Athletics

Thousands of runners will compete in the Tây Hồ Half Marathon 2023, which will be organised on April 9 in Hà Nội. Photos courtesy of Tây Hồ Half Marathon

HÀ NỘI — The Tây Hồ Half Marathon 2023 is expecting a record 5,000 participants in its third edition on April 9 in Hà Nội.

The number of runners has increased yearly, from 1,500 in 2020 to 3,000 last year.

The tournament, organised by the Tây Hồ District People's Committee and VRace Company, was cancelled twice in 2021 because of the pandemic.

The annual event, sponsored by BIM Group, offers three categories of 6km, 15km and 21km, with more than half of the competitors taking the half marathon challenge.

All routes are designed to give participants the best experience of the lake’s historical and cultural relics and ancient structures, such as Trấn Quốc Pagoda and the Tây Hồ and Quan Thánh temples.

Organisers take part in the Q&A session at the press conference about the Tây Hồ Half Marathon 2023.

“After three years, the growth of the Tây Hồ Half Marathon 2023 proves our right orientation in developing community sports, improving the quality of people's lives both physically and mentally," said Bùi Thị Lan Phương, Tây Hồ District vice chairwoman.

"The race has received appreciation and become a great festival expected by athletes, runners and locals," said Phương, head of the organising committee. "This year, we have got applications from many foreigners living and working here along with marathoners from different cities and provinces far away from Hà Nội.”

"We believe that they will all bag unforgettable memories when running with us."

Speaking at the event, VRace Director and deputy head of the organising committee Vũ Văn Phong said the 2023 race would not have the participation of famous runners such as Nguyễn Thị Oanh, Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ and Đỗ Quốc Luật like previously as they are preparing for the 32nd SEA Games.

However, professional athletes from Hà Nội and other localities will vie for attractive prizes, promising a competitive marathon.

This year, the organisers, in coordinating with the United Nations International School (UNIS) especially hold an event entitled Kids RUN the EARTH for about 1,000 children from four to 15 years old from 30 countries. They will race in three disciplines of 700m, 1,500m and 3,000m based on their age groups.

The free-of-charge run on April 8 aims to spread the spirit of sport and convey the message of protecting the earth and building a good and healthy life for children. VNS