Running 

Nearly 2,000 people take part in the second Race of the Francophonie on March 24 in Hà Nội. Photos of organisers

HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Duy Lâm and Lê Thị Huyền Trang won the men and women's 2024 Course de la Francophonie (Race of the Francophonie), a large sporting event for the French speaking community. 

On March 24 in Hà Nội, both left their nearest rivals far behind after leading from the off. 

In the men's 10km class, Lâm, a winner of many amateur races in the capital, took first place ahead of Vũ Văn Luân and Vũ Quang Trung.

Meanwhile Trang ran solo to the finish line, leaving Trần Hồng Hạnh and Nguyễn Thảo in second and third places.

Nguyễn Duy Lâm (centre) won the men's 10km category.

Nguyễn Minh Hoàng, Trần Hữu Gia Bảo and Nguyễn Phạm Khôi Nguyên were top three in the boys' U12 class.

Nguyễn Thị Kim Chi and Chu Văn Toàn were women's and men's winners in the 5km categories.

Nguyễn An Nhiên and Trần Minh Huy claimed the girls' and boys' U12 5km titles. Organisers also presented awards for winners of different categories at the ceremony at the main gate of Thống Nhất Park and running around Thiền Quang Lake.

After the ceremony, runners and supporters enjoyed art performances and plays from students of many schools which have French classes in the city.

Students and teachers of Nguyễn Tri Phương Primary School pose for photos after their run and art performance. VNS Photo

The organisers also held a quiz Francophone community with many interesting prizes.

Nearly 2,000 runners registered for the second season of the tournament which was entitled Ensemble.

The event was jointly organised by the Francophone University Agency (AUF), the Embassy of France to Việt Nam and the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF).

As one of the activities to celebrate Francophone month, the event aimed to highlight the vitality of the Francophone community in Việt Nam; create a playground to strengthen the cohesion of the Francophone community; build up the core values of solidarity, compassion and sharing ​in the community; and contribute to achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals. VNS