Ethiopian runner Tesfaye Tsegaye Keress stood out among nearly 18,000 participants at the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon in December. At just 1.62 meters tall and weighing about 50 kg, the 27-year-old skillfully maneuvered through the crowd to secure a spot near the front of the starting line before the race began. This event is known as Vietnam’s largest marathon.
Keress had just arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, accompanied by fellow Ethiopian runner Dereje Alemu Miko, who was set to compete in the half-marathon while Keress took on the full 42.1 km distance. Their presence sparked interest among local media, eager to learn more about the East African athletes.
For Keress, the race was about more than just running; a cash prize of $2,500 awaited the winner. He shared that he has a wife and two sons back home in Sendafa, Ethiopia, and they operate a chicken farm. Winning the marathon could help him expand their farm.
However, he faced tough competition, including Kenya’s Edwin Kiptoo, a dominant figure in Vietnam’s marathon scene. While Keress’s personal best marathon time is 2:23:50, which he achieved earlier in 2023, this time would not qualify him for elite competitions like the Boston Marathon. In Vietnam, though, his speed made him a strong contender.
Marathon running has surged in popularity across Vietnam, particularly among the growing middle class. The country saw 41 full marathon races in 2023, attracting around 264,000 runners. This boom has drawn athletes from East Africa, where running is a well-established sport, as they seek opportunities for financial gain.
Keress and Miko were managed by a promoter from Thailand who oversees their careers, including training and competition logistics. This support is crucial, especially for runners who have limited experience traveling outside their home countries.
Kiptoo, who won the Ho Chi Minh City Marathon, shared his journey of adjusting to life in Vietnam. Initially, he struggled to find affordable accommodation upon his arrival, but a local runner helped him out. After winning the race, Kiptoo gained fame and sponsorships, significantly improving his financial situation.
Despite the challenges, including the unpredictability of marathon racing, Keress finished third in the marathon, earning $1,000. His teammate Miko excelled in the half-marathon, taking home a $600 prize. Both runners plan to return to Ethiopia, although they are uncertain about how much prize money they will ultimately keep after expenses.
The marathon scene in Vietnam continues to grow, attracting more international talent. As more African runners discover the potential for success in Vietnam, the landscape of competitive running in the country is likely to evolve further.