Runners compete in the Techcombank HCM City Marathon last year. This year, the Techcombank Marathon will be held in Hà Nội for the first time and it is expected to attract around 7,000 domestic and foreign runners. — Photo courtesy of Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon

HÀ NỘI — The first Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon is scheduled to be held on September 23-25 in the capital city.

The event will attract around 7,000 domestic and foreign runners, competing in marathon, half-marathon, 10km and 5km categories. There will also be runs for children to promote healthy lifestyles.

This is the first race in Hà Nội with start and finish points in two different locations: starting in the heart of the old quarter (Hoàn Kiếm Lake) and finishing in the place of modernity and prosperity (Vinhomes Riverside in Long Biên District).

The three-day tournament is co-organised by Sunrise Events Việt Nam (SEV) and Việt Nam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank). It will have a total prize fund of VNĐ425 million (US$18,000). It is the highest award in the marathons held in the capital, the second highest in Việt Nam, only behind the Techcombank HCM City Marathon.

For the first time, runners competing in the marathon category have the opportunity to conquer Nhật Tân Bridge - the largest cable-stayed bridge in Việt Nam. In addition, the Long Biên Bridge - a cultural and historical symbol of the people of the capital will be a unique highlight for athletes participating in the half-marathon distance.

All four distances of 5km, 10km, half-marathon, and marathon are certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), ensuring accuracy and safety for athletes.

According to the AIMS, the race will have challenging routes for both runners and organisers. However, this is definitely worth it as runners will experience the route of international standards and admire the poetic Hà Nội in every running step.

The organising board of the First Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon. — Photo courtesy of Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon.

“The Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon has once again affirmed the proud mission of the organising board wanted to bring runners," said Thái Minh Diễm Tú, chief marketing officer of Techcombank. 

"That is to raise the living values for the people of the capital and the Vietnamese people. We want to spread the green and healthy lifestyle to create greater footprints, together towards the desire for prosperity.

“The message of "running for an outstanding Việt Nam", not only inspires a healthy lifestyle, but we also want to motivate each individual to realise his potential and have a strong desire to pursue success in his own way.”

Another representative of the organising board, CEO of Sunrise Events Việt Nam, Onslo Carrington said: “We are delighted to bring to the capital and the running community a symbolic run that can become one of the great marathons in Asia. Working closely with the Hà Nội authorities and many other partners, we are committed to doing our best to spread the event’s value in order to connect and create a playground for local and international runners."

According to Phạm Xuân Tài, deputy director of the Hà Nội Department of Culture and Sports, the event is not only an opportunity to promote the image of Hà Nội capital as a potential destination for sports tourism, but also to encourage local people to participate in running for an active and healthy lifestyle.

“We have witnessed a growing culture of sports practice through many large and small runs in recent years. We are ready to welcome the first Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon with the scale and ambition of becoming the biggest run in Việt Nam," Tài said. — VNS