Over 15,500 Register for the 2026 Dat Sen Hong Marathon in Dong Thap
(DTO) On September 29, the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee held a meeting to vet the preparation tasks for the 2026 VPBank Dat Sen Hong Music Marathon.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Huynh Minh Tuan, member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee.
As of September 28, the marathon has recorded a total of 15,545 registered participants. Of this total, 6,820 will compete in the 5km race, 3,142 in the 10km race, 2,966 in the 21km race, and 617 in the full 42km marathon. Another 2,000 children have registered for the 800m Kun Run event. The marathon will also feature 41 foreign runners from 16 countries and territories.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. on October 10 at Van Mieu Park in Cao Lanh Ward, with around 150 delegates and guests expected to attend. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Dong Thap Television. The closing ceremony and award presentation are scheduled for 9 a.m. on October 11 at the same venue.
As part of the event, a range of activities will take place from October 9 to 11, including exhibitions of OCOP products and local specialties, the “Flavours of the Countryside” culinary zone, the “QR Check-in – Discover Dong Thap” activity, music and cultural performances, and a sports economy seminar combined with a press conference.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, relevant agencies are urgently carrying out preparations for the event. The Organizing Committee has deployed 61 supervisors and referees to oversee the races, conducted training sessions, and assigned specific duties for each distance. The race routes have been surveyed, measured, and standardized by technical staff and experts from the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) to ensure safety.
Relevant agencies are continuing to vet the running routes, finalize medical support plans, arrange water stations, maintain public security and order, organize traffic flows, and complete other arrangements for the event.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairman Huynh Minh Tuan acknowledged the close coordination among the event organizer, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, relevant departments and agencies, and local authorities in preparing for the 2026 Dat Sen Hong Marathon in Dong Thap. He noted that preparations were largely on track, with few outstanding issues.
He asked the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to urgently finalize invitations and plans for the opening and closing ceremonies and the seminar, and complete the vetting of publicity materials, promotional banners, and music within the week. The department was also asked to coordinate with relevant agencies to review preparations for gifts, local specialty products, venues, catering, accommodation, and other services for runners.
Departments, agencies, and local authorities were instructed to continue reviewing race routes, traffic arrangements, medical services, security, public toilets, and parking facilities. They were also urged to anticipate potential problems and ensure the event is held safely and smoothly. All units must review their assigned tasks and promptly report any difficulties to avoid being caught off guard during the event.
By CAO THANG
Translated by X.QUANG
