Marathon

Runners in action at the second Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon 2023. This year event will see more than 16,000 athletes running on September 22. VNS Photo Trương Vị

HÀ NỘI — The third Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon will feature more than 16,000 runners from more than 40 countries and regions competing in the capital city's cultural heritage routes on September 22.

They will race in four different tracks ranging from 42km (marathon), 21 km (bán marathon), 10km and 5 km for men and women and age groups. All are certificated by the Việt Nam Athletics Federation and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

At the opening ceremony on September 20, the organising committee launched and called on athletes to join hands to share difficulties with people who are affected by the recent Typhoon Yagi.

Techcombank, the strategic sponsor, and representatives of the Hà Nội authority also donated VNĐ1 billion (US$40,700) to Long Biên District's Social Security Fund and three sports federations.

Techcombank announced that it would continue to donate VNĐ10 billion from the bank's Charity Fund to help cities and provinces overcome the consequences of typhoon. It was part of Techcombank's efforts to support and share difficulties with the community and demonstrate a deep sense of social responsibility.

The marathon is part of the activities celebrating the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the capital (October 10, 1954-2024).

"This event is an opportunity to honor the strong spirit of sportsmanship while blending it with the thousand-year heritage and the enduring energy of a modern, developing city that continually asserts its position in the region and on the international stage," said Phạm Xuân Tài, deputy director of the municipal Culture and Sports Department.

"We all know that sports and culture always play an important role in any community, and when well-organised, sports bring us closer together, inspire us, and ignite a shared sense of pride.

"In the context of Hà Nội and many other areas being heavily impacted by Typhoon Yagi and flooding, we can more clearly recognize the importance of compassion and community connection that sports can foster," he said.

Organising commitee announced the opening of the third Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon on September 20. Photo of SEV

Tài added that this year's marathon was not only an opportunity to honour the spirit of sportsmanship but also a moment to affirm our solidarity and responsibility.

As thousands of outstanding athletes would stride through historic streets, from Hoàn Kiếm Lake to the Old Quarter, they not only experience the beautiful blend of Hà Nội's ancient charm and modern vibrancy but also spread a powerful message of resilience and mutual support.

He hoped that athletes would also help widely promote the beauty of the city to international friends and actively contribute to the socio-economic development, making Hà Nội one of the top destinations for tourists, athletes, and running enthusiasts.

Meanwhile Rob Zamacona, general manager of Sunrise Events Vietnam, the event’s organiser, shared: "We feel incredibly privileged to be the stewards of this event, because for us this is about more than organising a race. Our stated vision is to inspire 100 million Vietnamese to embrace their full potential through the power of sports and healthy habits. It is an honor to be able to bring that vision to life in our capital city.

"And we honour Hà Nội by putting on the biggest and most professional race in the city. With the safety of our athletes as our priority, we have curated an incredible set of courses that highlight the cultural heritage of this 1,000-year-old capital.

"Our 75km of courses, covering four distances, take runners through 39 iconic landmarks, including Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Ngọc Sơn Temple, the Hanoi Opera House, the President Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum, and Long Bien Bridge. Every stride our athletes take is a journey through this city’s past, connecting it with the present, and offering athletes a unique experience, as well as a safe one.

"Additionally, our courses have recently been recertified by AIMS, the global standard in course measurement, to ensure a precise running experience for all participants who wish to qualify for the World Marathon Majors," he said. VNS