HÀ NỘI — Entries are invited from runners for the first Hà Giang Province’s Marathon Open which will kick off on April 30.

The tournament entitled Running on the Happiness Routine offers a semi-marathon route of 21km for all participants. It will start from Đồng Văn Town, home to the Đồng Văn Karst Plateau Geopark, through Pass Mã Pí Lèng to Mèo Vạc Town

There are also races for amateur athletes. Men will take part on a 5km track while the women will test their skills over 3km, which have been organised within Mèo Vạc Town.

“All those who are interested in running and are over the age of 16 and in good health, could register for our event. Locals, tourists, and expatriates, are encouraged to enjoy the run as well as taste our unique culture and spectacular scenery,” said Trần Đức Quý, deputy chairman of the Hà Giang Province People’s Committee.

Quý said, runners could arrive the province some days prior to the event to take part in a typical cultural week of Khâu Vai Love Market running from April 21-24. Later on, they could visit an exhibition which feature local specialities on April 28-30.

As this is the first time, the organisers will limit the number of runners to 250 in each category. Late registrations after April 10 will be rejected.

People can contact the Việt Nam Athletics Federation (mail vie@mf.iaaf.org or website dienkinh.vn or telephone (04. 3747 2561)) or Hà Giang Province’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Department (mail: svhttdl@hagiang.gov.vn and telephone 0219 3861 718) for more information. — VNS