Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Ethiopian marathon runner Tesfaye Tsegaye Keress navigated through a sea of nearly 18,000 participants to secure a strategically advantageous position near the start line of the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon held in December. Standing at 1.62 meters (5.3 feet) and weighing approximately 50 kilograms (116 pounds), the 27-year-old made a swift approach in an event notable for being Vietnam’s most significant marathon.
Keress arrived in Ho Chi Minh City just days prior, accompanied by fellow Ethiopian athlete Dereje Alemu Miko, who participated in the half-marathon. Their presence immediately captivated local media interest as inquiries swirled around these distinguished competitors from East Africa.
In an interview with ZezapTV, Keress articulated that their participation extended beyond a passion for running; winning the marathon would secure a ,500 cash prize, vital for expanding his family-run chicken farm back in Sendafa, Ethiopia.
Although Keress’s best personal marathon time of 2:23:50, achieved in Thailand in 2023, is competitive, he faced formidable challenges. He would contend not only against Vietnam’s best long-distance runners but also with Edwin Kiptoo, a fellow East African runner who has recently made significant strides in Vietnam’s marathon circuit.
Over the last decade, marathon running has surged in popularity within Vietnam, driven by an emerging middle class that prioritizes fitness. Reports indicate that, despite setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, the running scene flourished in 2023. A record 41 full marathons welcomed approximately 264,000 participants in 27 provinces and cities, reflecting the community’s resilience and dedication to health.
This shift in Vietnam’s sports culture has opened doors for international athletes like Keress and Kiptoo, who are attracted by lucrative prizes and the chance to showcase their talent on new stages. Prominent East African runners have historically dominated long-distance running, with legends such as Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge and Ethiopia’s Haile Gebrselassie setting the benchmark for excellence in this field.
As the Ho Chi Minh City marathon concluded, Kiptoo outpaced his rivals, clinching first place once again, while Keress persevered to finish in third, earning ,000. The cash prizes serve as essential funding for their aspirations, showcasing the unwavering spirit of endurance athletes as they pave their paths in the competitive landscape of Vietnamese marathon running.
The rising profile of marathons in Vietnam comes with not just financial incentives but the potential for cultural exchanges, fostering bonds between local communities and international athletes. Runners like Kiptoo and Keress are not just competing for prizes but also embodying the spirit of perseverance and ambition in achieving their dreams.
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