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The event attracts the participation of hundreds of athletes. |
The THACO Marathon for Traffic Safety - Dien Bien Phu 2024, organized by the National Traffic Safety Committee in coordination with Giao Thong Newspaper and the People's Committee of Dien Bien province, aimed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - 2024); the 115th anniversary of the establishment of Dien Bien province (June 28, 1909 - 2024); the Visit Vietnam Year - Dien Bien 2024, and the Traffic Safety Year 2024.
Athletes competed in five distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, 42km, and 70km. The running routes took athletes through famous historical landmarks of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, including Him Lam, Hong Cum, Hill A1, and Muong Phang.
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Athletes compete in five distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, 42km, 70km. |
In the 70km race, 70 athletes began at 3 a.m. Eighty three athletes joined the 42km race at 4 a.m. One hundred and eighty athletes took part in the 21km race at 5:30 a.m. For the 10km race, 187 professional athletes and 64 amateurs started at 7 a.m. One hundred and eighty seven athletes raced in the 5km event at 7:15 a.m. The 5km amateur race was joined by the largest number of participants.
Earlier, within the framework of the THACO Marathon for Traffic Safety - Dien Bien Phu 2024, 10 outstanding athletes completed the "Journey to Dien Bien" relay race from the tomb of General Vo Nguyen Giap in Quang Binh to Dien Bien, covering the distance of 859km.
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First athlete to cross the finish line |
At the opening ceremony, Vu A Bang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dien Bien province and head of the organizing board, emphasized that the marathon was an opportunity for athletes to exchange experience, enhance solidarity, and promote national pride and express gratitude towards martyrs who sacrificed for the nation's liberation cause. Additionally, it was to educate the younger generation about patriotism, national pride, and deep gratitude for the sacrifices of the martyrs.
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The organizing committee and participating delegations pay tribute at the Monument for Martyrs of the Dien Bien Phu Battlefield. |
Prior to this, the organizing committee and participating delegations of the THACO Marathon for Traffic Safety - Dien Bien Phu 2024 paid tribute to martyrs and offered flowers at the Monument for Martyrs of the Dien Bien Phu Battlefield, expressing profound respect and gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and brave soldiers, youth volunteers, and people who courageously fought and sacrificed.
Translated by Song Anh