Rules & Regulations

REGULATIONS

TIEN PHONG MARATHON NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2025

(66th Edition – 2025)

1. OBJECTIVES

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), the 53rd anniversary of the liberation of Quang Tri (May 1, 1972 – May 1, 2025), the 94th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26, 1931 – March 26, 2025), the 79th anniversary of Vietnam Sports Day (March 27, 1946 – March 27, 2025), and promote the Olympic Run for Public Health.

Provide a healthy playground and popularize running as a sport to the community and international friends. Promote local tourism through media coverage of the event.

Discover and nurture young long-distance running talents.

1. TIME AND LOCATION

Time: March 25 – March 31, 2025

Location: Dong Ha City, Quang Tri Province

III. COMPETITION CATEGORIES

 A – ELITE CATEGORY

1. Age Groups

Senior men and women: 16 years and older (born in 2009 or earlier)

Junior men and women: Under 20 years old (born in 2006 or later)

2. Participation Requirements

Athletes must meet the following conditions:

– Must be members of the Vietnam Athletics Federation, managed by provincial, municipal, or cectoral sports authorities, and must not compete for another unit in 2025 (applies only to competitions within the national competition system announced in the 2025 competition schedule of the General Department of Sports and Physical Training).

– Must represent a provincial, municipal, or sectoral team.

3. Competition Format

Individual, team, and overall team ranking

– Individual competitions include 8 events: 5 km women (senior and junior),10 km men (senior and junior), Half marathon (men and women), Marathon (men and women)/

– Team competitions include 4 events: Senior men, senior women, junior men, junior women. Each unit can register up to 5 athletes per event. The top 3 performers from each event will contribute to the team score. Overall team ranking:

– Determined by the total points from 4 team events.

4. Scoring System

4.1 Individual score:

– Based on the actual ranking of the athlete in each event.

4.2.Team score:

– The total score is calculated based on the three highest-ranking athletes from each unit in each event (the team with the lower total score will be ranked higher). In case two teams have the same total score, the ranking will be determined by comparing the performance of the third-best athlete from each team. The team with the athlete who has a better result will be ranked higher. If the third-best athletes have the same performance, the next best athlete will be considered.

If an athlete starts but does not finish the race, their score will be calculated as N+1, and their team will still receive points and be ranked in the team and overall standings. Here, N refers to the actual number of athletes competing in that event.

4.3 Overall ranking:

– Calculated from the total points of the 10 km senior men, 10 km junior men, 5 km senior women, and 5 km junior women events.

5.Awards

5.1   Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union:

– Certificates of merit for top teams, teams, and individuals.

– “For the Young Generation” medals for outstanding coaches and officials.

5.2 Tien Phong Newspaper:

– Trophy for the best team.

– Awards for top teams and individuals.

Awards for teams, groups, and individuals who achieve first, second, and third place in competition events.

Awards for athletes who rank from 1st to 5th place in the overall marathon and half-marathon categories (including both elite and amateur athletes), along with items from the Organizing Committee and sponsors (if applicable).

Elite athletes who rank in the top 5 overall will receive both overall awards and elite category awards (without rank adjustment).

Amateur athletes who rank in the top 5 overall will receive both overall awards and age-group awards (without rank adjustment).

A finisher medal will be awarded to athletes who complete their race within the designated time, along with items from the Organizing Committee and sponsors (if applicable).

5.3 General Department of Sports and Physical Training:

Medals for top three individual and team finishers in elite events.

5.4 Vietnam Athletics Federation:

The Vietnam Athletics Federation awards the titles of “Elite Athlete” and “Level I Athlete” based on the classification standards stipulated in Circular 06/2001/TT-BVHTTDL, issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism on July 22, 2021. It also recognizes national records in events that meet the required standards.

5.5 Provincial people’s committees and sectoral sports management agencies:

Medal bonuses according to the reward levels specified in Decree No. 152/2018/NĐ-CP, issued by the Government on November 7, 2018, which regulates certain policies for coaches and athletes during training and competition periods.

Additional rewards based on the specific commendation policies of each province, city, or sector.

6. Registration

The competition registration list must be signed, stamped, and authorized by a competent authority, which will be responsible for any personnel errors of its unit (registration form provided by the Organizing Committee).

Participants must complete the Liability Waiver Form (available for download at dienkinh.vn or tienphongmarathon.vn) and submit it to the Organizing Committee on March 28 and 29, 2025, when collecting their bib number (BIB).

All athletes must be members of the Vietnam Athletics Federation (VAF) and possess an official athlete card issued by VAF.

Submission Details

All registration documents and related procedures should be sent to:

Vietnam Athletics Federation

Address: 36 Trần Phú, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Tel: 024.37472561

Email: [email protected]

Final registration deadline: 17:00 on March 10, 2025.

The Organizing Committee allows changes to registration details (name, distance), with the final deadline for modifications being 17:00 on March 11, 2025.

