Closing Ceremony of the "Vinh Long Open Half Marathon 2025 – Journey of the Mekong Heart": Concluding with Pride and Affection in the Historic Days of April

28 Apr, 2025

On the morning of April 27, 2025-after nearly four hours of determined, energetic, and emotional competition-the Closing and Awards Ceremony of the "Vinh Long Open Half Marathon 2025 – Journey of the Mekong Heart" took place at 9:00 a.m. at the Vinh Long Multi-Purpose Sports Arena, the finish line for more than 2,100 athletes from Vietnam and abroad.

Overview of the Closing Ceremony

After routes filled with passion, the "Vinh Long Open Half Marathon 2025 – Journey of the Mekong Heart" officially concluded with a jubilant and proud closing and awards ceremony. This year’s event not only celebrated outstanding achievements but also ignited the flame of passion, endurance, and unity among sports enthusiasts from every corner of the country.

At 4:30 a.m. on April 27, 2025, leaders of the Vinh Long Provincial People’s Committee, along with heads of departments, local authorities, UEH leaders, members of the organizing committee, and more than 2,100 athletes started the competition in the men’s and women’s 21km, men’s 10km, and women’s 5km categories, divided into two groups: professional athletes and amateur runners.

Athletes at the starting line, ready for the race

Leaders of the Vinh Long Provincial People’s Committee and other department heads participating in the women’s 5km run

More than 2,100 athletes from across the country gathered in Vinh Long, creating a lively, exciting, and dramatic sporting festival. Spectacular sprints, dedicated sportsmanship, and high professional standards brought unforgettable experiences to the audience.

The race routes were charged with energy, thanks to the enthusiastic cheers of supporters and local residents. Applause and encouragement echoed throughout the competition, not only empowering the athletes but also showcasing the hospitality of the people of Vinh Long. The starting moments of each distance-from the first steps to the pounding breaths-left indelible memories. Each athlete brought their own story and aspiration, but all shared the same belief: to surpass themselves, accompanied by beautiful moments in the vibrant atmosphere of the race.

Athletes competing with high spirit and determination

Many emotional moments at the Vinh Long Open Half Marathon 2025 featured athletes wearing traditional ba ba shirts, military uniforms, and red shirts with yellow stars. These outfits, rich in cultural value, reflected national pride, resilience, and love for the homeland. With each stride, cultural identity blended with enduring willpower, spreading a message of unity, aspiration, and sustainable development for this land of extraordinary people.

A young athlete from Ben Tre participating with his family (father conquered the 21km, mother and child completed the 5km)

Athletes celebrating in meaningful costumes at the race

At the Closing and Awards Ceremony, the Vinh Long provincial leadership was represented by Nguyen Thi Quyen Thanh, Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee, and Head of the Organizing Committee for Vinh Long’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Week. The organizing committee included Pham Minh Hoang, Acting Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and Head of the Race Organizing Committee; Phan Van Giau, former Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; Colonel Tran Quoc Phuc, Deputy Director of Vinh Long Police; Le Thanh Tang, Deputy Director of the Department of Finance; Nguyen Minh Hien, Director of the Center for Sports Training and Competition; Huynh Thi My Ha, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training; and Tran Cong Khanh, Secretary of the Vinh Long Provincial Youth Union. Also present were leaders of other provincial departments, partner organizations, and sponsors.

Representing UEH – the co-organizer and main sponsor – were Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, Vice President of UEH and Director of UEH Mekong, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee; Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu, Permanent Deputy Director of UEH Mekong; Master Ho Thien Quyen, Deputy Director of UEH Mekong; Master Nguyen Duc Vinh, Deputy Director of UEH Mekong, along with UEH Mekong faculty and participating athletes.

At the Closing Ceremony, with more than 2,100 athletes, this year’s race saw impressive performances from runners across the country. Many individuals excelled, maintaining steady form and passion to achieve victory. Notably, Trieu Tien Luyen finished first in the men’s 21km, and Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh was the first woman to finish the 21km. In the women’s 5km, Thach Thi Sa Nan made a strong impression by winning first place with her endurance and determination. In the men’s 10km, Le Van Binh convincingly claimed victory, outpacing many strong competitors.

With the success of the "Vinh Long Open Half Marathon 2025 – Journey of the Mekong Heart," the organizers awarded 4 first prizes, 4 second prizes, 4 third prizes, and 12 consolation prizes for both men and women in each distance. Above all, the commemorative medals, awards, and personal triumphs-overcoming limits and challenges-are the most meaningful rewards each runner received.

Nguyen Thi Quyen Thanh, Provincial Party Committee member and Vice Chairwoman of the Vinh Long Provincial People’s Committee, and Associate Professor Bui Quang Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President of UEH, Director of UEH Mekong, presenting trophies and awards to the top three women in the 21km category

Pham Minh Hoang, Acting Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, presenting trophies and awards to the top three men in the 21km category

Male athletes ranked 4th to 15th in the 21km category

Female athletes ranked 4th to 15th in the 21km category

Male athletes who won first, second, and third place in the 10km category

Male athletes ranked 4th to 15th in the 10km category

Female athletes who won first, second, and third place in the 5km category

Female athletes ranked 4th to 15th in the 5km category

More than just a sporting event, the Vinh Long Open Half Marathon 2025 was a community journey, where every step carried messages of sharing and collective effort to build a better life. The strides across rivers, along poetic, alluvial banks, under green trees, and past iconic riverside landmarks in peaceful, hospitable Vinh Long, conveyed a spirit of love and a desire for sustainable development for Vinh Long and the entire Mekong region.

The "Vinh Long Open Half Marathon 2025 – Journey of the Mekong Heart" has officially concluded successfully, but the values of solidarity, endurance, and sharing will continue to spread from Vinh Long to everywhere.

Some other images:

Before the start: