Running

Athletes at the start of the 51st Hànộimới Newspaper Run for Peace on September 27 in Hà Nội.

HÀ NỘI — More than 5,000 people gathered at the Hoàn Kiếm Lake area on Sunday morning to take part in the 51st Hànộimới Newspaper Run for Peace on September 27 in Hà Nội.

Launched in response to the call for people to exercise according to the example set by Uncle Hồ and the movement 'Be healthy to build a career and defend the nation', the Hànộimới Newspaper Run was first held over 50 years ago.

It has evolved into a widespread annual mass sports movement and firmly established itself as one of the most storied competitions in Vietnamese athletics.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hà Nội People's Committee Vice Chairwoman Vũ Thu Hà said: "The 51st Hànộimới Newspaper Run for Peace is part of a series of activities celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the city's Liberation Day and the 27th anniversary of Hà Nội being awarded the City for Peace title by UNESCO.

"After more than 50 years, the event has attracted a diverse range of participants from the capital's population, athletes from provinces and cities across the country and competitors from foreign organisations and embassies in Hà Nội." 

People run to promote sport and healthy lifestyles.

This year, after qualifications held in wards and communes across the city, 3,000 runners including 250 foreigners advanced to the final and raced in men's and women's events in difference distance categories.

About 2,000 others joined them to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage people to practise sport.

"Beyond the competitive race, the event conveys a deeply meaningful message of peace. From Hà Nội, the City for Peace, we will join hands to sign a peace message addressed to friends across the globe, adding our voices to the call for solidarity, compassion and a shared determination to build a better future worldwide,” said Hà.

At the opening ceremony, delegates signed the Flag of Peace, a longstanding tradition of the tournament designed to promote global peace, before taking part in the run.

Indonesian Ambassador to Việt Nam Adam Tugio at the race.

Indonesian Ambassador to Việt Nam Adam Tugio said that this was his first time participating in the run. Although newly posted to Hà Nội, he said he is already well aware of the tournament’s rich tradition and meaningful impact.

Tugio noted that the race helps encourage healthy habits and also reminds people about the value of history and the importance of promoting peace.

The participation of large numbers of international runners at the event shows that sport can connect people from different countries, helping build a more harmonious society and a more peaceful world.

As a regular runner, Singapore Ambassador to Việt Nam Rajpal Singh said he registered to take part in the event not for the prize, but to soak up the Sunday morning and join Vietnamese friends and other residents in a sporting activity in the heart of the city.

Singapore Ambassador to Việt Nam Rajpal Singh enjoying the race on Sunday.

He said the encounters and interactions along the racecourse highlighted the natural ability of sports to foster connections. During the event, many people talked with him and cheered him on, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere for every participant hailing from diverse countries and cultures.

Organisers presented medals and a total of VNĐ300 million (US$11,500) to the top five in each individual category and the top three best teams. They also presented a donation of VNĐ100 million to the Hà Nội Fund for the Poor. — VNS