Marathon

Organisers conduct a press conference introducing the District 1 Midnight Run, which will be held in HCM City in March. Photo of organisers

HCM CITY — Long-distance runners will have the chance to see the beauty of HCM City at night during the District 1 Midnight Run, which will be organised for the first time in HCM City on March 25-26.

Organisers hope to lure more than 3,000 runners from all over the country to compete in three categories of 5km, 10km and 21km in its debut.

The tournament marks a strong return suffering the COVID-19 pandemic and shows the new face of District 1 with its adaptation and flexibility to resist challenges and difficulties.

The Midnight Run also aims to publicise the beautiful images of the people, the glorious history and the rich tradition of District 1.

On March 25, an Expo will be held for all runners and supporters to prepare and exchange their understanding and opinions of marathon.

It is also an opportunity for enterprises to introduce their products to athletes. All participants can enjoy promotions and learn more about running gear and supportive products.

The marathon is also expected to be an event to promote the city's sports tourism, a new trend in Việt Nam recently.

On March 26, runners of the 21km category will start at midnight at the crossroads of the Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street and Lê Lợi Boulevard. The 10km competitors will follow at 0.45am and the 5km at 1.30am.

Bến Thành Market is one of the famous landmarks runners will pass by during their race on March 26. VNA/VNS Photo

The route is specially designed, guiding running through famous landmarks of the hundred-year history of the district, such as the City Hall, the Sài Gòn Notre Dame Cathedral, Bạch Đằng Wharf, Independence Palace, Bến Thành Market and the Sài Gòn Zoo and Botanical Garden.

As well as bringing exciting experiences on the track with exciting music and famous tourist attractions in the bustling centre of HCM City, people will have the opportunity to check in with Glambot - a robotic arm to capture your emotional moments during the expo fully and event.

The District 1 authorities jointly organised the tournament with the Bến Thành General Culture Joint Stock Company and Nexus Communications Joint Stock Company.

Apart from improving the sporting spirit of the community, organisers will donate VNĐ500 million (US$21,300) to the Fund for the Poor in District 1.

The first 500 Super Early Bird tickets for the race went on sale on February 2, with another 500 Early Bird tickets on sale from February 7-11. Registration link: https://actiup.net/event/district-1-midnight-run-2023. VNS