José Vinals, Chairman of Standard Chartered (left) presents a souvenir 2024 season running jersey to Deputy Prime Minister Lê Minh Khái. — Photo courtesy of the organising board

HÀ NỘI — A meeting of elite runners and top financial leaders, is an indication of the prestige now attached to a series of events preparing for the Standard Chartered Hà Nội Marathon – Heritage Race 2024.

The event welcomed the presence of Dr. José Vinals, Chairman of Standard Chartered Group, on his first visit to Việt Nam, who was in Hà Nội on Thursday.

The visit of Standard Chartered's top executive is a testament to the brand's long-term commitment to Việt Nam, as well as underlining the desire to make the Hà Nội Heritage Marathon into an international running event, introducing the hidden beauty and unique culture of Việt Nam to the world.

This year's race, which will be held on November 3, is the tenth marathon in the world-famous Standard Chartered Marathon system. The event was chosen as one of the main events celebrating the bank's 120th year in Việt Nam. This is not only a source of pride for the event's organisers, but also an opportunity to affirm Việt Nam's position on the international marathon map.

Dr. José Vinals, Chairman of Standard Chartered Group at the meeting with the Vietnamese running community on Thursday. — Photo courtesy of the organising board

"We are pleased to be the main sponsor of the Hà Nội Heritage Race this year, a prestigious sporting event celebrating the cultural diversity and heritage of Hà Nội. This activity aligns with the values of Standard Chartered, one of the oldest international banks in Việt Nam and demonstrates our strong and long-term commitment to Việt Nam. Our goal is to turn this marathon event into a community-based sporting event, uniting all walks of life to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle," Vinals said.

Vinals also emphasised that the upcoming heritage race will be an intersection of culture, tradition and sports, values which the marathon is keen to share with the running community.

General Director of Standard Chartered Việt Nam, Michele Wee told Việt Nam News that: "Việt Nam is the 10th country where we're launching this marathon. And therefore, we want to show our continued commitment to supporting the community in the right way in terms of wellness, unity, resilience and therefore, I think it's very meaningful that we strategically chose Việt Nam in general and Hà Nội in particular, to actually get this race together. I'm very excited to see everybody here."

A memorandum of understanding on the cooperation and participation of Bạch Mai Hospital as the medical sponsor of the tournament was signed. — Photo courtesy of the organising board

During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding on the cooperation and participation of Bạch Mai Hospital as the medical sponsor of the tournament was signed. Bạch Mai Hospital will officially undertake medical services for the race, supporting the organisation of running route safety and health safety for participating athletes.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyễn Trí, General Director of DHA Việt Nam, the event organiser, said that with the commitment and high efforts of DHA Việt Nam and Standard Chartered Bank, ensures that the heritage race will be raised to a new elevated level on the global marathon map.

"We strive through this tournament to contribute to making Hà Nội an international cultural and sports destination. We are preparing the best for this tournament," Trí told Việt Nam News.

Committed to a successful running season ahead. — Photo courtesy of the organising board

The event has a new start and finish location - Trần Nhân Tông walking street - next to Thống Nhất Park and Thiền Quang Lake. The space will best meet the needs of tens of thousands of runners who are expected to take part in this historic and challenging event.

To date the organising board has already completed the formal distance measurements and test running stages. The race's running routes are creatively designed, connecting the most unique landmarks of Hà Nội, so that runners, especially international athletes, have the opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of the capital city at what will be the most beautiful time of the year. VNS