age of 18 in Year 2020 is required to seek parental or guardian consent and complete the Liability Waiver and Race Agreement forms when registering online or in-person. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Editor-in-chief of Tien Phong newspaper Le Xuan Son presents medals to standout athletes. This is the first time a National Marathon Championship held on an island. Ly Son is an island district 30 km off the coast of Quang Ngai province with a population of about 20,000 people. Since the 17th century, the people of Sa Huynh civilisation came to settle down in Ly Son island. Over hundreds of years, this has become home to various tangible and intangible cultural heritages as well as traditional unique festivals and customs. The island is now home to four national relics and one national intangible heritage. The natural beauty of Ly Son is formed mostly by the mountains and beaches. A volcanic eruption helped to form the landscape of Ly Son of today with the geological shelf dating back millions of years. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Miss Vietnam 2018 Tran Tieu Vy presents medals to excellent athletes. Tran Tieu Vy of the central province of Quang Nam overcame 42 other finalists to take the crown of Miss Vietnam 2018 in the grand finale of the pageant in HCM City on September 15. Vy is well-suited to succeed in competition at international pageants. The 18-year-old woman was listed in the top three of the Miss Sea session at the contest. Following the event, Vy represented the country in the global competition Miss World 2018. Miss Vietnam began in 1988 and has been organised every two years. The contest has encouraged many young women to demonstrate their talent in careers, charity and social activities. (Photo: VietnamPlus) VNA