7. BIB Collection Procedure

BIB Collection Dates: March 28 & 29, 2025

BIB Collection Location: Fidel Castro Square, Đông Hà City, Quảng Trị Province

BIB Collection Requirements: Athletes must present their ID card or passport, registration confirmation, and the original liability waiver form (duly signed as required) to collect their BIB and other race materials. If collecting a BIB on behalf of another athlete, the representative must provide: • A photocopy of the athlete’s ID card or passport, the athlete’s registration confirmation, a signed authorization letter, the original liability waiver form of the registered athlete.

 

B – AMATEUR CATEGORY

1. Age Eligibility

5km & 10km distances: No age restrictions. However, athletes under 18 years old must have a guardian, confirmed by signing the Liability Waiver Form issued by the Organizing Committee (OC).

Half marathon & marathon distances: Athletes must be at least 16 years old (born in 2009 or earlier). Athletes under 18 years old (16 and 17 years old) must have a guardian, confirmed by signing the Liability Waiver Form issued by the OC.

2. Participation Eligibility

All individuals, both domestic and international, are welcome to participate if they meet the age and health requirements and comply with race regulations. However, the following athletes are NOT eligible for the Amateur Category:

Athletes who were members of provincial, city, or sectoral teams and competed for their teams in 2024 in any official national competitions, including: Vietnam International Half Marathon (VIHM) 2024; Bà Rá Mountain Climbing Championship; National Junior Age Group Championships; National Junior Championships; National Athletics Championships; Elite Category of the 2024 Tiền Phong National Marathon & Long-Distance Championships

Athletes who were awarded Elite Athlete (Kiện tướng) or Level I Athlete (Cấp I) status in the past 3 years (2022, 2023, and 2024).

Athletes who were members of the national athletics team in the past 4 years (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025).

3.Competition Format

3.1 Competition Categories

The race will feature individual competitions in eight events for both men and women: 5km, 10km, half marathon, and marathon.

3.2 Age Groups

The half marathon and marathon will be categorized into five age groups (based on birth year):

– 16 to 29 years old (born 1996 – 2009)

– 30 to 39 years old (born 1986 – 1995)

– 40 to 49 years old (born 1976 – 1985)

– 50 to 59 years old (born 1966 – 1975)

60 years old and above (born 1965 or earlier)

Cut-off times (COT): Marathon: 6 hours Half marathon: 3 hours 15 minutes 10km: 2 hours 15 minutes 5km: 1 hour 15 minutes (Cut-off time is measured from the official start time of each distance. Athletes exceeding the time limit will not have their results recognized, and the Organizing Committee (OC) will not be responsible for their safety after the COT. The OC will provide detailed checkpoint-specific COTs for each distance. Water stations, medical aid, and on-course services will close after the time limit expires.)

Elite Start Pen Eligibility for Amateur Athletes: Amateur runners in the half marathon and marathon can register for the Elite Start Pen to start alongside elite athletes if they meet the OC’s qualifying time standards from races certified by the Vietnam Athletics Federation (VAF) or international IAAF-AIMS certified races.

Elite Pen registration must be completed within the specified deadline. The number of athletes allowed in the Elite Pen is determined by the OC and selected based on the best qualifying times.

3.3 Ranking System

Overall Ranking for Marathon & Half Marathon (Top 5 finishers): The top 5 overall finishers (both elite and amateur) in the marathon and half marathon are ranked based on gun time. From 6th place onward, rankings are based on chip time. If an amateur athlete finishing 6th or beyond records a chip time faster than The gun time of the top 5 finishers, they will not be considered for the overall ranking unless they had registered for the Elite Pen on time. However, they will still be ranked in their age group category. Ranking for Other Distances (5km & 10km): The top 3 finishers are ranked based on gun time. From 4th place onward, rankings are based on chip time.

4 Awards & Gifts

4.1 Tiền Phong Newspaper Awards:

– Finisher medals for athletes who complete their race within the designated time.

– Podium medals for the top 3 finishers in each age group for the half marathon and marathon.

– Overall awards for the top 5 finishers in the marathon and half marathon, including both elite and amateur athletes, along with gifts from the Organizing Committee (OC) and sponsors (if applicable).

– Elite athletes ranked in the top 5 overall will receive both overall awards and elite-category awards (without rank adjustment).

– Amateur athletes ranked in the top 5 overall will receive both overall awards and age-group awards (without rank adjustment).

– Cash prizes for the top 3 finishers in each distance and age group, along with gifts from the OC and sponsors (if applicable).

– Amateur athletes who place in the top 5 overall will receive both overall prizes and age-group prizes.

4.2 Vietnam Athletics Federation Awards:

– Medals for the top 3 finishers in each event, age group, and overall rankings for the half marathon and marathon.

5. Registration

– Athletes can register individually or as a team at https://tienphongmarathon.vn.

