Runner Malaysia learns Vietnamese through MetaSports Marathons

Murugan Subramaniam (41 years old, originally from Malaysia) is one of about 300 foreign runners participating in the MetaSports Marathon Nha Trang. He revealed that he came to the coastal city from August 10, taking advantage of the time to receive Bib in the early afternoon of August 11 to have time to explore the scenery, streets and typical cuisine here.

"I can't remember how many races I have participated in the MetaSports Marathon system, maybe about 8 times. In these races I am always one of the first Bib buyers", Murugan Subramaniam calculated and showed off his 21km Bib. and the race-kit bag just received. The Malaysian guy likes the vibrant atmosphere at 2/4 Square, people are coming in and out, everyone's faces are excited. He took the initiative to greet the "coroners" and received friendly smiles in return handshakes, even making many new friends.

Having lived in Ho Chi Minh City for 10 years, Subramaniam is not really fluent in Vietnamese because of too many tones and complicated language systems. However, thanks to his participation in running races in Quy Nhon, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, he gradually learned and memorized some words with positive nuances and expressions such as "very good", "very good", "very happy"... For Subramaniam, "trying" is the warmest, dearest word and the necessary encouragement.

"I remember running tired, when crossing water stations or bows with steep, bumpy slopes, the volunteer team was always very enthusiastic. Instead of sitting in one place, they constantly moved, hand delivered water quickly. For the runner, my mouth shouted 'go hard.' Every time I hear this word, I'm very happy, I don't feel tired anymore, like I have more energy to finish the race, "said the Malaysian runner.

Since then, Subramaniam often says "trying" in Vietnamese to employees, colleagues, relatives, even the runners he meets on the track. He also actively said "thank you", "right", "see you soon" and countless words learned from "dong run". In addition, when talking to people, he always integrates many pure Vietnamese words to make them more close, such as: "dear em", "hello em", "nice to meet you em" (nice to meet you).. .

There are many reasons why Subramaniam loves MetaSports Marathon, in which, he appreciates the organization, the beautiful route according to international standards, the many gifts and useful items included. He often gives his friends a finisher shirt (for runners who finish 21km, 42km).

"I was impressed by the layout of the Bib distribution area, designed to be easy to move in and out of the other, avoiding the congestion of too many people. The space is airy even though it's very hot outside. The support team is strong. always ready to answer any questions. They always actively asked me if I needed any help. I remember the night race in Hanoi most, because I accidentally registered for a small shirt size, a volunteer asked for my zalo number and find me the right size shirt. I love Vietnamese people because they are friendly, kind, and easy to connect with," Subramaniam said.

At each race, Subramaniam always sets specific goals and strives to achieve. He explained not to surpass anyone's achievements, not to compare with any runner, but just to improve his own skills. "In Nha Trang this time, I want to surpass my personal record - 2 hours 27 minutes (21km) - just set last week in Da Nang," he added.

MetaSports Marathon Marvelous Nha Trang competes at 3am on August 13. The tournament featured 11,000 runners, a significant increase from last year's 8,500. Starting from 2/4 Square, runners of all 4 distances will be able to run on the modern roads of Nha Trang coastal city from the inner city, to the majestic natural scenery when going out to the suburbs, conquering Luong Son Pass. . The first season created an unprecedented strong wave for the running movement in the city and throughout Khanh Hoa province.