Marathon

Pacers test the route of the VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight which will be held on November 26. — Photos of organisers

HÀ NỘI — Runners of the VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight – Ioniq5 Cup will enjoy a new route that lead them across two famous bridges of the capital city on November 26.

The tournament will begin at midnight with the participation of 11,000 marathoners in four categories of 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km.

Among them, 1,300 runners of 52 clubs will vie for team awards, a speciality of the VnExpress marathon series.

A Kun Marathon will be organised on November 25 featuring 2,000 children running for free on a 1km track next to Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

At a recent press briefing, organisers said the midnight marathon's routes have been completely redesigned with non-loop courses.

Thousands of runners will pass through the historic Long Biên Bridge.

Runners will pass by the city's landmarks and heritages sites such as the Hoàn Kiếm Lake, President Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum, Hà Nội Opera House and the Old Quarter.

Especially, runners will conquer Vĩnh Tuy 2 Bridge which is added to a marathon course for the first time. The 4km construction which cost VNĐ2,500 billion (US$102.6 million) was inaugurated in late August, and with the two spans forming the longest bridge in the city.

They then pass the iconic Long Biên Bridge, living historical evidence of the courage of the capital throughout the ups and downs of the 20th century.

"Running at midnight is an interesting experience and running on Vĩnh Tuy Bridge is really challenging," said pacer Trịnh Phan Thịnh who tested the route on November 19.

"In my opinion, runners should take care of their tactics and plan for this year’s marathon, as they will run from the centre city to a windy and cold environment on the bridges. Many people will be overwhelmed, especially athletes from the South who are not used to the weather."

At the briefing, organisers said the third edition of the Midnight Marathon would not separate runners into elite and amateur categories. The five best runners will take the podiums.

Under the auspices of Hyundai Thành Công Việt Nam, a total of nearly VNĐ1 billion will be given to high-ranking runners with the champions of the full marathon events walking away with VNĐ45 million in cash and gifts.

Winners of each age groups will also take bonuses.

In the team category, the top 10 clubs will receive awards. The best one will bag VNĐ40 million. All winning teams will enjoy an additional VNĐ3 million to support their running activities.

Vĩnh Tuy Bridge is a new route for marathon races in Hà Nội.

"The Hà Nội Midnight is the largest event of the VnExpress Marathon series of seven races nationwide. We have completed all preparations for the race and are ready to serve runners," said Phạm Trọng Nghiệp, head of the organising board.

"We hope to turn this running event into a sport festival of Hà Nội. When talking about the capital, everyone will remember this tournament.

"The organisers also aim to stimulate tourism, develop the economy, and create a healthy sports community. We want every person and every runner feels happy and excited with the event," he said. — VNS