– The Liability Waiver Form must be completed and submitted to the Organizing Committee (OC) on March 28 & 29, 2025.

– The full registration fee must be paid according to the fee schedule at https://tienphongmarathon.vn. Registration fees are non-refundable for any reason.

– Final registration deadline: 17:00 on February 24, 2025.

– Changes to registration details (name, distance) are allowed until 17:00 on February 25, 2025.

– If upgrading to a longer distance, the athlete must pay the price difference at the time of the change.

– If downgrading to a shorter distance, no refunds will be issued.

6. BIB Collection Procedure

BIB Collection Dates: March 28 & 29, 2025

BIB Collection Location: Fidel Castro Square, Đông Hà City, Quảng Trị Province

BIB Collection Requirements:  Athletes must present a ID card or Passport, along with their registration confirmation and the original signed Liability Waiver Form to receive their BIB and other race kit items.

Proxy BIB collection: If collecting a BIB on behalf of another athlete, the representative must provide:  A photocopy of the athlete’s ID card or Passport; the athlete’s registration confirmation; a signed authorization letter; the original signed Liability Waiver Form of the registered athlete

1. OTHER REGULATIONS
2. Athlete Commitments All athletes must:

– Comply with all laws and regulations of Vietnam.

– Ensure they are physically fit to participate in their registered race category and complete the race within the official cut-off time. Athletes take full responsibility for their own safety and health during the event.

– Wear the official race BIB (provided in the race kit) on the front of their body throughout the race.

– Not leave valuables in their personal bags at the baggage storage area.

– Acknowledge that the Organizing Committee (OC) is not responsible for any losses or damages caused by: • Illness or injuries (including emergency medical treatment) • Loss or damage of personal belongings • Delays due to transportation issues or unfavorable weather conditions

– The OC will provide first aid and professional medical assistance for any injuries, illnesses, or accidents. If necessary, athletes will be transported to the nearest hospital. Any additional medical costs incurred will be the athlete’s responsibility.

2. Prohibited Actions

Any athlete who violates the following rules will be disqualified and ineligible for any official results or prizes:

– Competing under another person’s registration or relay running (transferring a BIB to another runner during the race) is strictly prohibited.

– Using any wheeled transport (bicycles, scooters, roller skates, etc.) during the race is not allowed.

– Bringing pets onto the racecourse is prohibited.

– Using doping or any banned substances listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is strictly forbidden. The use of drugs, stimulants, or performance-enhancing substances is also prohibited.

– Receiving outside assistance from non-official race personnel is not allowed. This includes but is not limited to water, nutrition, and fruit. (Athletes may use their own pre-prepared nutrition, which must be placed at the official hydration stations managed by the Organizing Committee).

– Athletes must strictly follow the official racecourse. Anyone who leaves the designated course without approval from race officials will be disqualified. Cutting the course (“short-cutting”) will result in immediate disqualification. “Short-cutting” may be determined by race officials, monitoring devices, or reports from other athletes.

– Athletes must pass over the timing mats at the start line, checkpoint stations, and finish line. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the race.

– Athletes are prohibited from bringing any materials or leaflets unrelated to the race, especially those with political, anti-government, or inappropriate content. • Wearing inappropriate or offensive clothing that goes against Vietnamese cultural norms or contains anti-government, politically sensitive, or non-event-related content is prohibited. The Organizing Committee encourages athletes to wear official race attire.

– Any behavior that delays or disrupts the race is prohibited, including but not limited to: dancing, changing clothes, playing musical instruments, fundraising, soliciting autographs, etc. Athletes must follow all instructions from the Organizing Committee and are not allowed to obstruct the event.  Athletes must use designated restrooms and are not allowed to urinate or defecate in unauthorized areas.

3. Scope of Implementation

The Organizing Committee will enforce these Regulations throughout the entire race for all athletes. Any athlete who does not comply with the Regulations will be deemed ineligible to participate in the race.

Only the Vietnam Athletics Federation and Tiền Phong Newspaper have the authority to amend the contents of these Regulations.

Complaint & Appeal Procedures

– Complaints must be submitted within 10 minutes after the Organizing Committee announces the race results for that category.

– Complaint process: 1. Step 1: Verbal complaint 2. Step 2: Written complaint submitted to the Organizing Committee

– Complaints will be resolved based on the current Athletics Regulations and the 2025 Race Regulations.

– The decision of the referee panel will be final.

 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF TIỀN PHONG NEWSPAPER   ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT GENERAL SECRETARY

 

 

Phùng Công Sưởng                                                            Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng

 

Recipients:

– Leaders of the General Department of Sports & Physical Training (for reporting) – Departments of Culture, Sports, and Tourism / Departments of Culture and Sports (for implementation)

– Sports management agencies of various industries (for implementation) • National Sports Training Centers

– Archives: VT; NTG (100 copies)