Runners line up in the rain for VnExpress Hue Marathon Bibs - VnExpress International

Since noon, thousands of runners lined up and had their body temperatures checked before receiving their race kits. Most wore warm clothing amid a light drizzle.

VnExpress Hue Marathon 2020 is set to commence Sunday, with four available courses: five kilometers, 10 kilometers, 21 kilometers and 42 kilometers. The total value of winning prizes is nearly VND1 billion ($43,544).

The marathon is organized by VnExpress, in cooperation with Thua Thien-Hue People’s Committee and Agribank.

Hue Triathlon Club members Nguyen Dung, Phan Tien Dung, Vo Thanh Hai, Le Ngoc Tin and Pham Xuan Bao (from L) all signed up for the challenging 42 kilometer race.

Vu Ngoc Hai Linh, 28, broke his arm in a traffic accident, and will have to complete the race with a cast.

“Nevertheless, I will try to reach the finish line,” he said. The runner had competed in several VnExpress marathons before, including one in Quy Nhon and another in Hanoi.

Conning Bevan Glen (L) is determined to conquer the 42 kilometer course.

All runners look forward to completing their respective distances despite the wet weather conditions.

Vu Hong Cuong, in his fifties, who lives in HCMC, flew to Hue for the 21 kilometer race.

Quach (C) said he and his entire family adore the tree-filled streets of Hue, along with the many cultural sites like Thien Mu Pagoda or Truong Tien Bridge.